China is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and excellent healthcare in major cities. However, being prepared and informed will help you handle any situation confidently.

Last updated: November 2025

General Safety Tips

China is one of the safest countries for tourists, with low violent crime rates. However, standard travel precautions still apply.

Very Safe

  • Walking at night in cities
  • Using public transportation
  • Taking licensed taxis
  • Staying in hotels

Use Caution

  • Crowded tourist areas (pickpockets)
  • Unlicensed taxis
  • Street vendors offering tours
  • Downloading apps from unknown sources

Avoid

  • Discussing sensitive political topics
  • Carrying large amounts of cash
  • Leaving belongings unattended
  • Accepting drinks from strangers

Personal Safety Tips

  • Keep copies of documents: Store photos of passport, visa, and ID in multiple locations
  • Stay connected: Share your itinerary with family/friends
  • Use hotel safe: Store valuables in hotel safes, not in room
  • Be aware of scams: Common scams include tea house invitations, overpriced taxi rides, fake monks
  • Emergency app: Download emergency services apps before arrival

Scenic Areas & Special Locations Safety

Popular natural attractions and special venues require specific safety awareness.

Mountain & Natural Scenic Areas

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

  • Footwear: Wear non-slip hiking shoes with good grip
  • Weather: Fog and rain common - carry rain gear
  • Paths: Stay on marked trails, especially on steep sections
  • Viewing platforms: Respect barriers - edges can be slippery
  • Physical condition: Assess fitness level - many stairs and steep climbs

Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains)

  • Glass bridges: Not recommended for those with height phobia
  • Cable cars: Can have long waits during peak season - plan accordingly
  • Photography: Be mindful of surroundings when taking photos
  • Weather changes: Mountain weather changes quickly - dress in layers

Water Towns & Coastal Areas

  • Stone paths: Can be slippery when wet - walk carefully
  • Boats: Life jackets should be provided - ensure proper fit
  • Swimming: Only swim in designated areas with lifeguards
  • Mosquitoes: Common in water areas - use repellent

Festivals & Large Events

Crowd Management Tips

Chinese New Year Temple Fairs, National Day Events, Popular Tourist Sites:

  • Meeting points: Designate specific meeting locations in advance
  • Travel light: Avoid carrying large bags or backpacks in crowds
  • Keep phone charged: Ensure phone has sufficient battery
  • Avoid peak hours: Visit popular sites early morning or late afternoon
  • Emergency exits: Locate exits when entering crowded venues
  • Children: Keep children close, consider hand-holding or child carriers
  • Valuables: Use front pockets or secure bags for important items

Public Transportation Security Rules

China has strict security screening at metro stations and railway stations. Understanding these rules helps avoid delays.

Prohibited Items

Weapons & Sharp Objects

  • Knives (including pocket knives)
  • Scissors longer than 6cm
  • Razors (except safety razors)
  • Any sharp tools

Flammable Items

  • Lighters (in checked baggage only)
  • Matches
  • Flammable liquids
  • Compressed gas containers

Large Liquids

  • Bottles over 100ml on trains
  • Alcohol over 70% proof
  • Bottles must be sealed
  • May require tasting for verification

Pressurized Items

  • Spray paint
  • Pepper spray
  • Large hairspray cans
  • Compressed air containers

Security Screening Tips

  • Pack smart: Place laptops and large electronics in accessible pockets
  • Liquids: Keep drinks sealed or empty bottles before screening
  • Be prepared: Have ID/passport ready for high-speed rail
  • Allow time: Arrive 30 minutes early for metro, 45 minutes for trains
  • Follow instructions: Security staff may not speak English - observe others

Healthcare System

China has a mix of public and private healthcare. Major cities have international-standard hospitals with English-speaking staff.

Types of Medical Facilities

Tier 3A Hospitals (三甲医院)

Best quality, highest standards

Services: Comprehensive medical care, specialists, surgery, emergency

English: Some doctors speak English, especially in major cities

Cost: Moderate to high (¥500-3,000+ per visit)

Examples: Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Shanghai Huashan Hospital

International Hospitals & Clinics

Expat-focused facilities

Services: Western-standard care, English-speaking staff, insurance accepted

English: Fluent English, international standards

Cost: High (¥1,000-5,000+ per visit)

Examples: Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai Parkway Health

Community Clinics

Minor illnesses and basic care

Services: Basic check-ups, prescriptions, minor treatments

English: Limited to none

Cost: Low (¥50-200 per visit)

Best for: Common colds, minor ailments

How to Access Healthcare

1

Registration (挂号)

Visit registration desk or use self-service kiosks. Bring passport and cash/mobile payment.

