Is China safe for foreign tourists?

Editor's note: Safety is the top priority for any tourist planning to travel abroad. Compared with other countries, is China safer for travelers? China Daily's expat readers share their experiences.

futsanglung (UK)

I have travelled around China since 1997, visiting many places most people have never heard of and I have never been worried for my safety. But I urge all travelers anywhere to take reasonable care, nowhere is perfect.

A foreign tourist takes selfies in front of the Tiananmen Rostrum during the May Day holiday in Beijing, China, May 1, 2014. Photo:IC

Andy (US)

China is so safe generally that I fear for Chinese people who travel overseas – they might think it's like this everywhere.

Two foreign tourists ride bicycles to tour around the West Lake in Hangzhou city, east Chinas Zhejiang province, July 20, 2013.Photo:IC

yiwuaussie (Australia)

I and my family feel much safer in China than in the cities of Australia. I feel my children are safer there too...We are Australian and have lived in China many times...

A foreign tourist stands near a terracotta warrior replica as she poses for a photo at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xi'an, in central China's Shaanxi province on July 30, 2013. Photo:IC

teamkrejados (France)

Completely agree! China is where I feel safest... even though all my friends are constantly telling me to take care of my things.

A Chinese drayman pulls his rickshaw carrying two foreign tourist in Beijing, China, July 14, 2014.Photo:IC

Colinspeakman (UK)

Safety has so many meanings. Guns are rare, so violent crime against tourists is rare. I compare some examples in other countries. In major Chinese cities there is a lot of security. It is easy to feel safe in Beijing. Overall, across a mix of criteria China is pretty good.

A foreign tourist takes a picture of the West Lake in Hangzhou city, east Chinas Zhejiang province on May 14, 2013.Photo:IC

bulainen (Australia)

I have travelled in many parts of the world and I say that China is certainly one of the safest places to visit. I have travelled in and outside about 20 cities in China. You should always be careful about flaunting wealth or not watching property, whatever part of the world you are in.

Foreign tourists ride on the camels to enjoy the scenery of Shawan tourist site in Inner Mongolia on June 29, 2013.Photo:IC

Ratfink (Australia)

In terms of being safe from muggings and violence in general, China is extremely safe, I've never felt unsafe anywhere in China.

Foreign tourists visit Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, December 2, 2013.Photo:IC

Barbara (UK)

Yes, China is a REALLY safe county for foreigners. Everybody will help foreigners. I have never met there any people who treated me badly. I think USA or any other European country might be less safe for tourists than China.

A foreign guest eats a Nanxiang steamed bun during the 2013 Shanghai Nanxiang Xiaolongbao culture exhibition at Nanxiang Town, Shanghai, China, September 28, 2013.Photo:IC