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China

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Still current at: 26 November 2009
Updated: 24 September 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, Local Travel and General - Tibet sections (2009 National Day celebrations) section.  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)


Travel advice for this country

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in China. This reflects both the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and the possibility of terrorist attacks by groups opposed to the Chinese Government. They could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

Domestic Unrest

Ethnic tensions in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (north west China) have led to a number of serious violent incidents over the past year, resulting in the deaths of police officers, security guards, assailants and civilians and in a large number of injuries.

In April 2009 a bomb blast in Urumqi City (capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region) killed one and injured several others.  In early July, state media (Xinhua news agency) reported 197 deaths and more than 1,600 injuries after serious rioting erupted in Urumqi City.  Although the situation was brought under control, tensions again erupted in violent protests in early September leading to five deaths and an unknown number of injuries and arrests.  Reports indicated the situation was extremely tense, with an increased number of military and armed police on the streets and low levels of pedestrian and regular traffic movement; some reports that access to Urumqi City was restricted and foreigners were not being allowed into the city.  On 6 September, State media reported that a number of senior party officials and Public Security Bureau staff in Urumqi had been dismissed as protestors had been demanding.  This action appears to have reduced the tensions somewhat, with businesses reportedly re-opening; the airport remains open.  Schools due to re-open on 7 September have remained closed because of an outbreak of swine flu.  Although foreign nationals do not appear to have been targeted in the unrest, further violence is possible, and British nationals are advised to be aware of heightened ethnic tensions and disruption to travel at this time and to avoid all areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. It should also be noted that, within Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, access to the internet and to international telephone lines is blocked; text messaging is also blocked at this time.  Services are unlikely to be restored in the short term.  To keep yourself informed of developments, monitor local and international media and regularly check this travel advice and register your trip with the Embassy in Beijing.

Crime

At least 197 deaths and more than 1,600 injuries have been reported by the state media agency (Xinhua) after serious rioting in Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (north west China) on 5 July. Although the situation is under control there remains a significant police and security presence in Urumqi City. Although foreign nationals do not appear to have been targeted in the unrest, further violence is possible. We advise British nationals to avoid all areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and be aware of heightened ethnic tensions and disruption to travel at this time. British nationals should note too that access to the internet and to international telephone lines has been blocked in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and is unlikely to be restored fully for some time. You should keep yourself informed of developments, including by regularly checking this travel advice, and you should register your trip with the Embassy in Beijing.  

Serious crime against foreigners is rare.  However, crime does occur both in cities and in the countryside.  In an apparently random attack, an American man was killed and American woman injured in down town Beijing near the Drum Tower on 9 August 2008.

You should be aware that the theft of British passports, particularly in the larger cities, is on the increase.  Major tourist sites attract thieves and pickpockets.  Take extra care around street markets, at Beijing International Airport and when visiting popular expatriate bar areas after dark.  Make sure you visit bar areas in company.  If you resist a robbery attempt, it could lead to serious violence; the use of knives is fairly common.
 
You should be wary of using pedicabs in Beijing.  Since late 2005, there has been an increase in the number of muggings and demands for money with menaces by pedicab drivers.  Foreign females, travelling alone, have been particularly targeted.  If you do use a pedicab, be sure to negotiate the price (in RMB) in advance.  You should also be aware of the possibility that taxi and pedicab drivers might try to switch your genuine bank notes for counterfeits.
 
We advise you not to trek alone in isolated or sparsely populated areas, including those that follow parts of the Great Wall.  If you do so, you should leave your itinerary and expected time of return at your hotel/hostel or with a third party.
 
Areas bordering on Siberia, Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos and Burma are poorly policed.  In Yunnan, drug smuggling and related crimes are on the increase.  There is also a risk of attack from armed bandits in the more remote areas of China.
 
On the whole, travel in China remains safe and incident-free.  However, you should remain alert and keep your valuables, including passport, in a safe place.  In public places, ensure you keep your belongings with you at all times.
 
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Business Disputes

Business disputes in China are not always handled through the courts. Recently, incidents of British nationals being detained against their will by workers or hired gangs for the specific purpose of extorting money or intimidating for other gains have increased. Typically the British national is threatened with violence and detained at a factory, hotel, or private residence until payment is negotiated and delivered. It is rare that violence is actually instigated. However, the threat of violence is a recurring theme and has proved very stressful for our nationals. The police may be reluctant to act unless they have specific evidence of an actual assault taking place.

Anyone entering into a contract in China should have it thoroughly examined, both in the United Kingdom and in China. Contracts entered into in the United Kingdom are not enforced by Chinese courts. British nationals doing business in China should be aware that if they become involved in a business and/or civil dispute, and the case actually goes to court, the Chinese government may prohibit them from leaving China until the matter is resolved. There are some cases of British nationals being prevented from leaving China for months while their civil cases are resolved. Civil cases may sometimes be regarded as criminal cases and the defendant may be placed in custody.

Political Situation

China Country Profile
 
China is in practice a one party state.

You should be aware of strictly enforced regulations against any public demonstrations, which do not have prior approval from the authorities.  Violators have been deported, and could face imprisonment.

Local Travel

Heightened security measures accompany preparations for the 2009 National Day celebrations.  These measures include extensive travel restrictions being imposed in Beijing from 2pm on 30 September and for the whole day on 1 October 2009; all public transport, including taxis and subways, will be affected, as will Beijing International airport which will be closed during the morning of 1 October 2009.  Certain tourist attractions in Beijing now display signs indicating the period during which they will be closed, with some up to and including 5 October 2009.  

Severe weather conditions are possible in eastern and southern coastal provinces during the typhoon season (May-November).  You should check before travelling to these provinces during these months.
 
You may face body temperature monitoring measures (to identify anyone travelling with a fever) imposed by local and provincial authorities when you travel within China, particularly since the outbreak of A/H1N1. See the Health section of this travel advice for more detailed information on quarantine and other measures that have been put in place by the Chinese authorities.
 
For travel to Tibet see the General (Tibet) section of this travel advice.

Road Travel

The poor quality of roads and generally low driving standards leads to many, sometimes serious, accidents. If you are involved in a serious accident, you may be prevented from leaving the country until the case is resolved.
 
For further information see Driving Abroad.

Sea Travel

There have been several incidents of overcrowded ferries sinking, leading to loss of life.  There have also been attacks of piracy in the South China Sea.  We advise mariners to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.
 
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Rail Travel

Trains are inexpensive and a generally safe mode of travel.  They can be very crowded but are a popular way to travel, even for long distances.

On 28 April 2008 at least 70 people were killed and over 400 injured after two trains collided in Shandong Province.  An enquiry by the Chinese authorities concluded that the crash was caused by human error.  This was the most serious train crash since 2005.

Trans-Siberian express trains are noted for smuggling.  Search your compartment and secure the cabin door before departure.  Petty theft from overnight trains and buses is common.

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Contacts

China, Beijing, British Embassy

Address:

11 Guang Hua Lu
Jian Guo Men Wai
Beijing 100600

Telephone:

(+86) (10) 5192 4000
(+86) (10) 8529 6083 Consular assistance
(+86)(10)8454 9856 / (+86)(10)8447 7519 Visa

Fax:

(+86) (10) 5192 4239
(+86) (10) 5192 4218 Trade & Investment
(+86) (10) 8529 6081 Consular

Office hours:

Office hours, Monday-Friday
08:30-12:00 / 13:30-17:00 (Local time)
00:30-04:00 / 05:30-09:00 (GMT)
Public opening hours ›

Website: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en/

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