China offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of history, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to ultramodern Shanghai skyscrapers. Experience diverse landscapes ranging from karst mountains in Guilin to the Tibetan Plateau, savor world-renowned cuisine, and witness the fusion of ancient traditions with state-of-the-art technology.
China is generally very safe for tourists with extremely low rates of violent crime against foreigners. The main risks are petty theft, sophisticated tourist scams, air pollution health concerns, and political sensitivities around certain speech and photography. Medical facilities are excellent in major cities.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions in most of China. Exercise increased caution in Tibet (requires special permit, restricted access), Xinjiang (heightened security, surveillance), and border regions. COVID health measures vary. Check government travel advisories before visiting politically sensitive regions.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Tibet Autonomous Region and Xinjiang due to restricted access and heightened security measures. Exercise normal precautions in most of mainland China.
Moderate - Exercise caution
Consult travel advice before visiting Tibet and Xinjiang. Normal precautions for mainland China cities.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of passport and visa separate from originals
Avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi
Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist sites
Download VPN before arrival as many Western websites are blocked
Carry cash as many places don't accept foreign credit cards
Don't drink tap water - bottled water widely available
Register with your embassy or consulate online before arrival through programs like STEP (US citizens) for emergency notifications
Install WeChat Pay and Alipay before visiting as most street vendors and local restaurants only accept mobile payments - foreign cards work in some apps with setup
Carry your hotel address card in Chinese script - many taxi drivers and locals do not speak English, and showing the card guarantees you reach your destination
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Tea House Scam
Friendly locals (often young women posing as students wanting English practice) invite you to a tea ceremony, then produce an enormous bill of $50-200. Very common near tourist areas in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an.
How to avoid: Politely decline any unsolicited invitations to tea houses, art galleries, or craft workshops from strangers who approach you
Taxi Overcharging / Fake Metered Taxi
Unlicensed taxis near airports and train stations charge 3-10x normal prices, or legitimate taxis claim meter is broken. Airport taxi touts are particularly aggressive.
How to avoid: Use Didi app exclusively for airport and train station pickups; only use metered official taxis; never accept 'fixed price' offers
Fake Antiques / Art Scam
Particularly at Panjiayuan Market Beijing and tourist markets, sellers claim items are authentic antiques worth thousands when they're modern reproductions. Art gallery 'art students' scam near tourist sites.
How to avoid: Never buy 'antiques' expecting them to be genuine; treat all markets as selling reproductions; don't follow art student guides to galleries
Rickshaw / Tuktuk Overcharging
Cycle rickshaw drivers near the Forbidden City and other tourist sites quote a low price then demand 10x the agreed amount on arrival, sometimes with accomplices blocking your path.
How to avoid: Agree price firmly in writing before boarding; use Didi or metro instead; avoid unmarked rickshaws near tourist sites
Counterfeit Currency
Fake 100 and 50 yuan notes occasionally circulated in markets and by street vendors; poor quality fakes easily detected but can be slipped in during change at night markets.
How to avoid: Use mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay) to avoid cash entirely; check watermarks and security strips on 100 CNY notes received as change
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, flu), Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (if visiting rural areas during summer), Rabies (if extensive outdoor activities)
- Water
- Safe
- Not safe to drink - even locals don't drink it
- Solution
- Bottled water widely available and cheap ($0.30-0.50 per bottle). Hotels provide hot water kettles for tea. Ice in reputable establishments usually safe.
- Food
- Facilities
- Pharmacies (药店/yaodian) abundant in cities, many open 24 hours
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Excellent for solo travelers of all genders. China has extremely low violent crime rates, efficient transport, and a generally helpful population. Main challenges are language barrier and navigating the internet firewall. Download essential apps and VPN before arrival. Solo women should use Didi app rather than street taxis at night.
Female travellers
Generally very safe for solo female travelers. Harassment is rare compared to many destinations. Night transport via Didi is safe and recommended over street taxis after midnight. The main challenge is being targeted for tourist scams. Chinese women travel solo extensively and solo female tourists are common.
Families
Excellent for family travel. China is deeply family-oriented and children are welcomed enthusiastically everywhere. Health facilities in major cities are good. Main concerns are air pollution (N95 masks advisable in northern cities in winter), squat toilets (prepare children), and managing jet lag from long-haul travel.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1997 and removed from official list of mental disorders in 2001, but same-sex partnerships have no legal recognition. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon for all couples in China. Gay bars and venues exist in Shanghai, Beijing, and major cities but remain discreet. Discrimination is rare in tourist areas but attitudes vary widely by region and generation. Research LGBTQ+ venues via local WeChat groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110
- Medical
- 120
- Embassy
- Tourist Police