Is It Safe to Travel to China Right Now 2025? Avoid 8 Things

There are some false rumors online about security in China. In reality, China is a safe country to travel to and has become even safer over the past decade. With the rise of mobile payments, theft has largely disappeared, and most scams that were once common are now rare. Most locals you meet are friendly, honest, and welcoming.

While crime rates are low, unexpected weather changes can impact travel plans, and some health risks may be unfamiliar to visitors. Accidents can also happen, so it's important to take precautions before your trip. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, check out our experts' list of the top 8 things to avoid when traveling in China.

Avoid Visiting Restricted or Sensitive Areas

The vast majority of China is open for unrestricted travel. You can visit all the famous sites around the country that appear in travel guides and must-see lists without a second thought. However, there are certain restricted and sensitive areas that are best avoided.

Two provinces in the far west, Tibet and Xinjiang, have some travel restrictions. International travelers to Tibet need to get a Tibet Travel Permit to enter the region, and while much of Xinjiang is open for tourism, some areas in the province cannot be visited. Border regions can be considered sensitive, including the borders with North Korea, Pakistan, and India. Military and strategic sites are also best avoided.

If you’re not sure, check before visiting anywhere very out of the way. Organized tours and recommended travel destinations will never be a problem, and you won’t get in trouble for asking first.

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Avoid Breaking Local Laws or Discussing Sensitive Topics

China takes its laws very seriously, and what can be considered a minor infraction elsewhere could have serious consequences. Most tourists have little risk of inadvertently breaking local laws, but it’s important to understand that crimes related to theft, drugs, and violence are given harsh sentences.

Dealing with sensitive topics is a part of being culturally aware. Political and religious topics are complex issues with long histories, and you might not be fully aware of all the issues. Local people will generally not bring up sensitive issues, and it’s best to respect their preferences. Political and religious topics should be avoided in public and on social media.

Prohibition of drug use in China.

Avoid Traveling to Mountainous Area during Rainy Season

Plan your trip to avoid the rainy season, which varies by region, but generally falls between June and August. For those wondering about the best time to visit China, this period can bring heavy rainfall, affecting travel plans.

There are breathtaking mountainous areas in China, such as Zhangjiajie and Yunan, where you can see incredible landscapes and explore virgin natural settings. However, the infrastructure in these areas is often not as highly developed as in other regions and can be dangerous in rainy or adverse weather conditions.

Mountainous roads and hiking trails can be at risk of landslides, flooding, and slippery conditions. If you are planning to explore these areas, pay attention to the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Typhoons typically occur during the rainy season along the southern and eastern coasts of China. If you’re traveling in these areas, stay updated on weather forecasts. In case of a natural disaster, follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure your safety.

There may be landslides in the mountains due to heavy rains.

Avoid Common Tourist Scams

Tourist scams are an unfortunate part of any popular travel destination. The simplest ways to avoid scams are to always buy tickets through official channels and check reviews before choosing where to shop or eat.

One of the most common tourist scams in China is tea houses, art galleries, or karaoke bars that charge inflated prices. Typically, it starts with you being approached by a friendly local person who then invites you to one of these establishments. They will serve drinks and snacks, pressure you into buying something, and present you with an extremely high bill at the end.

Some fake monks approach tourists to try and solicit ‘donations.’ Real monks will never be aggressive with tourists, and if you want to donate to a temple, you can visit one and do so directly.

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Avoid Unofficial Transportation and Unlicensed Taxis

Avoiding transportation scams is important for keeping travel costs down. In China, taxi-related scams can happen in a few ways. The best way to avoid them is to always use licensed taxis and make sure the driver uses the meter to calculate the fare.

At airports, train stations, and many tourist attractions, there will be a taxi queue where you can find licensed taxis. If you are approached by someone offering a taxi outside of the queue, they are often trying to charge a higher rate. This can happen even when the vehicle has all the markings of a regular taxi. If the driver refuses to use the meter, find another taxi.

The most common ride-hailing app in China is Didi. There is an English version available, and the app will pre-calculate the fare, so you won’t be overcharged.

Didi is a popular app for taxis in China.

Avoid Drinking Tap Water

Tap water in most parts of China isn’t considered safe for drinking. It can be difficult to verify water safety, so stick to bottled water for drinking. Tap water is safe for showering and brushing your teeth.

Hotels will provide plenty of bottled water for drinking, and bottled water costs around 0.4 USD at convenience stores. When dining out, ask for boiled or bottled water for drinking. Ice cubes are best to avoid, as it is hard to be certain whether they are made from safe drinking water.

It’s suggested to drink bottled water when traveling.

Avoid Exposing Your Valuables in Crowded Places

Crime rates are very low across China, but petty crimes such as bag snatching and pickpocketing are still risks. Ensure the safety of your belongings by not exposing valuable items in public places. Flaunting flashy jewelry or expensive electronics is an easy way to be targeted by thieves.

Common sense precautions, such as not carrying more cash than you need and being aware of your belongings at all times, will also help reduce any risks. Crowded areas, tourist-heavy spots, and public transportation are all places requiring some caution to protect your valuables.

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Avoid Using Blocked Apps and Websites Without VPN

Many of the most popular English websites are not accessible in China without a VPN. Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and major Western news sites are blocked and can’t be used with local SIM data or Wi-Fi connections.

To stay connected while traveling in China, download and install a VPN before you travel. Test it in advance to ensure that it is compatible with your device. After arriving in China, you can buy a travel SIM card with data to avoid high roaming fees. The VPN will still allow you to access blocked websites while using a local SIM card.

Google, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp are banned in China.

Booking a Custom China Tour with Us to Solve These Risks

Navigating China’s vast landscapes and cultural nuances can be overwhelming, but booking a custom tour allows you to travel worry-free. We will work with you to plan the ideal itinerary and handle the logistics of hotel booking, guides, and domestic transfers.

With deep local experience and insider knowledge, we will arrange safe travel routes and deliver a smooth trip that lets you focus on enjoying China’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Our professional local guides will provide you with the background knowledge to fully appreciate the sites and help you avoid tourist traps and scams. Enjoy a custom tour and experience China like an expert.

Contact us to tailor-make your own China tour.

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More FAQs about China Travel Safety in 2025

Is solo travel safe in China?
China is a very safe country for solo travelers, including women. Big cities have very low crime rates, and as long as you follow common safety practices, you’ll have a great trip.

Is it safe to travel to China now from the USA?
Travel to China from the USA is no problem. Direct flights connect major cities, allowing for safe and easy travel between the two countries.

What are the safest cities in China?
Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Chengdu are known for their safety and traveler-friendly infrastructure.

Is there a language barrier when traveling in China?
In bigger cities and at popular tourist attractions, English is commonly spoken by many people to at least some degree. English signage is often present, and translation apps can help bridge any other communication barriers.

Do I need a guide for rural areas?
Guides are highly recommended in rural areas to help navigate language barriers and deal with limitations in infrastructure.

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Conclusion

With common sense precautions and a little bit of knowledge, you can easily have a safe trip in China. Avoid tourist scams and petty crimes with the same precautions you’d use at home, and plan well to stay away from restricted areas and avoid weather-related risks. A custom tour will help you plan a perfect itinerary to the best destinations, ensuring safe transportation and reputable hotels and restaurants.

Armed with our professional advice, start planning your 2025 China tour today. Choose from expertly planned travel itineraries to the best sites in China, or contact us to plan a personalized experience for an unforgettable trip.