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

Travel advisories for China

What the advice says

• The US State Department places China at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and this rating applies at the country level rather than specifically to Shantou.
• UK FCDO guidance is also issued for China as a whole and notes that terrorist attacks in the country cannot be ruled out, though foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted.
• The FCDO advises that serious crime against foreign nationals is relatively rare, but travelers should watch their belongings at busy tourist sites and be cautious of scams such as unsolicited invitations to tea tastings or massages that can lead to inflated bills or threats.
• Chinese national security laws have broad scope, and the FCDO warns that foreign nationals, including those with past links to media, NGOs, or foreign governments, could be detained without clearly having broken any specific law.
• Travelers should always carry their passport, since police carry out random ID checks and printed copies are not accepted.
• Women traveling alone or with friends are advised to avoid leaving drinks unattended, as drink spiking and personal attacks, while rare, have been reported.
• Photographing sensitive sites or engaging with political or ethnic minority issues can draw additional scrutiny from authorities, so travelers should stay aware of their surroundings, especially after dark or in unfamiliar areas.