1. General Safety Situation for Traveling in China

China is one of the safest countries in the world in terms of public security, with low crime rates and a well-established public safety system. Whether in cities or popular tourist areas, there is extensive police patrol and surveillance coverage, allowing tourists to travel with peace of mind. Below are specific analyses:

(1) Post-Pandemic Health and Safety Measures

• China has fully reopened its entry policies, eliminating health codes and quarantine requirements (as per the latest policy as of 2023).
• Masks are still recommended in public places such as airports, high-speed railway stations, and hotels, and some venues offer disinfection facilities.
• It is suggested to purchase travel insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19.

(2) Travel Safety Recommendations

• Personal Property Protection: Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist spots like the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Bund in Shanghai. It is recommended to use money belts or anti-theft backpacks.
• Traffic Safety: Follow traffic rules; vehicles in China drive on the right side of the road. Pay attention to electric scooters and bicycles when crossing the street.
• Fraud Prevention Guide: Avoid accepting 'low-price tour groups' or 'souvenir promotions' recommended by strangers at tourist sites.

2. Visa and Entry Requirements

(1) Visa Policy

• U.S. citizens need to apply for a Chinese visa (Tourist L-visa), which can be submitted through the Chinese embassy or consulate in the U.S. or at a visa center (with materials such as passport, itinerary, hotel reservation confirmation).
• Visa processing time is approximately 4-7 working days, and it is recommended to apply 1-2 months in advance.

(2) Recommended Entry Cities

• Recommended Entry Cities: International airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc., are well-equipped and offer multi-language services.
• Airport Transportation: All major airports have subways, taxis, and ride-hailing services (such as Didi) connecting to the city center. It is suggested to download a map app in advance (such as Amap or Baidu Maps).

3. Health and Medical Services

• Hospitals and Pharmacies: Top-tier hospitals in China have international medical departments (such as Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai), and pharmacies (such as Lao Bai Xing Pharmacy) sell common over-the-counter medications.
• Emergency Numbers: Call 120 for medical emergencies, 110 for police, and 119 for fire.

4. Useful Safety Tools and Contact Information

• Emergency Contacts:
• U.S. Embassy/Consulates in China phone numbers (Beijing: +86-10-8531-3000; Shanghai: +86-21-8011-2400).
• Useful Apps:
• WeChat/Alipay: After linking to an international credit card, you can make QR code payments, book rides, and tickets.
• Didi Chuxing: Supports English interface, but requires registration with a Chinese mobile number.

5. Other Precautions

• Language Communication: Hotel and tourist site staff in major cities generally speak basic English, but for remote areas, it is recommended to download translation apps in advance (such as Tencent Translation).
• Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs (such as no loud talking in temples) and avoid discussing sensitive political topics.