Safety in China

Updated 12 September 2026

Always check your own government's current travel advisory for China before you go — some regions, such as areas bordering Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, have at times been flagged as higher risk. Taking out travel insurance that includes medical repatriation is generally recommended for a trip to China.

China is generally considered a safe country to travel in, despite occasional reports of crime against foreign tourists. As with travel anywhere, the usual precautions apply — keep cameras, wallets and other valuables secure, for example in a money belt under your clothing. Take particular care of your belongings on crowded buses, subways and in busy public places.

Beggars in China

In some tourist areas you may encounter well-organized begging, sometimes quite persistent toward foreign visitors. Ignoring it is usually the best approach; with especially persistent cases, simply walking away is the most effective option.