China
🏛️ Capital: Beijing
👥 Population: 1.41 billion
💬 Language: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)
💰 Currency: Chinese Yuan / Renminbi (CNY / RMB)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Great Wall, Forbidden City, diverse cuisine, scenic landscapes, ancient culture
📈 High Season: April to October
📉 Low Season: November to March
☀️ The warmest month: July
❄️ The coldest month: January
🌧 The rainiest month: July
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 74/100
Rank: 49th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in China:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tick-borne encephalitis
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in China with no vaccine currently available:
- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Leishmaniasis
- Schistosoma
- Scrub typhus
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about China?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! China is already available there.
China FAQ
Is it safe to travel to China in terms of health risks?
Yes, China is generally safe for travelers, but health risks vary by region. Air pollution in cities like Beijing can affect respiratory health, while foodborne illnesses are a risk nationwide. With proper vaccinations, safe food practices, and good preparation, most travelers stay healthy.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to China?
Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Depending on your itinerary, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies may also be advised, especially for rural or long-term stays. MyGlobdoc can create a personalized vaccination guide for your travel plans.
Are there any common diseases in China that travelers should know about?
Yes. Traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid are common food-related illnesses. In rural southern areas, Japanese encephalitis is a risk, and seasonal influenza spreads easily in crowded cities. Respiratory issues can worsen due to air pollution in urban centers.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in China?
Eat freshly cooked food from busy restaurants or food stalls, and avoid raw or undercooked meats. Drink bottled or boiled water, as tap water is not safe for drinking. Wash or peel fruit before eating, and carry hand sanitizer for regular use.
Is malaria a risk in China, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
No, China has been declared malaria-free by the WHO.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in China?
Mosquito-borne illnesses include dengue fever and chikungunya in southern provinces and Japanese encephalitis in rural areas. Risks are highest during the rainy season. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in accommodations with screened windows.
Do I need travel health insurance for China?
Yes, travel health insurance is strongly recommended. China has excellent hospitals in major cities, but costs for foreigners can be high, and rural areas may lack modern care. Insurance ensures access to quality facilities and covers emergencies.
What should be in a travel medical kit for China?
Include anti-diarrheal medication, oral rehydration salts, insect repellent, sunscreen, face masks (for air pollution), pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and prescription medicines. For rural travel, add water purification tablets and a first aid kit. MyGlobdoc can generate a checklist tailored to your destinations.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through China?
Stay hydrated, eat carefully to avoid foodborne illness, and take precautions against mosquitoes in the south. Use masks in cities with heavy smog, and pace yourself when traveling in crowded urban environments. Carry a small medical kit for common health issues.
Is China safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should avoid high-altitude areas and southern provinces with a dengue risk, and exercise caution regarding food hygiene. Travelers with chronic respiratory conditions may experience difficulty in cities with poor air quality, such as Beijing or Shanghai. Always bring enough medication and confirm that your insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in China?
In major cities, international hospitals and private clinics offer high-quality care. In rural areas, facilities may be limited, so plan accordingly. Always carry insurance details, emergency contacts, and a translation card explaining your condition in Mandarin. MyGlobdoc free report includes a link to a list of local health care providers.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for China?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country. Other travelers do not need special health certificates, but it is wise to carry proof of routine vaccinations. Check updated entry and health requirements before departure.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map By Addicted04 – Own work, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17078293 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map obtained under the latest Creative Commons Attribution licence – CC BY 4.0 from https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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