Tip: International hospitals allow phone booking in English
2

Department Selection

Choose appropriate department (internal medicine, surgery, etc.). Ask staff for help if unsure.

Tip: General practitioners (全科) handle most common issues
3

Consultation

See doctor, explain symptoms. Use translation app if needed. Doctor may order tests.

Tip: Bring medications you're currently taking
4

Payment & Medication

Pay at cashier, collect medication from pharmacy. Keep all receipts for insurance.

Tip: International hospitals directly bill some insurance companies

Food & Water Safety

China's food safety standards have improved significantly, especially in major cities. Follow these guidelines for safe dining.

Generally Safe

  • Restaurants in hotels and malls
  • Chain restaurants
  • Busy local restaurants
  • Cooked food from clean vendors
  • Packaged snacks from stores
  • Boiled or bottled water

Exercise Caution

  • Street food (choose busy stalls)
  • Raw vegetables and salads
  • Ice in drinks
  • Cut fruit from vendors
  • Buffets (check freshness)
  • Tap water (for brushing teeth only)

Water Safety

  • Don't drink tap water: Always use bottled water for drinking
  • Brushing teeth: Tap water is fine for brushing teeth
  • Ice: Avoid ice unless in international hotels
  • Hot water: Hotels provide hot water dispensers - safe to drink after boiling
  • Buy sealed bottles: Check seal is intact when purchasing water

Street Food Safety Tips

  • Choose busy stalls: High turnover means fresher food
  • Watch preparation: Ensure food is cooked thoroughly
  • Avoid raw items: Stick to fully cooked dishes
  • Clean utensils: Look for vendors with clean preparation areas
  • Start slow: Try small portions first to test your stomach

Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

Communicating food allergies in China can be challenging. Preparation is key to safe dining.

Common Allergens in Chinese Cuisine

Peanuts & Tree Nuts

Very common in Sichuan, Hunan, and stir-fry dishes. Often in sauces and oils.

我对花生过敏 (Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn)

Seafood & Shellfish

Prevalent in coastal cities. Shrimp paste and oyster sauce are common.

我对海鲜过敏 (Wǒ duì hǎixiān guòmǐn)

Gluten (Wheat)

Noodles, dumplings, and soy sauce contain gluten. Celiac options limited.

我不能吃麸质 (Wǒ bùnéng chī fūzhì)

Eggs

Common in fried rice, noodles, and baked goods.

我对鸡蛋过敏 (Wǒ duì jīdàn guòmǐn)

Dairy

Less common than Western cuisine, but present in desserts and milk tea.

我对乳制品过敏 (Wǒ duì rǔzhìpǐn guòmǐn)

Soy

Extremely common - soy sauce, tofu, bean products. Hard to avoid.

我对大豆过敏 (Wǒ duì dàdòu guòmǐn)

Allergy Communication Card

Highly Recommended: Create a bilingual allergy card

Print or save on your phone a card stating your allergies in both English and Chinese. Show this to restaurant staff before ordering.

Example format:

SEVERE FOOD ALLERGY / 严重食物过敏

I am allergic to: PEANUTS

我对以下食物严重过敏：花生

I cannot eat any food containing or cooked with peanuts.

我不能吃任何含有花生或用花生油烹饪的食物。

Please confirm this dish is safe for me.

请确认这道菜对我是安全的。

Dietary Preferences

Vegetarian/Vegan

  • Buddhist restaurants: Look for "素食" (sùshí) - completely vegetarian
  • Challenge: Many dishes use meat-based broth or cooking oil
  • Phrases: "我是素食者" (I'm vegetarian) / "我是纯素食者" (I'm vegan)
  • Watch for: Oyster sauce, shrimp paste in vegetables

Halal

  • Muslim quarters: Most cities have Hui Muslim areas with halal food
  • Look for: "清真" (Qīngzhēn) sign - indicates halal
  • Common: Hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, Muslim restaurants

Kosher

  • Limited availability: Only in major expat areas
  • Beijing & Shanghai: Have small kosher restaurants
  • Alternative: Vegetarian or vegan restaurants

Traveling with Chronic Conditions

Proper preparation ensures safe travel for those with chronic health conditions.

