China : Safety by CityChina, officially known as the People’s Republic of China is a huge country located in Eastern Asia.
The country is actually about the same size as the United States of America, and it has the world’s largest population.
In total, it borders 14 nations: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam to the south; Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to the west; Russia and Mongolia to the north and North Korea to the east.
This impressive number of neighboring states is equaled only by China’s neighbor to the north, Russia.
The world’s oldest continuous civilization offers a unique mix of history, culture and contemporary technology: expect breathtaking sections of the Great Wall, temple-topped mountains, forgotten villages, absolutely unique and beautiful Buddhist grottoes, and ancient desert forts.
Most major cities in China are extremely safe.
Violent crime remains rare and it is generally safe even for women walking alone at night.
There are some scams, as in any country and petty crimes can happen especially in crowded areas.
However, Chinese people are very warm and ready to help, so it is likely that your trip will end without any incidents whatsoever.
Warnings & Dangers in China
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Overall, China is safe to travel to, but crime rates vary depending on the area of the country. Some cities are very safe, while in some there are areas that are best avoided, but in general, you should be wary of petty theft and look closely after your belongings which will minimize the chances of anything going wrong.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Taxis can be unsafe in China, because it is filled with unlicensed taxi vehicles that don't use meters and might try to rip you off. Always negotiate everything in advance and never pay upfront. Transportation stations are also risky, as they are known to attract criminals, often at the ticket booth, as do overnight train cars and Trans-Siberian express lines.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
There is high risk of pickpockets in China. They frequently operate in packs by having one member distract you while another steals your wallet or purse.Take extreme caution when in China, be twice as vigilant in Chine as you'd be anywhere else - don‘t leave anything valuable in your back pockets. If you do encounter a pickpocket, be very loud in order to attract attention and, hopefully, the police.Thieves in China also tend to operate in restaurants, so keep your bag on your lap.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
There are threats from earthquakes happening, but they are typical for non-tourist areas. In southern parts of China, especially around Yangtze river, there's a risk of flooding or landslides due to heavy rain during the rainy season. Other risks are typhoons along the southern and eastern coastlines, and extremely high air pollution.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
China on the whole is extremely safe. Crime against foreigners is rare, and violent crime, and incidents such as mugging and rape, against foreigners is extremely rare.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in China. Even though foreigners haven’t been targeted, these attacks may be executed in places frequented by visitors. You should take particular care during national holidays.Most attacks take place in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region and, according to the Chinese government, are carried out by Uyghur separatists with possible links to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Like in any other tourist destination, China is a place where there it's likely you'll get scammed or someone will try to scam you. It is actually extremely likely. Have your wits with you and double check your change or try to use small bills.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
China is safe for solo women travelers. Just use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid wearing purses and do not walk alone or ride in taxis at night.
So... How Safe Is China Really?
China is a huge country with extreme variations in crime rates depending on the area.
Violent crime rates are mainly low in this country, but it is advised to avoid some areas.
Petty theft is common and expected, mostly near tourist attractions, Beijing International Airport, expat bars at night or street markets.
Yuyuan Garden, a major tourist and shopping area in Shanghai can be a risky spot when it comes to pickpocketing.
Avoid carrying anything in your pockets or purses in general.
The petty crimes seem to be on an increase during February (Chinese New Year), and only rarely do they turn serious, with reports appearing every now and then of violence or committed against tourists.
Another issue is that you must carry your passport with you at all times when you visit China since there are random checks performed on tourists.
The tricky thing is that when you carry your passport around, there is a greater chance of it being stolen, so be very careful when carrying it.
Another common issue is beggars, who may turn aggressive or sometimes follow you for a block or more even if you choose to disregard them.
Child begging is another problem in China, and there is a general suspicion that the country‘s high rate of missing children has to do with this fact.
How Does China Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| China | 66 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Netherlands | 75 |
| Chile | 79 |
| Mongolia | 71 |
| Qatar | 84 |
| United Arab Emirates | 79 |
| Montenegro | 70 |
| Denmark | 94 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visa is required when traveling to China. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the expiry date of your visa. Citizens from 51 nations (among which are US, Brazil, Canada, France, the UK and Australia) can stay in Beijing for 72 hours without a visa as long as it is a layover, they are traveling outside of China, and have a ticket out of Beijing. The similar thing applies for Shanghai. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Renminbi or "yuan" is the official currency in China. ATMs are widely used, but credit cards are not as commonly accepted and used as you would expect.
