15.1 Is China a safe country to travel in?
An overview of safety for foreign travelers in China, including personal safety, petty crime, common scams, property protection, traffic and food/water safety, to help visitors travel with confidence.
For any traveler considering a trip to China, safety is a top concern. On the question “Is China a safe country to travel in?”, the answer is: Yes. China is widely regarded as a very safe destination, especially in terms of personal safety and violent crime.
Of course, as in any country, safety does not mean you can ignore basic precautions. Understanding the local situation — especially common risks — is the key to a smooth trip.
1. Overall public security: high personal safety
Compared with many Western countries, China has a very low rate of violent crime, which creates a safe environment for travelers.
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Personal safety:
Robbery, assault, and other serious violent crimes against foreigners are extremely rare. In most cities, even women traveling alone at night generally report feeling safe. -
Social stability:
Public spaces such as subways, train stations, and shopping malls tend to be orderly. Security guards are common, and extensive CCTV camera coverage acts as a strong deterrent to crime.
2. Main risks: property safety and common scams
While personal safety is strong, you do need to pay attention to your belongings. The main risks come from opportunistic petty thieves and tourist‑targeted scams.
1. Pickpocketing and petty theft
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Where risk is higher:
- Public transportation (especially crowded metro and buses)
- Train and long‑distance bus stations
- Popular tourist attractions
- Busy markets and shopping streets
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How to protect yourself:
- Wear your backpack on your front in crowded areas.
- Keep your wallet and phone in front or inside pockets, not in back pockets.
- Avoid leaving valuables in easily accessible outer bag pockets.
2. Common scams targeting tourists
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Tea house / art gallery scam
- How it works:
Friendly, English‑speaking young people approach you near major sights, strike up a conversation, and invite you to a “traditional tea house” or “student art exhibition.” - What happens:
After the tea ceremony or “tour,” you are presented with an extremely expensive bill and pressured to pay. - How to avoid it:
Politely but firmly decline invitations from strangers to go to private tea houses or galleries. You can say “不要，谢谢 (Búyào, xièxiè)” — “No, thank you.”
- How it works:
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“Black taxis” and taxis that refuse to use the meter
- Common around airports, train stations, and tourist sites.
- Unlicensed taxis may quote heavily inflated flat fares, and some licensed drivers may refuse to switch on the meter.
- How to deal with it:
Always insist on using the meter (“打表” / dǎ biǎo) before you start. If the driver refuses, get out and choose another taxi or use a ride‑hailing app.
3. Other safety points to keep in mind
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Traffic safety:
- Traffic patterns in China may differ from what you’re used to. Cars, electric scooters, and bicycles can appear from multiple directions.
- Key rule:
Do not assume pedestrians automatically have the right of way. Look carefully in all directions before crossing, and follow local signals.
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Food and water safety:
- Never drink tap water directly. Stick to bottled or properly boiled water.
- Choose restaurants that are busy with locals — this is usually a sign of fresh, safe food.
Conclusion: safe, but stay sensible
Overall, China is one of the safest travel destinations in the world. You rarely need to worry about violent crime, but you should still use common sense:
- Protect your valuables.
- Be aware of common scams in tourist areas.
- Pay attention to traffic and follow basic food and water safety rules.
With reasonable caution, you can enjoy a safe and very rewarding trip in China.