Before You Travel

Pre-Travel Checklist

  • Get doctor's clearance for travel
  • Bring medication supply for entire trip + 1 week extra
  • Carry prescriptions in original labeled containers
  • Obtain doctor's letter (in English and Chinese if possible)
  • List of medications with generic names
  • Medical alert bracelet or card
  • Travel insurance covering pre-existing conditions
  • Research hospitals near your accommodation

Hospitals with English-Speaking Chronic Disease Departments

Beijing

  • Beijing United Family Hospital: International clinic, all specialties
  • Peking Union Medical College Hospital: Top-tier, some English service
  • International SOS Clinic: Expat-focused, emergency & routine care

Shanghai

  • Shanghai United Family Hospital: Full services, English-speaking
  • Parkway Health: Multiple locations, specialists available
  • Huashan Hospital Foreign Clinic: Public hospital with expat services

Guangzhou

  • Guangzhou United Family Hospital: International standards
  • Clifford Hospital: Some English-speaking staff

Chengdu

  • West China Hospital: Top university hospital, limited English
  • Chengdu United Family Hospital: Expat-friendly services

Medication Tips

Dosage Conversion

China uses metric system. Common conversions:

  • 1 grain = 64.8 mg
  • 1 oz = 28.3 grams
  • 1 fluid oz = 29.6 ml

Generic Names

Know generic/chemical names of medications. Brand names differ in China.

Example: Tylenol = Paracetamol/Acetaminophen (对乙酰氨基酚)

Storage

Many hotels provide refrigerators for medication storage. Request if needed.

Insect Protection

Southern China, water towns, and mountainous areas have more mosquitoes and insects, especially in summer.

High-Risk Areas

High Risk

  • Southern provinces (Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan)
  • Water towns (Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.)
  • Rural and mountain areas
  • Near lakes and rivers
  • Summer months (June-September)

Lower Risk

  • Northern cities (Beijing, Xi'an)
  • Urban centers
  • Winter months
  • Dry regions
  • Indoor venues

Protection Methods

Repellents

  • DEET-based: Most effective (20-30% concentration)
  • Local brands: "六神花露水" (Liushen) widely available
  • Natural alternatives: Citronella, lemon eucalyptus oil
  • Apply: Exposed skin and clothing

Clothing

  • Long sleeves: Light, breathable fabrics
  • Long pants: Especially in evening
  • Light colors: Less attractive to mosquitoes
  • Closed shoes: Protect feet and ankles

Accommodation

  • AC rooms: Keep windows closed with AC on
  • Mosquito nets: Use if provided
  • Electric repellent: "电蚊香" plug-in devices
  • Check screens: Ensure window screens intact

Timing

  • Dawn/dusk: Peak mosquito activity - stay indoors or protected
  • Evening walks: Apply repellent beforehand
  • Outdoor dining: Choose well-ventilated areas

If You Get Bitten

Treatment for Insect Bites

  • Clean area: Wash with soap and water
  • Ice pack: Apply for 10 minutes to reduce swelling
  • Anti-itch cream: Look for "皮炎平" (Pidingping) in pharmacies
  • Don't scratch: Prevents infection
  • Monitor: Watch for signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus)
  • Seek medical help if: Fever develops, bite becomes very swollen, or signs of allergic reaction

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

While rare in urban China, dengue fever can occur in southern provinces. Symptoms include:

  • High fever (104°F/40°C)
  • Severe headache
  • Pain behind eyes
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Rash

Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms develop after mosquito bites.

Emergency Contacts & Services

Save these important numbers before traveling. Keep both digital and paper copies.

Emergency Hotlines

Police 110
Ambulance 120
Fire 119
Traffic Accidents 122

Consular Assistance

China Consular Hotline (24/7)

  • Within China: 12308 or 010-12308
  • From abroad: +86-10-12308

Your Embassy: Look up your country's embassy/consulate in China

Services: Emergency passport, legal assistance, welfare checks

Emergency Contact Backup Strategy

Multiple Copies Recommended:

  • Phone: Save all emergency numbers in contacts
  • Paper card: Write down and keep in wallet
  • Hotel card: Carry hotel business card with address in Chinese
  • Photos: Screenshot important info and save in phone/cloud
  • Share with family: Send itinerary and contacts to family/friends
  • Email to yourself: Send copy to your email for cloud backup

What to Do in an Emergency

1

Stay Calm & Assess

Take a deep breath. Assess the situation and determine severity.

2

Call for Help

Dial appropriate emergency number. Try to have someone nearby who speaks Chinese help communicate.

3

Provide Location

Share your exact location. Show address in Chinese from hotel card or map app.

4

Contact Embassy if Needed

For serious incidents involving legal issues, major injuries, or lost passports.

Lost or Stolen Documents

Losing your passport or important documents while traveling can be stressful. Follow these steps for quick resolution.

If Your Passport is Lost or Stolen

1

Report to Local Police

Visit nearest police station immediately. Obtain a "Loss Report" (报案证明).

Bring: Any ID you have, hotel address, passport photo if available
2

Contact Your Embassy/Consulate

Call your country's embassy immediately. They will guide you through the replacement process.

