Is Chengdu safe to visit right now? (November 2026)

Travel advisories for China

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory for China is Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, dated October 19, 2026. This is a country-level advisory, not specific to Chengdu.
• The UK FCDO advisory, last updated August 27, 2026, also applies at the country level rather than to Chengdu specifically. It notes that terrorist attacks in China cannot be ruled out, and while foreigners have not been specifically targeted, attacks may occur in places visited by foreigners, so travelers should take particular care during national holidays and at public transport hubs.
• Chinese national security laws have broad scope, and the FCDO warns that travelers can be detained without having intended to break the law. Those currently or previously linked to foreign governments, media outlets, or NGOs may face greater risk of surveillance, harassment, or detention.
• The FCDO advises that serious crime against foreign nationals is relatively rare, but incidents can happen, and travelers should take care of belongings at major tourist sites and other busy places. Solo travelers in particular should stay alert in crowded areas, especially after dark.
• Travelers should be aware of scams in tourist areas, including the so-called tea tasting or massage scam, where friendly strangers invite visitors to an establishment that then demands a large fee, sometimes followed by threats or violence. The FCDO also recommends familiarizing yourself with QR code phishing risks given the prominence of QR code usage in China.
• Regarding drink spiking and sexual assault, the FCDO states these are rare but can happen, and advises not leaving drinks unattended or accepting drinks from strangers. Women traveling alone or with female friends could be at higher risk, so added caution after dark is warranted.
• The FCDO advises always carrying your passport, as police carry out random checks and do not accept printed copies; failure to produce ID can lead to a fine or detention. Travelers should also avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, as the Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly.