Is Guangzhou Safe For Tourists? Crime Rates & Safety

Due to its ideal trading location, Guangzhou attracts millions of visitors every year. But what about the safety and security of the city, is Guangzhou safe for tourists? Scoring 64 out of 100 on the safety index, Guangzhou is a low-to-moderate-risk place to visit. Pickpocketing and tourist scams are the biggest concerns for travelers. With an estimated population of about 13 million, Guangzhou is the third most populous city in China. It is also known by its alternate name, Canton, the name from which the Canton Fair, one of the largest and oldest import and export fairs in China, takes its title.

Guangzhou Crime Rate & Safety Index

• Crime: 54.36
• Safety: 64.64
• Overall Safety Risk: Low / Medium

Safety In Guangzhou

With respect to all criminal activities that can be defined as “potentially life-threatening,” Guangzhou is regarded as a fairly low-risk city. The frequency of any major criminal activity is low, per the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory. Small crimes are common; however, the absence of major life-threatening crimes such as mugging or terrorism makes Guangzhou a non-violent and tourist-welcoming place. Overall, Guangzhou is safe for tourists. However, there are various petty crimes a newcomer should be aware of on a first visit.

• Pickpocketing: Pickpocketing in Guangzhou is one of the highest areas of concern for foreign travelers. Due to the large number of tourists, mainly because of the Canton Fair, pickpocketing in large shopping areas or on crowded public transport is common. Tourists are advised against showing off large amounts of cash in public, especially in crowded places.
• Bag Snatching: Apart from pickpocketing, bag snatching also poses a serious threat. It is advisable for visitors to make copies of their passports and other relevant documents and keep them safe.
• Mugging: Violent crimes such as mugging are rare in Guangzhou. Tourists are unlikely to face kidnapping or mugging.
• Terrorism: Any kind of terrorist activity in Guangzhou is minimal.
• Bars and night clubs: Although violent crime is rare, it sometimes occurs. The most prone places are bars and night clubs.
• Women’s safety: Guangzhou does not have an extensive record of harassment or assault, especially against tourists. For women traveling alone in China, Guangzhou is safer than most metropolitan cities around the world. Still, one should be careful not to go out alone at night, especially around bar and night-club areas.

Scams In Guangzhou To Avoid

Due to the large number of visitors Guangzhou attracts every year, the problem of locals running scams is high. The most common is luring tourists with fake currency exchanges, only deal with proper authorities to change currency to the Chinese yuan. Another scam involves taxi drivers overcharging tourists and refusing to take out luggage if passengers refuse payment. Shop owners may also slip in a fake note when giving change, so check your currency whenever you shop in Guangzhou.

Overall Safety

Overall, Guangzhou is a fairly safe place for any visitor. The only precautions to take are boarding registered taxis or using public transport, and keeping a close watch on your wallet at all times. So, is Guangzhou safe for tourists? Yes, with sensible caution, everyone should feel safe during their visit.