Is Hefei 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 rating, not specific to Hefei.
• The UK FCDO advisory, last updated August 27, 2026, is also issued at the country level for China and notes that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, though foreigners have not been specifically targeted; extra care is advised during national holidays and at transport hubs.
• Chinese national security laws have broad scope, and travelers can be detained without having intended to break the law; those who are or have been linked to foreign governments, media outlets, or NGOs may face greater scrutiny, surveillance, or detention.
• Travelers should always carry their passport, since police carry out random ID checks, especially during heightened security periods, and printed copies are not accepted; failure to produce ID can result in a fine or detention.
• Scams such as the 'tea tasting' or 'massage' scam occur in tourist areas, where friendly strangers invite visitors to an establishment that then demands a large fee, sometimes followed by threats or credit card fraud; travelers should also be cautious of QR code phishing given its widespread use in China.
• Solo travelers, particularly women, should avoid leaving drinks unattended or accepting them from strangers, as drink spiking and sexual assault, while rare, have occurred; staying in well-lit, populated areas after dark and keeping aware of surroundings is advisable.
• Demonstrations and large gatherings should be avoided, as Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly and may arrest, detain, or deport participants, including foreign journalists attempting to report on such events.