Q&A on Safety Issues in China
Is China safe for solo travellers - afraid of arbitrary detention/imprisonment
If you’re just traveling normally in China and not involved in crimes like fraud, theft, or disturbing the peace, the police won’t target you. If you encounter any issues while traveling, like getting lost or passport problems, you can approach the police for help. They will be very willing and efficient in assisting you.
Are there a lot of surveillance cameras on the streets in China?
Yes, if you walk the streets in China, you’ll see cameras everywhere. These cameras are meant to protect public safety. For example, if your phone gets stolen, the police can quickly check the footage to help recover it. The cameras also deter crime in public spaces, significantly lowering risks. They are part of China’s Skynet surveillance system, which is an important tool for law enforcement to combat crime and maintain social order. This system uses high-definition cameras and video technology for real-time monitoring of key areas like cities, traffic, and public places.
If it’s your first time visiting China, you might be surprised to see people leaving valuable items on the street without anyone stealing them. At 3 a.m., many are still enjoying late-night snacks at food stalls, and young women stroll stylishly in parks at 10 p.m. They know that if someone commits theft, robbery, or assault, the police can find them within ten minutes with solid evidence.
Are there many thieves in China?
Not really.
- They find there’s not much to steal.
As of 2024, mobile payment usage in China has reached 86%, and only 18% of people use credit cards. Most people carry little to no cash, relying on their phones for everyday payments, which they keep on hand. This makes it very difficult for thieves, as there’s almost nothing to steal, leading many to “lose their jobs.” - High chance of getting caught.
The widespread surveillance in China increases the risks for thieves. If a theft occurs and someone reports it, the police can quickly access camera footage to identify and arrest the thief.
Is it safe at night in China?
Yes, very safe. If you visit cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Changsha, Chengdu, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou, you’ll find many are vibrant “sleepless cities.” Nighttime is often the highlight of traveling in China.
At night, you can see:
- Night markets: Many cities have food streets bustling from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., where people enjoy street snacks, shop for small items, and watch performances.
- Square dancing: You’ll often see older people dancing in parks and public squares.
- Shopping and nightlife: Many malls stay open until after 10 p.m., and people often head to themed bars and nightclubs afterward.
- Walking and exercising: While some may feel parks are unsafe at night, many enjoy jogging, walking, or using fitness equipment in parks, where kids play and seniors often gather to play chess or cards.
In short, at night in China, women can enjoy being out freely and safely, while children and the elderly can play without worries, and young people can relax on the grass with coffee without feeling the need to rush home.
How is food safety in China? Will I get sick from eating there?
Most food in Chinese restaurants is safe, but it’s best to choose places with a physical storefront rather than relying too much on street vendors. This is because the government regulates restaurants with storefronts, and market inspectors conduct regular checks. Mobile street vendors, on the other hand, can easily avoid government oversight, making food safety harder to guarantee.
If you have specific requirements for cooking oil, like needing it to come from halal sources, you can ask restaurant staff beforehand or look for places with halal certification.
In terms of taste, many foreigners can’t handle spicy food, and some Chinese dishes are quite spicy. It’s normal for foreigners to feel uncomfortable after eating spicy food. You can ask if a dish is spicy before ordering or request that the restaurant use less chili.
