China is one of the tourist destinations in Asia, attracting many visitors annually due to its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving economy. Generally, the safety level in this country is considered high, but is that really the case? Every country has areas where crime rates, environmental hazards, or social instability are higher, which may pose risks to travelers. Even if someone is completely unaware of them, it could lead to irreparable consequences.
Although China is statistically safer than many Western countries, some of its cities have crime rates, industrial hazards, or other dangers that visitors should be aware of to ensure a safe trip to China. Whether you’re a tourist or an immigrant, knowing about China’s dangerous cities could save your life! Safety is an extremely important issue and should never be taken lightly.
If you have a friend living in China, you can ask them about protests or socio-political tensions in a certain area or check online to know where not to go. But do you know where pickpockets and thieves are most active? Are you aware of the places with the highest reported thefts?
In this article, we examine China’s most dangerous cities based on crime statistics, government reports, and expert insights, and provide tips to help you stay safe and avoid potential dangers if you plan to visit any city on this list.
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What are The Biggest Risks in China?
Before we continue with the article and get to know the dangerous cities in China, let’s get to know the dangers that exist in China and get an overview of the dangers that are often reported from the country. It is important to clarify what makes a city “dangerous” in China. Unlike countries with high violent crime rates, the dangers in China are mostly caused by:
- Petty theft and fraud (common in tourist areas)
- Industrial accidents (due to rapid urbanization)
- Air pollution (some cities have dangerous air quality)
- Traffic accidents (reckless driving is a major issue)
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods in certain areas)
High-Crime Cities in China
While China is one of the safest countries in Asia and the crime rate in the country is low, there are still some reports of theft, fraud, and organized crime from the cities of Guangdong province.
- Dongguan
Dongguan is one of the cities with a medium to high crime risk, with some key concerns including organized crime, human trafficking, and prostitution rings. Dongguan was once notorious for its underground economy, and while crackdowns have reduced crime, illegal activities still persist in certain districts.
- Guangzhou
Another city in Guangdong Province with a medium crime risk is Guangzhou, which, as a major commercial hub, is home to both legal and black market transactions. Tourist areas like Beijing Road are hot spots for pickpockets, so be careful in these areas.
- Shenzhen
If you follow tech news, you must have heard the name of Shenzhen many times. The city has adapted to the growth of technology and has become the technology capital of China. This growth has made Shenzhen a ready-made platform for online scams, intellectual property theft, and financial fraud.
| City | Violent Crime Rate (per 100k) | Theft Rate (per 100k) |
|---|---|---|
| Dongguan | 5.2 | 320 |
| Guangzhou | 3.8 | 290 |
| Shenzhen | 2.9 | 270 |
(Source: China National Bureau of Statistics)
Safety Tip for this Cities: Avoid poorly lit areas at night, especially near nightlife districts. Keep valuables secure in crowded places.
Cities with Severe Pollution & Environmental Risks
Although the rapid development of technology and industry in China has led to the country’s rapid economic growth, it has also led to severe pollution in some areas. In order to have a safe trip that does not lead to problems that threaten your health later, you should not stay in these areas for a long time.
Remember that not all areas of these cities have environmental hazards, and some of them do, but in some large cities like Beijing, the air is very polluted, and it is recommended that you follow health tips and wear a mask to avoid lung problems.
- Beijing
As we said, Beijing is one of the polluted cities in China. Due to the rapid growth of industry, many factories have been built in it, but this has caused the Air Quality Index (AQI) to often exceed 150 (unhealthy). Most people living in this city usually complain of respiratory diseases and reduced vision.
- Shijiazhuang
One of the cities in Hebei Province with very high pollution levels is Shijiazhuang. The city is in the very unhealthy category with an AQI that is often above 200 and has key concerns of industrial smog and coal emissions. To stay safe, try to wear a mask outdoors.
- Linfen
Linfen is a city with dangerous pollution levels, with AQI sometimes exceeding 300, and is a dangerous city in terms of natural hazards. Coal mining pollution as well as heavy metal pollution do not allow the city’s pollution to go down very much.
Worst Pollution Days (2025 Averages)
| City | Days with AQI > 150 | Days with AQI > 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 120 | 45 |
| Shijiazhuang | 180 | 90 |
| Linfen | 210 | 130 |
(Source: World Air Quality Index)
Safety Tip: Wear N95 masks, use air purifiers, and check real-time AQI apps before outdoor activities.
Cities with High Traffic Accident Rates
China, despite its violent crime rate, has a high road fatality rate. The cities below are particularly dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Unfortunately, the average annual road fatality rate in these cities is close to 1,000. To stay safe, always use crosswalks and be extra cautious when riding a bike or scooter.
Chongqing tops the list with the highest annual traffic fatalities. Mountainous roads and reckless driving are the main reasons why the city has the highest rate among Chinese cities.
After Chongqing, Wuhan in Hubei province is in second place. With 950 traffic fatalities per year, this city is one of the most dangerous cities in China. The main factors that put this city on this list are that, unlike other Chinese cities, it has poor road infrastructure. Aggressive drivers also exacerbate the statistics and do not let the statistics go down.
The third city in China with a high number of traffic fatalities is Nanjing in Jiangsu province. Frequent accidents in this city due to carelessness and high density of scooters are the main risks that cause the death rate to increase. So if you want to travel to this city, be sure to watch yourself and your children on the streets and always be aware of your surroundings so that you can see if a scooter wants to pass by.
Cities Prone to Natural Disasters
Some cities in China are prone to frequent natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes, which you should be aware of and know which cities are at risk.
Chengdu is located in an earthquake-prone area and is subject to frequent earthquakes. Guangzhou is known for its frequent flooding, and Harbin freezes for about 30 days in the winter, so it is recommended to avoid transportation. Stay up-to-date on weather warnings and local protocols to avoid getting into trouble.
How to Stay Safe in China’s Dangerous Cities
- Avoid Dark Alleys at Night – Stick to well-lit, populated areas.
- Use Licensed Taxis – Scam taxis overcharge tourists.
- Monitor Air Quality – Limit outdoor activities on high-pollution days.
- Beware of Scams – Fake monks, tea scams, and overpriced souvenirs are common.
- Learn Emergency Numbers – Police: 110, Fire: 119, Ambulance: 120.
Conclusion
China is generally a safe country, but some of its cities have specific dangers that being aware of can greatly impact your travel experience in China. Some have high crime rates, while others have seen high fatalities due to natural disasters or traffic accidents. By being aware and taking precautions, you can minimize the risks and make the most of your stay in China.
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