China Travel Safety: Why It’s One of the Safest Travel Destinations

China, a country with 5,000 years of history, is not only home to world-famous landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City but is also celebrated as one of the safest travel destinations worldwide. Imagine strolling along the Bund in Shanghai at midnight or enjoying late-night snacks in a Beijing hutong without worrying about theft or robbery. This peace of mind has made China a true “safe haven” for global travelers. But how exactly does China achieve this? The answer lies in a unique “safety triangle”: nationwide surveillance, a cashless society, and strong community security.

1. Safety by the Numbers: China Ranks Ahead Globally

China’s safety isn’t just a claim—it’s backed by data. According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, China ranks well above many popular tourist countries. Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index scores China at 76.5 out of 100, much higher than the U.S. (50.83) and the U.K. (51.58). Violent crime is rare: China’s homicide rate is only 0.5 per 100,000 people, compared to 6.8 in the U.S. and over 20 in Brazil. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, over 85% of foreign visitors reported feeling safe walking alone at night—well above the European average.

2. “Sky Eye” Protection: The World’s Largest Camera Network

One key to China’s safety is its massive surveillance system, known as the “Skynet Project.” With more than 200 million public cameras—four times more than in the U.S.—China has the densest surveillance network in the world. Tourist hotspots like the Forbidden City or the Bund are monitored 24/7. These cameras don’t just record; they use AI to detect suspicious behavior and alert police instantly. Since their widespread adoption, property crimes have dropped significantly. Tourists often say, “You feel safe because cameras are everywhere—even lost items can be tracked and returned.” For petty thieves, it’s practically game over.

3. Cashless Living: How Mobile Payments Make Theft Pointless

Another major factor is China’s cashless lifestyle. By 2025, mobile payment usage reached 95% nationwide, making cash almost unnecessary. With Alipay and WeChat Pay, even street vendors accept QR codes. This makes theft far less profitable—there’s simply no cash to steal. Studies show theft and robbery dropped by 20–30% after mobile payments became mainstream. Tourists are often amazed: “You can pay for anything with just your phone—it’s so convenient and safe!” Plus, accounts can be frozen instantly if a phone is lost, keeping money secure.

4. The Safety Triangle: Technology, Habits, and Culture

Combine the camera network with cashless payments, and criminals face both high risk and low reward. Police catch rates for theft and robbery reach 90%, while the cashless system leaves thieves empty-handed. Add in community patrols and China’s generally harmonious culture, and you get an unbeatable formula for safety. For example, Shanghai’s 2025 tourism report noted a 95% nighttime safety rate for foreign visitors, with theft cases dropping 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Conclusion: Travel Freely, Explore Safely in China

All in all, China offers both breathtaking sights and unmatched peace of mind. From the Great Wall to the Bund, from hutongs to night markets, you can explore without fear. Here, safety is more than a promise—it’s part of the travel experience itself.