Safety in China

Traveling to world most populous and developing countries has advantages and disadvantages. Just like other countries, all travelers should take some safety when you travel in China. China is a huge country located in Eastern Asia.

Generally, China is one of safe countries with the lowest crime record, violent crime rate is very rare in China. The US government currently ranks the People’s Republic of China as a Level-2 security level. China is a very safe country to travel around, people of there very friendly and helpful. Everyone appreciates that living in China relatively safe. Most travelers felt that China was safer than the United States in terms of violent crime. But China has other risks like food safety, traffic safety, and petty theft. Mostly all threats are minor to health and well-being, one respondent indicated she had never had a safety issue in one and a half years living in Beijing.

Largest safety in china

Most major cities in China are extremely safe and it is generally safe for everyone even for women walking alone at night. Female travelers can also rest assured that they can walk the streets safely, use public transportation without any concern, and take cabs without incident. 

1. Road and traffic safety

Traffic safety can be a major concern for foreigners living in China. China is ranked around 90 in the world for road death, better than most developing countries, and less than 20% worse than the United States.

To reduce the risk of traffic accidents in China, always wear seatbelts in cars that have them and helmets on bikes or scooters. Stay alert at all times on the roads, whether driving or on foot. Visitors and tourists in China should avoid motor scooters or overnight buses to reduce the risk of being involved in a traffic accident. If you are touring follow the tourist guide instructions. 

Though China’s facilities are well-designed and risk-free, being a developing country probably there are still more dangers than in your home country. 

2. Transportation

Taxis can be unsafe in China because of china 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.

3. Theft

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. China is a relatively low crime country, but petty crime is still an issue and tourists are particularly vulnerable. Wallets, mobile phones, cameras, jewelry, and laptops are tempting targets for thieves.

Try not to carry large amounts of money or obvious symbols of wealth, and keep your wallet or purse out of sight (back pockets are a big no-no). Do not flash a wallet around when paying for purchases and carry some loose change for beggars.

Pickpockets tend to operate in crowded areas, for example on public buses, on trains, at city center bus stops and big shopping streets, so you are advised to keep a watch of your belongings when in busy and crowded places.

Purse snatching is a risk. Keep valuables close to your person. When you get up from taxis, buses, trains, etc, check nothing has fallen out of your pockets. It may not be there five minutes later if you come back for it. If you fall asleep on transport, beware people leaning over or reaching round you to get at your possessions. Put your valuables well inside your bag, so that they are not accessible by someone quickly opening a zip, or reaching into a pocket. visitors and business people can take steps to reduce risk of theft.

4. Food safety

Foreign visitors are faced with food safety issues in China. More than 80 percent of travelers in 16 major Chinese cities said food safety was one of the “most worrisome safety concerns” in China. In recent study state that many travelers being affected by food safety issues while living and working in China, including food poisoning from Chinese and Western restaurants. 

To reduce the risk from unsafe food, its recommends avoiding the cheapest restaurants, such as food stands, and bars with suspicious drink specials, such as “foreigners drink free,” which is a red flag for counterfeit alcohol. Hotel buffets, where food sits out for a long time, should also be avoided. Seafood can be risky, according to one staff member who ended up with food poisoning four or five times over 10 years. Cooking at home can eliminate the risk of ingesting fake or toxic foods. Always wash fruits and vegetables before peeling, cutting, or eating.

5. COVID-19 Policy for Travelers

• To enter hotels and tourist places, have to show an ID card or passport with your Health Code (you will need to register on the Alipay health monitoring app, which only takes a few minutes). 
• Double-check which hotels can accept foreigners before you book (fewer can during the outbreak).
• All inbound visitors (including from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau) must be quarantined in specific places. 
• If coming from “high-risk areas”, you have to provide a nucleic acid test certificate and/or blood test certificate dated within 7 days. You can check with us if you want to learn more details about high-risk areas and testing.
• Though more and more tourist attractions are reopening, there are strict safety procedures and requirements. If you are already in China and want to travel, our professional travel consultants are always ready to help! 

Final Word

China remains a relatively safe country, but visitors and residents should remain cautious in certain situations. It can be easy to adopt a false sense of security in China. Foreign residents and visitors should always be prepared and aware. Limit drinking while in unfamiliar settings and avoid going out alone at night. “Life in China is generally safe as long as one is knowledgeable about potential safety issues,” one staff member said. “China is not sound-bitable,”. “Every city and population is different. With our on-the-ground long-term local experience, we can help you to have a trouble-free trip.