Is Hangzhou safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for China

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates China at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, as a country-level advisory rather than one specific to Hangzhou.
• UK guidance notes that terrorist attacks in China cannot be ruled out, and while foreigners are not specifically targeted, attacks can occur in places visited by tourists, especially around national holidays and transport hubs.
• China's national security laws have broad scope, and travelers can be detained without having intended to break any law, so it is worth being cautious about political statements, photography, and activity connected to media or advocacy groups.
• Scams such as the so-called tea-tasting or massage scam target visitors in tourist areas and can escalate to demands for large payments or threats, so it is wise to be wary of overly friendly strangers offering these activities.
• Serious crime against foreign nationals is described as relatively rare, but travelers should still watch their belongings at busy tourist sites and avoid leaving drinks unattended, since drink spiking has been reported.
• Solo travelers, and especially women traveling alone or with friends, are noted as facing somewhat higher risk in these situations and may want extra caution after dark or in unfamiliar venues.
• Carrying a passport at all times is advised, since police carry out random identification checks and do not accept printed copies.