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

Travel advisories for China

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates China at Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, dated October 19, 2026; this advisory is issued at the country level, not specifically for Hangzhou.
• The UK FCDO advisory is also a country-level guide for China, last updated August 27, 2026, and notes that terrorist attacks in China cannot be ruled out, even though foreigners have not been specifically targeted; extra care is advised during national holidays and at public transport hubs.
• China's national security laws have broad scope, and travelers can be detained without having intended to break the law; those with past or current links to foreign governments, media outlets, or NGOs may face greater scrutiny.
• Serious crime against foreign nationals is described as relatively rare, but the FCDO warns travelers to watch their belongings at major tourist sites and busy places where foreigners gather.
• Solo travelers, especially women traveling alone or with female friends, should be cautious about drink spiking and should never leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers, as the FCDO notes this can lead to sexual assault.
• The FCDO highlights scams such as the 'tea tasting' or 'massage' scam, where friendly strangers invite visitors to an establishment that later demands a large fee, sometimes followed by threats or credit card fraud; travelers should also be alert to QR code phishing given how widely QR codes are used in China.
• Travelers should always carry their passport, as police may conduct random ID checks, particularly around major events, and should avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and sensitive areas such as those with restricted military access or large ethnic minority populations, where added attention from authorities is possible, including after dark.