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GFoC does not block sites by default; it functions as a blacklist.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/quickly-check-site-visible-grea...

You can check any site here: http://www.greatfirewallofchina.org

However, I could not find the website for "Special Name" to check; does it exist?

Edit: Address is http://www.specialname.cn/; it was very hard to find on Google.

Its actually in the top of the op article

I don't see it there.

Oh, I see it now; ridiculous bold dark purple anchor style on bold text is impossible to notice.

It most likely doesn't. I'm sure the other naming websites aren't blocked either and the line about restricted Chinese internet sites was just 'journalistic licence'.

The reason her site is more popular among Chinese is likely to be a function of targeting Chinese people, rather than the other sites which are geared towards native English speakers.

Her site is hosted in HK. Maybe it’s on the right side of the Great Firewall of China?

The .cn strongly suggests it is on the right side!