Is China Safe for Tourists? Crime, Scams, Laws and Health

The short version

For most tourists, China is a safe country to visit. The UK government’s travel advice describes serious crime against foreign nationals as relatively rare. Travelers often say they feel safer walking in central Beijing or Shanghai at night than in many Western cities.

That does not mean there is no risk. The problems visitors actually run into are:

1. Scams in tourist areas, most famously the “tea tasting” scam
2. Traffic, especially silent electric scooters and cars turning across crossings
3. Laws that are stricter than at home, on drugs, ID, politics, religion and business disputes
4. Health and costs: unsafe tap water, air pollution on some days, and expensive medical care without insurance

Prepare for those four and you have covered most of what can go wrong. Before booking, read your own government’s current travel advisory for China.

China safety at a glance

Crime and street safety

Violent crime against tourists is uncommon. Big cities have visible police, many security checks in metro stations, and dense CCTV coverage. Night markets, riverside walks and food streets stay busy late.

Rare incidents do happen. The UK government notes isolated knife and vehicle attacks in public places, some of which have affected foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, as you would anywhere.

Petty theft happens mainly in crowded places: train stations, busy metro lines, markets and on overnight trains. Keep your phone in a front pocket. Your phone is also your wallet, map and translator in China, so losing it hurts more than usual. Note your phone’s IMEI and keep your payment apps locked with a separate PIN.

Stay out of fights and arguments. In China, anyone involved in a physical fight can be fined or detained, whoever started it. Injured people often claim compensation. If a dispute over a taxi fare or a bill gets heated, walk away and, if needed, call the police on 110.

Common scams and how to avoid them

Most of these scams begin with a stranger starting a conversation in good English near a tourist sight. Most Chinese people who talk to you are simply curious or friendly. But if a conversation quickly moves to going somewhere together, that is the moment to say no.

For safe mobile payments, see our Alipay for foreigners guide.

Traffic: the risk most visitors underestimate

• Electric scooters are silent and often ride on pavements and against traffic. Look both ways everywhere.
• Cars may turn right on a red light and across pedestrian crossings while the walking signal is green.
• Taxis: use metered official taxis or a ride-hailing app, which records the car, driver and route. Wear a seatbelt; back seatbelts are not always used by locals.
• Driving yourself needs a Chinese driving licence. An International Driving Permit is not accepted for driving in mainland China.
• Trains are one of the safest ways to travel. High-speed rail is fast, punctual and closely supervised. Lock your compartment on overnight trains and keep valuables with you.

Laws that surprise visitors

Most visitors never deal with the police. But some rules are stricter than at home, and not knowing them is no defense.

• Carry your passport at all times. Police carry out random ID checks, and copies are not accepted. Not having ID can mean a fine or detention.
• Drugs: zero tolerance. Possession of even small amounts, including cannabis, can bring heavy fines, prison or worse. Police can test foreigners for drugs, including in bar raids, and a positive test can be prosecuted even if you took the drug outside China.
• Politics and protests. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Posting or sharing political statements critical of the Chinese authorities can be treated as illegal.
• National security laws are broad. Take care near military areas and do not photograph military sites or equipment. Journalists and people linked to foreign governments or NGOs may face more scrutiny.
• Religion. Visitors may worship at registered temples, churches and mosques. Preaching and handing out religious materials are restricted.
• VPNs and the internet. Google, Facebook, YouTube and X are blocked. Chinese law requires VPN services to be licensed. See Internet in China for how visitors stay connected.
• Drones are strictly regulated. Check the Civil Aviation Administration rules before bringing one.
• Accommodation registration. Hotels register you automatically. If you stay in a private home, you must register within 24 hours. This can now be done online through the NIA 12367 app or the Alipay mini-program.
• Business disputes and exit bans. People involved in commercial or civil disputes, or linked to an investigation, can be stopped from leaving China, sometimes for a long time. Tourists are rarely affected, but take legal advice before signing business contracts in China.
• Visa-free stays. If you enter under a visa-free rule, stay within its time limit and permitted areas. See the 240-hour visa-free transit guide.

