Safety & Health

Yes. China has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the world. Solo travelers, including women, generally feel safe walking at night in major cities. The main risks are pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and scams targeting foreigners (tea ceremony scams, fake taxis). Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like DiDi.

No special vaccinations are required for most travelers. Routine vaccines (measles, tetanus, hepatitis A and B) are recommended. For rural areas or extended stays, consider typhoid and Japanese encephalitis vaccines. If arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, a yellow fever certificate is required. Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure.

Lhasa is at 3,650m (11,975 ft) and Everest Base Camp is at 5,200m. Allow 2 days of acclimatization in Lhasa before traveling higher. Consider taking Diamox (consult your doctor). Symptoms include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Travel insurance must cover high-altitude travel and emergency evacuation.

No. Tap water in China is not safe to drink without boiling. Use bottled water (available everywhere for 2-5 RMB per bottle) or boil water for 5+ minutes. Avoid ice in drinks at local establishments. Most hotels provide free bottled water or have water dispensers. Water filters like LifeStraw or SteriPen are good alternatives for eco-conscious travelers.

Call 120 for an ambulance (Mandarin-speaking). Major cities have international hospitals with English-speaking doctors: Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai United Family Hospital, and ParkwayHealth clinics. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. For minor issues, pharmacies are everywhere and pharmacists can help with common ailments.

Street food is generally safe at busy, high-turnover stalls. If locals are eating there, it is usually fine. Avoid raw foods, unpeeled fruits, and anything that looks like it has been sitting out. Popular items include jianbing (savory crepes), baozi (steamed buns), and chuanr (skewered meat). Carry hand sanitizer and use it before eating.

Bring prescription medications in their original packaging with a doctor's note. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, antidiarrheals, antihistamines, and motion sickness pills are available in Chinese pharmacies. Some medications common in Western countries (e.g., certain cough syrups containing codeine) are restricted or illegal in China. Check the Chinese customs regulations for your medications.

Yes. Pharmacies (yaodian) are ubiquitous in Chinese cities and marked by a green cross sign. Many common medications including antibiotics, pain relievers, and cold medicine are available over the counter without a prescription. Pharmacists can help with minor ailments. Look for larger chain pharmacies like Nepstar or Watsons for more reliable products.

Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. If visiting Tibet, confirm it covers high-altitude travel. Standard policies cost $50-150 for a 10-day trip. Keep your insurance card and emergency numbers accessible. Note that foreign insurance is generally not directly accepted at Chinese hospitals.

Common scams include: the tea ceremony scam (strangers invite you for tea, then present a huge bill), fake jade/silk shops, fake monks asking for donations, counterfeit money, and the 'massage' scam where prices increase after service. Always agree on prices before purchasing services, use DiDi instead of street taxis, and decline unsolicited invitations.

Yes, Chinese cities are generally very safe at night. Violent crime is rare, and streets are well-lit and populated. Areas around train stations can be sketchier, so remain alert. Women traveling alone generally feel safe. As with anywhere, avoid empty alleys, keep valuables secured, and use common sense. DiDi is a safe option for late-night transport.

In most tourist areas, dangerous animals are not a concern. In rural and southern areas, watch for snakes on hiking trails and mosquitoes that can carry dengue fever (especially in Guangdong, Yunnan, and Hainan during summer). Use insect repellent containing DEET. In forested areas, check for ticks. Centipedes and hornets can be found in mountainous regions.

Air quality has improved significantly since 2015 but can still be poor in winter, especially in northern cities like Beijing and Xi'an. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) using apps like AirVisual. When AQI exceeds 150, consider wearing an N95 mask and limiting outdoor activities. Southern cities like Shanghai, Guilin, and Kunming generally have better air quality.

Food allergies can be challenging in China. Many dishes contain peanut oil, soy, and MSG. Cross-contamination is common in kitchens. Carry an allergy translation card in Chinese stating what you cannot eat. Learn key phrases like 'I am allergic to peanuts' (wo dui huasheng guomin). Stick to international restaurants for severe allergies and carry an EpiPen.

Most Chinese hospitals require upfront cash payment; foreign insurance is rarely accepted directly. International hospitals like Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai United Family, and Jiahui Health (Shanghai) may accept some international insurance plans but often require pre-authorization. Keep all receipts and medical reports for insurance claims. Register with your insurance provider's emergency assistance line before traveling.

Beer, wine, and spirits from legitimate stores and restaurants are safe. Be cautious with baijiu (Chinese liquor, 40-60% alcohol) at banquets; it is stronger than most Western spirits and consumed in quantity during toasts. Fake alcohol is a problem at some cheap bars; buy from reputable venues. The legal drinking age is 18, though not strictly enforced.

Stay hydrated with bottled water and electrolyte packets. Pharmacies sell rehydration salts and antidiarrheal medication. For severe symptoms (high fever, blood in stool, dehydration), visit a hospital immediately. Most cases resolve within 24-48 hours. Avoid street food for a few days after recovery. Bring Imodium and rehydration salts from home as a precaution.

China is generally safe throughout. Areas near international borders (North Korea, Myanmar, Pakistan) may have travel restrictions. Some parts of Xinjiang have heightened security but are generally safe for tourists. Avoid political protests or demonstrations. Check your government's travel advisories before visiting remote border regions. Tibet requires a permit and organized tour.

Yes. COVID-19 testing and treatment are available at hospitals and clinics throughout China. Testing costs approximately 30-60 RMB. China has largely treated COVID as a routine respiratory illness since 2023. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, as this is culturally expected. Masks are available at all pharmacies.

Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Fire: 119. Tourist complaints: 12301. These numbers are Mandarin-speaking. For English-speaking assistance, call your embassy or the 12345 citizen service hotline (available in English in major cities). Save these numbers and your hotel address in your phone. The DiDi app has an SOS button for ride emergencies.

Vegetarian food is available but requires vigilance. Many 'vegetable' dishes contain small pieces of pork or are cooked in animal fat. Buddhist restaurants (su shi) are the safest option and found near temples. Learn to say 'I don't eat meat' (wo bu chi rou). In big cities, vegetarian and vegan restaurants are increasingly common. Use apps like HappyCow to find them.

China is 8-16 hours ahead of Western countries. Start adjusting your sleep schedule 3 days before departure. Stay hydrated during your flight and avoid alcohol. Upon arrival, get morning sunlight to reset your circadian rhythm. Melatonin (3-5mg) can help. Expect 2-4 days to fully adjust. Plan lighter activities for your first two days.

Yes, legitimate massage and spa services are widely available and affordable. Foot massage (zula) costs 80-200 RMB for 60-90 minutes. Full-body massage costs 150-400 RMB. Look for established chains like Liangzi Foot Bath or Bodhi. Avoid places with pink lighting or that approach you on the street, as these may offer illicit services.

Swimming in natural bodies of water is generally not recommended due to pollution and water quality concerns. Designated swimming areas at beaches in Qingdao, Sanya, and Xiamen are monitored and safe. Hotel pools are safe. Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes in rural areas due to risk of schistosomiasis. Hot springs are popular and generally safe.

Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists. It occurs in crowded areas like train stations, markets, tourist sites, and on public transport. Wear a money belt or cross-body bag with a zipper. Keep your phone in a front pocket. Be especially vigilant in crowded tourist areas like Wangfujing in Beijing or Nanjing Road in Shanghai.