Weather
The climate in China varies depending on the area of the country, since it is massive. Rainy season generally lasts from February to September, and July and August are scorching hot. The best months to visit China are September and October. Places like Xinjiang, which are usually extremely hot in the summer and still a bit too cold in spring, are in perfect season.
Airports
Beijing Capital International Airport is the busiest airport by passenger traffic in China and the second busiest airport in the world. Other major airports are located in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to China, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.
China Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 2 | 5 | 12 | 21 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 26 | 19 | 10 | 4 |
| Low °C | -8 | -6 | 0 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 21 | 15 | 8 | 0 | -6 |
| High °F | 36 | 41 | 54 | 70 | 81 | 86 | 88 | 86 | 79 | 66 | 50 | 39 |
| Low °F | 18 | 21 | 32 | 46 | 57 | 66 | 72 | 70 | 59 | 46 | 32 | 21 |
China - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Beijing | 65 |
| Guangzhou | 64 |
| Hong Kong | 70 |
| Macau | 66 |
| Shanghai | 66 |
| Shenzhen | 64 |
| Tianjin | 67 |
| Tibet | 87 |
| Xinjiang | 80 |
great
Very nice, safe in general.
You can get kidnapped and held hostage for political purposes by the government.
Even with leaders of US, UK, Canada, and parts of EU cannot get them to release the hostage.
So no, it’s no longer safe at all.
Only your own country has done this before, otherwise, it cannot explain how you are clear about these processes. A kidnap crying Stop “kidnap.”
You have clearly not been to China before, China is by far the safest country I’ve travelled to in my life, the people are very friendly, especially during the pandemic, China is now probably the safest country in the world.
totally agree! Most people in China have got vaccined! It is safer than most other countries during the pandemic…
Romania safest
But not as safe as my country Romania
cool! what is Romania like? wanna visit:)
Ehhh no, there are way safer countries than china, the safest country is Iceland.
No
Canadians still being held hostage
Two Canadians are still being held hostage by them, and minor correction, Trudeau could have gotten them out. Trump offered to get them back, on the condition that Trudeau ask him for help, but Trudeau is an idiot and refused.
They're rightfully held
But they’re held hostage for espionage. Then before and after their release, they didn’t refute nor deny claims of them being spies. Why would they not deny such charges if they aren’t guilty of being spies
r u kidding me?
Any where around the world can be unsafe, for example, American people can get arrested for sex before marriage in Virginia State. There are many more unthinkable things going on in this world and not just China.
I live in Virginia. No one has been arrested for that in decades, if ever! Plenty of old laws exist that no one would ever enforce. Seriously. But I agree that anywhere in the world can be unsafe. Here in the U.S., your chances of being hit by a bullet are higher than ever, sadly.
Tianjin Polytechnic University
Wow! This could be one of the most useful blogs We have ever come across on the subject. Actually a fantastic article! I am also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your hard work.
A mixed bag
While China is not the safest place to travel, if you respect the laws, you will not have much to worry about. At this time though, I do not recommend visiting as there is a lot of problems going on there politically. I went back in 2010 and again in 2012 for work. I loved it there but at the time, things were a bit different.
Great article
Love China and the people! Great article, I’m planning a trip this 2020 summer.
Don’t go! Haven’t you heard about the virus! It’s contagious and it already killed more than 41 people! And I think over 33 million people are affected!
Amazing place!
Just come
back From Beijing was there for Christmas and New year,
What a amazing country!
Travelling in Beijing was easy, taxi drivers had a machine that spoke in English,
I travelled a lot on the tube, sooo easy! Again all in English as well!
They have a lot
of Green Battery powered vehicles!
More than in New Zealand! i was very impressed!
Food …. oh my god the restaurants!
They show London, Paris, Auckland, New York! up totally! the food was amazing, the actual restaurant establishment…. well they put the above countries to shame.
The people were very warm!
I had a shocking experience at the Great wall, some Chinese blokes wanted Photos of me with them….. they never seen a white fella before! funny! and strange at the same time.
Shopping for clothes and gifts was easy and enjoyable.
Would i go again? To right already booked for my birthday!
Go! its a amazing place!
Your experience
All races and skin colors have traveled to China and especially Beijing and the Great Wall. I think they wanted you to feel special.
