Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
China is generally very safe for tourists, with low violent crime and a strong police presence. The main challenges are the language barrier and the blocked internet.
- Overall
- Very safe; low street crime
- Main challenges
- Language and internet access
- Emergencies
- 110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire
- Carry your passport; police checks can happen at hotels and stations
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Major cities and tourist areas are safe. Some governments advise extra caution in Xinjiang and Tibet, where travel can be restricted and permits may be required.
- Tourist cities
- Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an are fine
- Tibet
- Permit and organised tour required
- Xinjiang
- Heightened security and checks
- Check your government travel advisory for current restricted areas
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
China is vast, so risks vary by region: typhoons hit the southeast coast in summer, earthquakes occur in the west, and flooding and heavy air pollution can affect major cities.
- Typhoons
- Southeast coast, roughly Jun–Oct
- Earthquakes
- Western/southwestern regions
- Air quality
- Smog can be heavy in winter
- Check local forecasts and air-quality apps before day trips
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or boiled. Air pollution can be significant in some cities. City hospitals are good but international clinics are pricey.
- Water
- Tap water not potable; drink bottled
- Air quality
- Smog in winter; check AQI
- Healthcare
- Good in cities; carry cash/insurance
- Consider hepatitis A/typhoid; keep routine vaccines up to date
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Violent crime against tourists is rare. Watch for pickpockets in crowds and classic scams near landmarks — "tea ceremony", "art student", and fake-taxi overcharging.
- Pickpockets
- Crowded markets and transport
- Tea/art scams
- Politely decline strangers' invites
- Taxis
- Use the meter or Didi app
- Avoid unlicensed taxis; agree on metered fares
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
China is politically stable day to day. Public protests are not permitted, and discussing sensitive political topics (Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Tiananmen) can cause problems.
- Stability
- Stable for daily travel
- Protests
- Not permitted; avoid gatherings
- Advice
- Avoid sensitive political topics
- Online posts and messages may be monitored
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Laws are strict and enforced firmly. Drug offences carry severe penalties, including the death penalty. Always carry your passport, and avoid photographing military or protests.
- Drugs
- Severe penalties, incl. death penalty
- ID
- Carry passport at all times
- Sensitive topics
- Avoid political activity/photos
- Do not photograph military sites; respect local rules and officials
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 110 for police, 120 for ambulance and 119 for fire — all free and nationwide. Operators may not speak English, so have your address written in Chinese.
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance/Fire
- 120 / 119
- Immigration hotline
- +86-12367 (multilingual)
- Ask hotel staff to help and keep your address in Chinese characters
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Get travel insurance with strong medical and evacuation cover. International clinics often ask for payment or a guarantee upfront, and language help can be limited.
- Why
- Upfront payment common at clinics
- Cover
- Medical + evacuation + baggage
- Proof
- Carry policy number and hotline
- Keep insurer contact and translated key details handy