Is China safe to visit?
Yes. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and many travelers say they feel safer walking at night than at home. A few common-sense habits cover the rest.
Last checked 1 Sep 2026.
Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance | 120 |
| Fire | 119 |
| Immigration hotline (English available) | 12367 |
Call these first in an emergency, then message us. We'll help you follow up in writing.
Scams to know about
- The tea house or art student scam. Friendly English-speaking "students" invite you for tea or to an exhibition, and you're handed a huge bill. Politely decline invitations from strangers in tourist areas.
- Unlicensed taxis at airports and stations. Use the official taxi queue or DiDi, or your arranged driver.
- Fake tickets sold outside popular sights. Buy only from official channels, or let your guide handle it.
On the street
- Electric scooters are silent and often ride on pavements. Look both ways, even on one-way streets.
- Pickpocketing is uncommon but happens in crowded places. Keep your phone and passport secure.
- Carry your passport. Police, hotels and many sights may ask to see it.
Health
- Water: don't drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere, and hotels provide it free.
- Medical care: large cities have international clinics with English-speaking doctors. We can tell you the nearest one.
- Pharmacies: plentiful, but brands differ. Bring enough of any prescription medicine, in original packaging.
- Altitude: Shangri-La sits at about 3,300 m and Jiuzhaigou's upper valley above 3,000 m. We build in an easy first day to acclimatise.
- Air quality: generally better than its reputation, especially in spring and autumn. Check an air-quality app if you're sensitive.
Travel insurance
Take out travel insurance that covers medical treatment and repatriation. It's a condition of booking with us, and we can recommend providers.