Is China safe?

Is ...... safe?

This is one of the first questions people ask when travelling to a new country or city and one which I am often asked about China. 

Whether you are a solo traveller, family, female backpacker or otherwise, I will try to address some of your biggest concerns and answer "Is China Safe?" 

SECURITY

Unlike some other countries I’ve visited, there is a very visible security presence. You have to scan your bags at every metro stop, train station and airport (even to get into the building). For me, knowing that they are checking for things in peoples bags makes me feel pretty safe. At the same time, this can be a bit of an inconvenience, so allow extra travel time in case there is a queue.

The sheer volume of private security guards is also very noticeable. There are guards outside apartment complexes, in malls and most public spaces. Help is never hard to come by, should you need it.

POLICE PRESENCE

There is a high police presence at many touristic hotspots which helps to keep tourists safe and prevents them from falling victim to petty crime. China’s high conviction rate, use of modern technology, and extensive law enforcement presence serve to deter most criminal activity. Of course, petty theft can happen everywhere so you still need to be careful.

MOBILE PHONES

At any one time, you can be assured that everyone surrounding you in a public space will have their phone on show. People walk around like zombies glued to their phone and because of this you would think that phone theft would be very common, but people are normally too busy looking at their phone to steal yours. This makes it really easy to navigate cities as it is generally safe to use technology in public.

BELONGINGS

What I find strange here in China is just how relaxed people are about their belongings. Many leave bags or phones unattended whilst they go and do things. I have seen this happen a few times, at the airport, in restaurants, on trains. Whilst I wouldn’t advise it or do it myself, if the locals act so carelessly with their stuff then you haven’t got anything to worry about if you exercise a little caution.

TRANSPORT

Public transport such as the metro or bus is incredibly safe. There is however one mode of transport I don’t feel safe using and that is my own two feet. As a pedestrian, you have next to no rights. Be aware that the green man is really just a suggestion and if you do not remain vigilant, a car could plough into you at any time. 

Also, watch out for bikes. There are billions of bikes in China and they are driven on the road, bike lanes and more often than not, pavements. Even when you are walking in a seemingly serene pedestrianised area, you are never more than a few seconds away from someone impatiently beeping their horn to get by.

NIGHTTIME

Most places are open quite late in China and the malls don’t typically close until 10pm. I lived in a complex behind a mall in the suburbs of Nanjing, once the mall closes I had to walk around the rear to gain access to my building. I never once felt unsafe walking around this area in the dark.

Sometimes you get that feeling in your gut when a place just doesn’t feel safe, be it day or night, but here in China I never feel unsafe walking around at night, with other people or by myself.

For me, China has to be one of the safest countries I have been to. That being said you still need to be aware of yourself and your surroundings. I’ve lived in two cities in China and in both I would walk around on my own and feel safe. Beijing is a lot busier than Nanjing as there are more tourists, that means there can also be some scams in these busy areas. It’s always good to be aware before you go so you can stay vigilant.

Don’t forget to check out my video ‘Is China Safe’ to see for yourself.

If you need some help planning a China trip then get in touch I can help you!