ITS CALLED THE CORONAVIRUS !
It’ll be gone soon, this article is for overall travel
if you’re american this didn’t age well hahaha
you must be brain dead to think you’re safer in america than you are in china from the virus.
Yes, the coronavirus origanated in Wuhan, China.
Beautiful, just follow rules and precautions
Aside from the Chinese government, China is a fairly safe place to visit. If you follow the rules and avoid doing risky things, you’ll most likely be fine.
Safety place
It,s fake,China epidemic is over.
A super safe country, even compared to western countries or cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam… etc… etc….
LOL HOW IS THAT TRIP TREATING YA ??? XDD)))))
ya china is a wonderful place… you can get arrested for thinking the wrong thing, if you are a black resident or tourist there you will be refused service, food, and room and board. You may potentially be held as a bargaining chip to get criminal CCP members back from abroad. lOL shame on the journalist and this article !!
Honey, you’re obviously not educated enough about this world! You want to talk about racial discrimination…? First, u can literally get arrested in America because of your skin color, and you can get mistreated or even worse things can happen in European countries or around the world. So don’t talk shit when you don’t know anything. Crimes are real in the world, and it’s not just happening in one Area.
You should stop base your information of the internet or the rumors. I promise if you actually see and experience a day in China, you will love it! Don’t judge it until you truly know!
Very safe to travel especially major cities.
Malaysian woman, lived in Beijing for almost 10 years. Apart from fake money incident never got pick pocketed or experienced any crimes. Safe to walk home even past midnight, 3~4am in the morning. Ripping off tourist is normal everywhere in the world, always ask first before committing to anything.
I love Asia!
I had the same experience. I absolutely love Beijing!! My daughters and I walked to our apartment after karaoke at 4am and felt very safe. It’s a beautiful place with many beautiful people. My daughter has lived there for 3 years and loves it.
Beggars issue
For the beggar issue, just ignore them! They prefer to beg foreigners(generous and know nothing about the place) and women(sympathy). When you see them on the street, do not make eye contact, just walk like there is no one there. If they are on the subway(sometimes happen in Shanghai, but policies have made to stop these), IGNORE them! They might come very close, just act like you are blind and deaf.
Safe! Warming and so cool
Oh my !
The buildings are sooo cool! I am a carpenter so a big wow!
The Forbidden city was out of this world!
Went to a mall, 11 storey!
3 were just for food!
People in Beijing and Shanghai.. warm Hospitable!
Never had a negative experience at all! !!
Food was very affordable!
Travelling i found easy!
Loves taking the tube was fun!
Taxi was cheap, Overall thoroughly enjoyed my time there!
Love China and Chinese!
The infrastructure and skyscraper in China are so so amazing and surprising to me!!! United States is way behind many years…..
The high-speed railway can drive at almost 200miles/hr while the full water in a cup will not spill out!! So amazing. What if California has that railway between SF and LA.!!!
People are very friendly and warmly. Unlike US, the downtown in their big cities are extremely safe for anyone – even women and children alone walk there is normal, because Chinese crowd likes evening life. I cannot imagine a country which is more safe than China.
Water will not spill out？Tell you what. Even a small coin will not fall down
This needs to be updated!
Some advices
If you will use China’s Alipay and WeChat for mobile payment, you only need to bring a mobile phone when you go out, you don’t need to bring a wallet, and you don’t need to worry about fake money and pickpockets, and then you will find that everything becomes very serious In terms of cars, you can use Didi taxi, a taxi software similar to Uber, so that you will not be charged more.
Virus Factory China
virus factory China Chinese virus corona No 1 Risk Place in the world No 1 Fraud Duplicate Country
Very safety and friendly
you stupid thing, have you been to China and LIVE for a time? China is a very safe country! the fact that talk doesn’t need to pay makes you so shortsighted
China culprit
China is a country of copycat, they like to copycat products of standard brands and they are merciless killers of animals
Somehow copycat has made everything g better than the original. It’s called improvement.
You are brainwashed by western media.
xenophobic and racist place
I lived there 8 years and can say people are xenophobic and very unwelcoming because they are fueled by ccp to hate the outside world
You are wrong！！！
You are a moron Maddy. Get out and see the world 🌎 and out of your moms basement. China is amazing 😉
Very nice
Yes, especially the genocide of Muslim-Chinese people (Uighur people) trapped in huge warehouse-buildings. Been there and It is truly beautiful, like the time when I was travelling in the tourist van. While witnessing two Chinese police officers beating up a Uighur farmer on the road side. China is amazing !!!
