China is much safer than most western countries and violence against foreigners is extremely rare. However, China does have very large highly populated cities and the divide between the "haves" and "have nots" is growing -- common sense and basic personal safety precautions should be always followed as pick-pocketing and other petty crime is not uncommon.

The following is from the U. S. State Department:

 

Threats to Safety and Security: For most visitors, China remains a very safe country. Petty street crime and business disputes between U.S. and Chinese partners are the most common concerns.

 

Some parts of the country are restricted or you may need a special permit to travel. Please keep in mind that you are a guest in a foreign country where U.S. laws don't apply. You are subject to Chinese law and legal procedures.

 

Security personnel carefully watch foreign visitors and may place you under surveillance. Hotel rooms, offices, cars, taxis, telephones, internet usage, and fax machines may be monitored onsite or remotely, and personal possessions in hotel rooms, including computers, may be searched without your consent or knowledge.

 

Violent crime is rare in China, but violent demonstrations can erupt without warning and in past years there have been some fatal bombings and explosions which could pose a random threat to foreign visitors in the area. The vast majority of these local incidents are related to disputes over land seizures, social issues, employment disputes, environmental problems, or conflicts involving ethnic minorities. Some incidents have become large-scale and involved criminal activity, including hostage taking and vandalism.

 

CRIME: When visiting China, you should always take routine safety precautions and pay attention to your surroundings. Petty theft remains the most prevalent type of crime encountered. Pickpockets target tourists at sightseeing destinations, airports, markets, and stores. Make sure you guard your wallet and passport, as most incidents tend to involve items kept in back pockets, backpacks, or bags/purses swung over a shoulder or set down in a vehicle, restaurant, or shop.

 

Narcotics-related crimes and use are also on the rise in China. Chinese law enforcement authorities have little tolerance for illegal drugs, and they periodically conduct widespread sweeps of bar and nightclub districts, targeting narcotics distributors and drug users. Expatriates from various countries have been detained in such police actions.

 

Con-artists targeting visitors are also common in popular tourist sites. A common scam involves younger Chinese “English students,� often women or a couple, offering a local tour and an invitation to tea at a nearby restaurant. When the bill comes, the restaurant owners force victims to pay an exorbitant bill before they can leave the premises.

 

Taxi drivers, especially at airports, sometimes target arriving travelers, refusing to use the meter or claiming they are a limousine and can charge higher fares. Always have the name of your destination written in Chinese to show the driver, and get a receipt when you arrive at your destination. It is a good practice to keep valuables such as purses, camera bags, and computer cases next to you or in your lap rather than in a less-accessible area of the taxi. Ask the driver to remove the bags from the trunk before you get out of the taxi so he cannot drive away with your luggage.

 

Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law. Some U.S. citizens report that items purchased, even at state-owned or museum stores, believed to be antiques or genuine gems are later determined to be reproductions.

 

Counterfeit currency is a significant concern in China. Cab drivers and businesses have given many people, not just tourists, counterfeit currency. Carrying small bills or using exact change, particularly in taxis, can help protect you. Some merchants will switch a large bill with a counterfeit bill and return it to you, claiming that you passed them the counterfeit bill. If you must pay with RMB 100 bills, it may be useful to note the last few serial numbers before paying in case they get switched. There have been cases of people receiving counterfeit bills from free-standing ATMs. Use only ATMs at financial institutions or those recommended by your hotel.

 

Political protest is not legal or permitted in China and is rarely encountered by foreigners. Travelers who have attempted to engage in political protest activities in public places have been deported quickly, in some cases at their own expense, usually before the U.S. Embassy is aware of the situation.

 

Participating in unauthorized political activities or protests against Chinese policy in China, may result in lengthy detentions and may impact your eligibility for future visas to visit China. Foreigners engaging in pro-Falun Gong or pro-Tibetan activities have been detained or immediately deported from China, usually at their own expense, after being questioned. Several reported they were subject to interrogations and were physically abused during detention. In addition, some alleged that personal property, including clothing, cameras, and computers, was not returned.

 

U.S. citizens have been detained and expelled for distributing religious literature. Chinese customs authorities have enforced strict regulations concerning the importation of religious literature, including Bibles. If you bring religious literature with you, it should be a "reasonable amount� for your personal use only. If you attempt to bring larger quantities, the literature will likely be confiscated and you may be fined, detained, or deported.

 

For more information:

 

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1089.html