Travel Safety in China

Hong Kong, Macau, Tibet and Taiwan have their own pages.

China is generally safe. The main security risk to travellers is crime. The most common crimes committed against foreigners are pickpocketing and bag snatching, and these generally occur on public transport and in markets in urban centers such as Beijing and Shanghai. Demonstrations, although illegal, occur sometimes and can turn violent.

There is an underlying risk of terrorism due mainly to the activities of separatists in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Although attacks by these groups mainly occur in XUAR (particularly in the capital, Urumqi), terrorist attacks have also occurred sporadically elsewhere. Kidnapping is used by criminal gangs in relation to businesses disputes, and the risk therefore predominantly affects local nationals. The kidnapping risk to short-term visitors is negligible.

China is party to several conflict-related issues, including various territorial disputes and tense relations with Japan and Taiwan. Apart for the Burmese border conflict that has spilled over into Yunnan province, these conflict-related issues are unlikely to have a significant impact on foreign travellers. In most urban centers there are adequate medical services capable of treating most medical concerns, but medical infrastructure becomes limited away from these areas.