Keep being manipulated and brainwashed by Western media’s political propaganda
You can go to India and America
The US is the safest.
You happy, have you been here? There is almost no epidemic in China now.
USA has more cases
Dangerous
Might be safe if you are communist and follow the laws. If not, bad, bad time. They will cut your head right off.
China will be the best place you visit
Go back to derkaderkastan Muhammad as in Muslim countries they stone people and if a woman is raped they kill her because it’s somehow her fault. China is amazing. Glad they keep the religious garbage out
you are right.it a dangerous country.
off your head if you did something
I just feel sorry for your innocence, anyway may god forgive you,
Not safe they will put u in jail for espionage
Don’t believe this site
China is safest country on earth
This site and some of the commenters are pure b/s fantasy. I reside in China as an expat. This is the safest country on earth: no guns, no knives, no drugs, no gangs, no rapes. None of the dangers noted on this site are present. Pickpocketing is extremely rare and will never be a danger to your safety should you ever be so unfortunate. China has defeated the covid entirely: the only cases currently are those brought by foreigners! The only danger a foreigner may face is the traffic: due to your ignorance of the rules and customs. Behave civilly, show respect, and you will be entirely safe anywhere any time.
Listen Grune.
As blind as a bat, you are. Go to Xinjiang, I think you know what I mean.
I came from Xinjiang I don’t even know what shit you are talking about?
one of best country in the world, where I went, lots of love from pakistan
A visit to Xinjiang
It is such a nice sight to behold in Xinjiang, the people living below the standards of China like 3rd world people. Oh and the huge warehouses currently known to keep millions of ‘misbehaving’ Muslim-Chinese people and committing the most horrid demoralised crimes. Anyways it is such a remarkable piece of architecture: so squared, so blank and so empty on the outside. By the way, it was a sight to behold to see a bystander farmer being kicked in the shins by two police officers.
China is a very safe country
In 2021, China is a very safe country. If China is not safe, then it is difficult for me to tell where else in the world is safe?
As for thieves, it is now 2021, there are almost no thieves, very few, and it is not 10 years ago now.
China has high-speed railways that can reach 350km/h
The overall risk should be artificially modified to be very low.
Welcome everyone’s rebuttal, welcome everyone’s inquiries.
Kidnapped by the government
Can get kidnapped by the government for political reasons outside of your control
Are you talking about Canada?
Awful
Scams everywhere, even the Beijing resident in-law warns NOT to help anyone on the street unless you want to be scammed.
I went to visit family and more people have attempted to scam me than when i visited India. I dont get how China has such a high safety rating here, especially following your own risk assesments. It scores low on only 2 categories, and i am seriously doubting the validity of your judgement.
Also when i went to Xinjiang, i got approached by police for facetiming on the streets while speaking Danish with a friend.
The food was great though
Now in March of 2021 is China a safe place to go?
Yes, it’s safe, just bare in mind to follow every rules in China according to the health restrictions, do the pcr test, and show the respect to the government( which is pretty sad, I’m sorry) You don’t have to worry about the people and the health condition in China, it’s just about the politics, so just stay away from that, and you will enjoy your stay in China.
better than the US
It would be if you could go, but no tourist visas at the present time.
Extremely safe place
I’ve been to Shanghai, Nanjing, Ha‘erBing, and many other cities in China. Definitely an amazing country with efficient public transportation, beautiful natural landscape, and friendly people. China is very safe, you can walk around 2 am at night alone without worry being robbed or shoot, which I like the most. Looking forward to visiting China again when the pandemic is over.
Horrible pollution, even in the capital you get desert sandstorm from Mongolia in the winter.
Moreover, this is the country that intentionally spread coronavirus to the world, force you to take Chinese vaccine if you want to visit, a vaccine which even their officials admit are ineffective.
You could also be kidnapped by the Chinese government and used as a hostage as in the case of the two Canadians (the two Michaels).
Don’t go unless you absolutely have to.
falsehood
Do you really come to China or know about China? At present, the vaccination rate in China is very high, and the domestic people live a stable life without racial discrimination and terrorist attacks. On the contrary, some European and American countries that claim freedom and democracy are the real hell on earth
Shut up oaf!
