Is Xi’an 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, titled 'Exercise Increased Caution,' dated October 19, 2026; this is a country-level rating, not specific to Xi'an.
• The UK FCDO advisory, last updated August 27, 2026, notes that terrorist attacks in China cannot be ruled out, and travelers should take particular care during national holidays and at public transport hubs.
• The FCDO states that serious crime against foreign nationals is relatively rare but advises travelers to watch their belongings at major tourist sites and other busy places where foreign nationals gather.
• The FCDO warns about drink spiking and sexual assault, advising travelers not to leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers; women traveling alone or with female friends could be at higher risk, so solo travelers should stay especially alert after dark and in unfamiliar areas.
• The FCDO highlights scams in popular tourist areas, such as the 'tea tasting' or 'massage' scam, 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 the prominence of QR code usage in China.
• The FCDO notes that Chinese national security laws have broad scope and that travelers can be detained without having intended to break the law; always carry your passport, as police carry out random checks and do not accept printed copies.
• The FCDO advises that foreign nationals traveling to or around 'sensitive' areas may attract more attention from authorities, particularly when taking photographs or engaging with political groups, charities, or ethnic minority populations, and recommends avoiding demonstrations or large gatherings.