The safety of traveling to China depends on a number of factors, including your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the specific places you plan to visit.
As with all my safety advice on any country I will start with the same tip
Be aware of your surroundings: This is the most important safety tip for any travel destination. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night. If you feel unsafe, trust your gut and move to a safer location. There is always more safety in numbers as other travelers can help stay vigilant. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation.
In general, China is a safe country to travel to. The crime rate is low, and violent crime against tourists is rare. However, there are some risks that you should be aware of, such as:
- Petty theft: Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded tourist areas, so it is important to be vigilant and keep your belongings close.
- Scams: There are many scams targeting tourists in China, such as fake taxis and tour operators. Be wary of anyone who approaches you offering unsolicited help or services.
- Political and legal risks: The Chinese government has been known to arbitrarily detain foreigners, especially those who are perceived to be critical of the government. If you are arrested in China, it is important to cooperate with the authorities and to contact your embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
- COVID-19: China has been relatively successful in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are still risks of infection. It is important to follow the latest travel and health advisories before traveling to China.
The US Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for China, which means that they “reconsider travel due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.” The Canadian government has also issued a Level 3 travel advisory for China, which means that they “exercise a high degree of caution due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”
If you are considering traveling to China, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. If you decide to travel, be sure to do your research and take all necessary precautions.
Here are some additional tips for staying safe in China:
- Stay informed about the latest travel and health advisories. The US Department of State, the Canadian government, and other governments issue travel advisories for different countries. These advisories provide information about the safety risks in a particular country, such as crime, terrorism, and health risks. It is important to check the travel advisories for China before you travel.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close. I know I’ve hit on this point a couple times, but I want to hit home this point. Petty theft is the most common crime in China. Pickpockets and bag snatchers often target tourists, so it is important to be vigilant and keep your belongings close. Do not leave your belongings unattended, and do not put your phone or wallet in your back pocket.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables. If you must carry cash, keep it in a money belt or other secure place. Do not wear flashy jewelry or other valuables.
- Be wary of strangers who approach you offering unsolicited help or services. There are many scams targeting tourists in China. Be wary of anyone who approaches you offering unsolicited help or services, such as help with directions or finding a taxi. These people may be trying to rob you or sell you something overpriced.
- Do not take photographs of anything that could be considered sensitive, such as military installations or political demonstrations. The Chinese government is very sensitive about security and has been known to detain foreigners who take photographs of sensitive places. It is best to avoid taking photographs of anything that could be considered sensitive.
- If you are arrested, cooperate with the authorities and contact your embassy or consulate as soon as possible. If you are arrested in China, it is important to cooperate with the authorities. You should also contact your embassy or consulate as soon as possible. They can help you to understand your rights and to communicate with your family.
- Air pollution: Air pollution can be a problem in some parts of China, especially in large cities. Be sure to wear a mask if you are sensitive to air pollution.
- Food safety: Food poisoning is a risk in China, especially if you eat street food. Be sure to cook food thoroughly and avoid eating food that has been sitting out for a long time.
- Drink bottled water, and avoid tap water.
- Eat in reputable restaurants, and avoid street food.
- Road safety: Traffic accidents are a major cause of death in China. Be sure to drive carefully and obey the traffic laws.
- Be careful when crossing the street, as drivers may not be paying attention to pedestrians.