Chinese vaccines are the second safest in the world(google pfizer crime history)
We don’t ‘intentionally spread covid’. You ‘intentionally take covid’.
You are an idiot to go to beijing for tourism. Even I admits beijing. is pretty bad. Why not go to shanghai or sanya?
kidnapped? are you talking about criminal tourists?
This "China Expert" guy has no idea what he's talking about. Ignore him.
You clearly don’t understand anything about China at all. I pity your lack of insight and your ability to think critically.
For those reading this reply, don’t bother looking at any of the articles or reviews for China on this website. They’re full of ignorant idiots like this guy.
Seems like a good country but some problems
China does seem like a nice country with its people its culture its long and interesting history and traditions and the food but also its technology and manufacturing is far Infront of the USA and the rest of the world combined there are high speed trains connecting most cities don’t even need a car
Only things that worry me is the government and also what is going on in the northwest of the country…..
There are no cars in China, and China is very backward. They are all horse-drawn carriages. You are the frog in the well.
YOU are thefrog inwell
No cars? tell you, china have too much cars
Are you kidding or you are just insulting your own intelligence
Replying to the frog in the well 😛
Your the frog in the well
wait what?? r u serious? i grew up in china and your description of china is completely baseless. r u from, like, the fifteenth century (but to be honest a century ago china was pretty backward but this is 2024 man
There are almost no thieves in China because people in cities no longer use any cash or card. They use QR Code on Wechat and Alipay to pay instead of cash. My friend have lived in Chengdu for a year and never paid in cash
China is a safe country to visit. You can feel after you have visited once.
Many public camera everywhere, if someone commit a crime, he/she will be caught soon, because the lot crime rate, the police officers have enough energy and time to catch them.
Terrorist is not a big deal
I am from xinjiang there is almost zero terrorism well maybe not ‘almost zero’ but I assure you you would not experience terrorism in any form unless you are very very very unlucky
I am proud of my country, proud of the communism. STOP saying communism is bad. communism and collectivism kept the covid away fast and your stupid “individualism” and “democracy” caused the covid not going away after the vaccine is finished.
Plus, why is don’t disrespect your government a bad rule? Isn’t it common sense we need to respect the government which created the country?
Hello,i had good experenced in china,,i just one to ask where i can find a supplier of aluminum used for doors and windows in yiwu city
Unparalleled safety
Very very very safe, no other country can compare
will it be safe for coloured muslim to go and explore.
I don’t know,but mostly we don’t care whatever religions you believe in
no
It is completely no problem, China has no media propaganda, the contrary, China is a very equal country. If someone can do you, you can also call the police. I am China, I promise that I am completely correct.
Better than U.S.
China is safer than United States
China #1! Great place to visit! 👍🏻
China #1
it is safe.
Real China
I am very sure that China is one of the safest places to travel.
You can walk in the cities at midnight without worrying about violent crimes.
The only thing you need to watch out for is pick-pocketing in the crowd.
As for those who say you will be kidnapped by gov if you are not communist… they are just brain dead and ridiculous.
China is great
I’ve been in China for a long time. It’s very safe there. In fact, as long as I have a little sense of prevention, I won’t encounter liars and the like. The Chinese government is very considerate of the people. I like China very much. Please don’t misunderstand China just based on the media propaganda of your own country
A very great country. I have lived in Shenzhen for many years.I was shocked by the unrealistic reports in the western media such as the BBC
I spend a lot of time in china (from Australia.) It is very safe from any sort of violent crime. You can walk around at night alone no problem.
There are scams though.
Remember that any negative thoughts you have about china come from propaganda. None of this is real.
I have been to china and this does not deserve a 66 it deserves a >80. Border regions with other countries are the only unsafe places.
I <3 China
China is the best forever and always
i don't know
im from wuhan, china
i’ve never been to xinjiang so i really have no idea.
the ccp isn’t the only political party in china.
china is a nice place, i guess. i don’t really know what it’d be like for foreigners. I hope that all foreign visiters can have a wonderful experience here. The chinese government really should work hard to make sure of that.
And i guess foreign visiters should show some respect? some chinese people don’t like it when someone from another country critisizes their country (and funnily enough, some of them critisize the gov themselves). there might be cases where u get into trouble for doing something “wrong” (alas, i don’t know if that might happen, sorry), and if u r worried bout that u don’t have to come.