Is China safe for Americans?

Americans visit China every day for tourism and business, mostly without incident. Sightseeing in cities and at famous sights is no more dangerous for US citizens than for anyone else.

The extra points for Americans are practical and legal:

• The US is not on China’s 30-day visa-free list. Most Americans need a visa, or must qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit.
• Government advisories, including the US State Department’s, warn about local laws being enforced unpredictably and about exit bans. Read the current US advisory at travel.state.gov and consider enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• If you have worked for the US government or military, for media outlets or for NGOs, or have family or business disputes in China, get specific advice before you travel.

Solo travel and female travelers

China is a popular destination for solo travelers, including women traveling alone. Useful habits:

• Use ride-hailing or official taxis and share your trip with a friend. The UK government warns against unmarked or unmetered taxis, where assaults on foreigners have been reported.
• Watch your drink in bars and clubs. Drink spiking is rare but has been reported.
• Save your hotel’s name and address in Chinese so you can show a driver or ask for help.
• Expect attention, not hostility. In smaller cities, people may stare or ask for photos. A polite no is fine.
• Do not hike remote sections alone, including wild parts of the Great Wall. Weather changes quickly and rescue is slow.

LGBTQ+ travelers

Same-sex relationships are legal in China. There is no legal recognition or anti-discrimination protection, and public attitudes are more conservative than in much of Europe or North America. Big cities have LGBTQ+ venues and communities. Visible public affection may attract negative attention, so many LGBTQ+ visitors choose to be discreet in public.

Travelers of color

Visitors of African, South Asian and other backgrounds report a mix of experiences. Curiosity, staring and requests for photos are common, especially outside the largest cities. Rude comments and discrimination can happen. Big international cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen tend to be the most comfortable. It helps to know that most attention comes from curiosity, and that you can always politely say no to photos.

Health: water, air, food and hospitals

• Tap water is not safe to drink. Drink bottled water or boiled water. Hotels usually provide free bottles or a kettle.
• Air quality varies by city and season. Winter can be poor in northern cities. Check an air quality app and bring a well-fitting mask if you are sensitive.
• Food. Street food is part of the fun. Choose busy stalls with high turnover, and be careful with raw dishes if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Mosquito-borne disease. Dengue is present in Guangdong and some southern areas, mainly from May to November. Use insect repellent.
• Altitude. Parts of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet are high enough to cause altitude sickness. Climb slowly.
• Healthcare is not free and can be very expensive for foreigners. International clinics and hospitals with international wards in major cities have English-speaking staff but charge high fees. Buy insurance that covers treatment, evacuation and repatriation.
• Medicines. Bring enough prescription medicine for the whole trip, in original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Some medicines that are legal at home are controlled in China. Check with the Chinese embassy before you travel.

Natural hazards

• Typhoon season runs roughly from May to November, mainly affecting the southern and eastern coasts. Flights and trains can be cancelled at short notice.
• Heavy rain and flooding are common in summer.
• Earthquakes occur in western and southwestern China.

Follow local instructions and weather alerts. Build a spare day into trips during the summer and early autumn.

Emergency numbers and what to do

Operators may not speak English. Before you need help:

• Save your hotel name and address, and your embassy’s emergency phone number, in your phone
• Know how to share your live location in a map app
• Keep your travel insurer’s 24-hour assistance number handy
• Carry a written note of any allergies or medical conditions in Chinese

If you are arrested or detained, ask for your embassy or consulate to be informed.

Safety checklist before you go

• Read your government’s current travel advisory for China
• Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation
• Set up mobile payments and a backup card (see How to pay in China)
• Arrange mobile data for arrival (see China eSIM guide)
• Save key addresses in Chinese
• Pack prescription medicines with their paperwork
• Know the four emergency numbers: 110, 120, 119 and 122

Most visitors find that after the first day, China feels orderly, convenient and friendly. If you would rather have someone plan safe routes, transfers and hotels for you, our free trip planning service can help you build the trip.