Documents needed: Police report, passport photos, proof of citizenship, travel itinerary
3

Apply for Emergency Travel Document

Embassy can issue emergency passport or travel document. This usually takes 1-3 business days.

Cost: Varies by country, typically $100-300 USD
4

Update Chinese Immigration

Visit Exit-Entry Administration with new passport to transfer visa/entry stamp.

Bring: Police report, embassy letter, passport photos, hotel registration

Prevention Tips

Make Copies

  • Photo of passport data page
  • Photo of Chinese visa
  • Photo of entry stamp
  • Save in phone, email, and cloud

Secure Storage

  • Use hotel safe for passport
  • Carry copy for daily activities
  • Split cash in multiple locations
  • Don't leave valuables in room

When Out

  • Use front pockets or secure bag
  • Be extra careful in crowded areas
  • Don't display valuable items
  • Keep bag closed and in sight

Quick Reference

Before you leave hotel each day:

  • Take hotel business card (with Chinese address)
  • Note hotel phone number in your phone
  • Check you have emergency contacts saved
  • Ensure phone is charged

Overcoming Language Barriers in Emergencies

Language differences can be challenging during emergencies. Preparation and the right tools make communication easier.

Essential Translation Apps

Pleco (Best Offline)

Features: Offline dictionary, handwriting recognition, OCR

Best for: Medical terms, detailed explanations

Offline: Yes, download Chinese pack before arriving

Free: Basic version free, premium features paid

Baidu Translate

Features: Voice, text, photo translation

Best for: Real-time conversation, signs

Offline: Partial offline support

No VPN needed: Works without VPN in China

Microsoft Translator

Features: Conversation mode, offline packs

Best for: Back-and-forth communication

Offline: Download Chinese pack (free)

Multi-device: Sync across devices

Download Before Arriving

  • Install apps: Download Pleco, Baidu Translate, Microsoft Translator
  • Offline packs: Download Chinese language packs for offline use
  • Test them: Practice using each app before your trip
  • Google Translate: Requires VPN in China (download offline pack if using)

Emergency Phrase Cards

Medical Emergency

I need a doctor

我需要医生 (Wǒ xūyào yīshēng)

Please take me to hospital

请带我去医院 (Qǐng dài wǒ qù yīyuàn)

I'm in pain

我很痛 (Wǒ hěn tòng)

I'm allergic to...

我对...过敏 (Wǒ duì...guòmǐn)

Asking for Help

Help!

救命！(Jiùmìng!)

Can you help me?

你能帮我吗？(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?)

I'm lost

我迷路了 (Wǒ mílù le)

Do you speak English?

你会说英语吗？(Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?)

Communication Strategies

Use Gestures & Visuals

Point to body parts, show photos, draw pictures. Visual communication is universal.

Show Written Text

Type or translate text on your phone and show the screen. Easier than spoken words.

Find Bilingual Help

Young people, hotel staff, or expat-friendly venues more likely to have English speakers.

Go to Hotel

Hotel staff can help translate, call hospitals, or contact your embassy.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for China travel. Medical costs can be high without insurance.

What to Look For

Essential Coverage

  • Medical expenses: At least $50,000 USD coverage
  • Emergency evacuation: $100,000+ for medical evacuation
  • Repatriation: Return home if seriously ill
  • 24/7 assistance: English-speaking emergency hotline

Recommended Coverage

  • Trip cancellation: Reimbursement for canceled trips
  • Lost luggage: Replacement for lost/stolen belongings
  • Travel delays: Compensation for significant delays
  • Personal liability: Coverage for accidental damage
  • Adventure activities: If doing hiking, skiing, etc.

Important Considerations

Insurance Checklist

  • Pre-existing conditions: Declare all conditions - may need special coverage
  • Age limits: Some policies have age restrictions
  • Activity exclusions: Check if skiing, diving, etc. are covered
  • China coverage: Confirm policy specifically covers China
  • Direct billing: Some international hospitals direct-bill insurers
  • Keep receipts: Save all medical receipts for claims
  • Policy details: Carry copy of policy and emergency contact number

Making a Claim

Contact Insurer

Call emergency assistance number immediately for major incidents

Get Documentation

Medical reports, receipts, police reports (for theft), proof of expenses

Submit Claim

Complete claim forms and submit with all supporting documents

Follow Up

Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Keep copies of everything submitted

Complete Safety Checklist

Before Your Trip:

  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
  • Register with your embassy (if available)
  • Get necessary vaccinations
  • Download offline translation apps
  • Make copies of all important documents
  • Research hospitals near your destinations
  • Pack basic first aid kit
  • Bring sufficient medication + extras
  • Create allergy cards if needed
  • Save emergency contacts in phone and paper