China🇨🇳
China, the world's most populous country, is located in East Asia and is the world's third-largest country by area. It is bordered by 14 different countries including Russia, Mongolia, North Korea, India, and Vietnam. China is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, including The Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Forbidden City and much more. At the same time, it is home to spectacular natural landscapes such as the Yellow Mountains, Li River, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and Jiuzhaigou. The country's relationship with its neighboring countries varies with border disputes with some and strong bilateral trade relation with others. China is also known for its distinct cultural practices, such as the Chinese Tea Ceremony, and annual events like the Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. The country offers a wide variety of experiences, from hiking in the wild landscapes, exploring ancient historical sites to tasting diverse Chinese cuisines.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water without boiling it first due to contamination risks.
- Avoid travelling without a copy of your passport and visa – it's a legal requirement in China to carry ID at all times.
- Avoid being out alone at night in less populated areas.
- Avoid unofficial taxis or other unregulated transport options as they may overcharge or not follow safety protocols.
- Avoid public discussion or dissemination of material critical of the government to prevent legal trouble.
- Avoid sensitive topics such as politics, Tibet, Taiwan, and the Tiananmen Square incident.
- Avoid large crowds and gatherings which could turn into unforeseen events.
- Avoid any public display of affection if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, especially outside major cities.
- Avoid visiting rural health facilities for significant healthcare issues due to lower standards.
- Avoid travel during Chinese public holidays to avoid overcrowding at attractions and inflated pricing.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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China has relatively low levels of crime, though minor street crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching are not uncommon in crowded areas such as markets and railway stations. Certain cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, known for their bustling marketplaces, can be susceptible to these petty crimes. It's always recommended to exercise caution and keep personal belongings secure.
Terrorism 💣
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China experiences relatively low levels of terrorism attributable to subdued separatist activities in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. However, in 2014, there was a significant incident at Kunming railway station where knife-wielding attackers killed 31 people and injured more than 140. Despite this, the government's strong counterterrorism measures make visiting most areas in China generally safe.
War ⚔️
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China has had a long history of border disputes which have resulted in wars, such as The Sino-Indian War in 1962 and conflict with Vietnam in 1979. However, today the situation is stable and any current disputes are mostly diplomatic, not military. Border areas can still be sensitive regions and caution is advised.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Natural disasters are relatively frequent in China. It bears the brunt of the annual Pacific typhoon season and suffers from frequent earthquakes, such as the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake which claimed over 80,000 lives. Moreover, regions like Tibet and Yunnan are vulnerable to landslides during the monsoon period.
Medical Care 🏥
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China has made significant improvements in its healthcare system, especially in cities where modern and well-equipped facilities can be found. However, in rural areas, medical care standards are significantly lower. It's also important to note that most medical personnel do not speak English outside of major cities.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in China is not considered safe to drink directly due to the risk of pathogens and heavy metals. Although it's generally fine for brushing your teeth, it's always safest to boil water before drinking or buy bottled water.
Disease Burden 🤒
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China has done a commendable job of managing diseases through robust public health policies. However, air pollution in urban areas and rural-urban disparities in healthcare lead to a significant burden of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Also, in 2020, the nation was immensely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, originating in Wuhan City.
Corruption 💸
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China has been marred by corruption scandals in the past. Currently, it is undergoing extensive anti-corruption efforts. Although the situation has improved, corruption, mostly in the forms of bribery, graft, and abuse of power, still exists, especially in the rural and remote areas.
Safety for Women ♀️
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China is generally safe for women travelers, and incidents of harassment are rare. However, care should be taken particularly in crowded places and while using public transportation. General safety precautions that apply anywhere in the world, would also apply here.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While homosexuality is legal in China and the society is slowly becoming more accepting, conservative attitudes still prevail in many regions and discrimination can occur. Beijing and Shanghai have more open LGBTQ+ scenes though care should be taken to avoid public displays of affection especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
Censorship 📺
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China is known for its strong censorship policies, especially pertaining to the internet. Websites like Google, Facebook, YouTube are blocked, known as the 'Great Firewall of China'. Government control and censorship extend to media, the arts, and academia.
Public Transportation 🚌
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China boasts an efficient public transportation network, particularly in its cities where subways, buses, trams, and taxis are readily available. High-speed trains also connect most major cities. While generally safe, crowded rush-hour conditions can see an increase in pickpocketing incidents in some cities.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
China is a generally safe country to visit with a low crime rate. However, like any country, it has its own set of dangers and inconveniences. Petty theft exists, especially in crowded areas. Natural disasters occur relatively frequently, so be alert to local news and take precautions if any warnings are issued. Be mindful of cultural and political sensitivities. Exercise general caution, comply with local laws, maintain digital security, and ensure you have access to clean drinking water.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Numerous foreign embassies and consulates are located in the capital city, Beijing, including those of the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and many others. Consulates can also be found in other major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Travelers are recommended to be updated on routine vaccinations along with Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and in some cases, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Yellow Fever depending on the regions of travel within China.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
While most animals in China do not pose a danger to humans, the Chinese pit viper and certain species of poisonous spiders can be a cause for concern. It's best to avoid interaction with unfamiliar animals, particularly in the wild.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most foreign visitors will need a visa to enter China. Some major cities offer 72 or 144-hour visa-free transits to citizens of certain countries. The visa process involves quite a few steps including an invitation letter from a contact in China or a detailed itinerary if you are a tourist.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY), with the basic unit being Yuan. Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and airports. ATMs are widely available and provide a reasonable exchange rate.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist destinations, less so in rural areas. Also, mobile payment systems like WeChat Pay and Alipay are extensively used.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
China offers various opportunities for work and travel, mainly in larger cities. However, China has strict visa regulations and working on a tourist visa is prohibited and can result in deportation or fines.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in China varies greatly between cities and countryside. Living expenses and accommodation in cities like Beijing and Shanghai are comparable to Western cities. However, travel can be quite affordable, especially by using public transport and eating local cuisine.