safety

Two years ago a client slipped on a wet marble floor at his Beijing hotel. Just a sprained wrist — but his travel insurance didn't cover China. He ended up paying ¥800 at a walk-in clinic and spent the rest of his trip anxious about what would happen if something serious happened. Don't be that guy. I tell every client: check your travel insurance covers China BEFORE you leave. Not all policies do. Here's what to look for: — Medical coverage in China (some policies exclude it) — Minimum $100,000 coverage — Coverage for TCM treatment (acupuncture, tuina — these count as legitimate medical expenses here) — 24-hour English helpline If your insurer says "worldwide excluding USA" — that usually covers China. But call and confirm. Don't rely on the fine print. The good news: China's hospitals are excellent and affordable. An MRI costs ¥480. An emergency room visit for something minor? ¥200-500. Even without insurance, it won't bankrupt you. But with insurance, you travel without that worry in the back of your mind.

A friend from Germany visited Chongqing and asked nervously: "Is it safe here at night?" I told him: I let my 6-year-old go downstairs alone to buy soy sauce from the corner shop. My 70-year-old mom square dances in the park at 9 PM. In 15 years of doing this work, violent crime against a tourist? Not one. Pickpocketing at crowded spots? Sure — same as anywhere. Lost my wallet in a Didi three times — got it back every time. He walked back from a night market at 11 PM on his last night. Messaged me: "This city feels alive at night, not dangerous." The real danger in China? Crossing the road in Chongqing during rush hour. That I cannot defend you from.

The most common question I get from families: "Is China safe for kids?" Short answer: yes. Long answer: I've been raising my two kids here for years, and the things I worry about in China are different from what parents worry about back home. I don't worry about stranger danger — Chinese people adore children and will go out of their way to help if your kid is upset. A crying child in a Chinese park attracts grandmas like a magnet. They'll produce snacks, toys, and comforting pats from nowhere. I don't worry about traffic — Chinese drivers are chaotic but aware. They expect pedestrians to do unpredictable things. What I do worry about: heat (summers are brutal in most cities), food spice levels (my kids eat mild, ask for 不辣 at restaurants), and bathroom access (not all public toilets are kid-friendly — I always scout one before the kids announce they need it). More detailed tips on the family travel guide. But the bottom line: if you survived a trip with kids anywhere, you'll survive China. And your kids will eat more dumplings than you thought possible.