Linux FTP Command timeout problem

The remote server is a virtual host, so I can only download file by ftp.

Gentoo install net-ftp/ftp.

When I use ftp x.x.x.x, login in and use ls to list remote files:

16:07 root@linode-gentoo /opt
% ftp X.X.X.X
Connected to X.X.X.X
220 ProFTPD 1.3.4a Server ready.
Name (X.X.X.X:root): wutianqi   # Enter username
234 AUTH SSL successful
[SSL Cipher DHE-RSA-AES256-SHA]
331 Password required for wutianqi
Password:                       # Enter password
230 User wutianqi logged in     # Login in OK
Remote system type is UNIX.
Using binary mode to transfer files.
ftp> cd backups
250 CWD command successful
ftp> get xxxx.tar.gz
local: xxxx.gz remote: xxxx.tar.gz
200 PORT command successful
425 Unable to build data connection: Connection timed out # Timeout!!!
ftp>

So I google and fount the reasom.

The default mode of ftp command is Active Mode, as above posts suggest: use Passive Mode:

17:04 root@linode-gentoo /root
% ftp -p X.X.X.X
zsh: correct 'ftp' to 'sftp' [nyae]? n
Connected to X.X.X.X
220 ProFTPD 1.3.4a Server ready.
Name (X.X.X.X:root): wutianqi
234 AUTH SSL successful
[SSL Cipher DHE-RSA-AES256-SHA]
331 Password required for wutianqi
Password:
230 User wutianqi logged in         # Login in OK
Remote system type is UNIX.
Using binary mode to transfer files.
ftp> ls
227 Entering Passive Mode (216,18,218,180,136,244).
ftp: connect: Connection timed out        # Also Timeout!!! Fuck!!!
ftp> ls
421 Service not available, remote server has closed connection
Passive mode refused.
ftp>

But if I use ftp clinet in windows such as FileZilla, or wget by ftp, there is no problem.

This puzzled me, and I can’t find the reason, I have leave message to the master of virtual host to inquire about the problem.

PS: I think I should change to use lftp or pftp…

Append:

I check that the iptables in my Linode VPS is stoped.

lftp also can’t connect. But can connect from my local linux host.