China
About China
| Currency | Renminbi. Basic unit of currency is the Yuan. (RMB) |
| Language | See Facts below |
| Capital | Beijing |
The People’s Republic of China is located in eastern Asia between North Korea and Vietnam. China has the largest population in the world with about 1.3 billion people. It is the region of one of the world’s earliest civilizations.
There are seven main Chinese dialects and Mandarin is the dialect spoken by about 70 percent of the people. Other dialects spoken in China are Cantonese, Wu, Min, Xiang, Gan, and Hakka. Many other languages are spoken by ethnic minorities.
For more than 4,000 years, China’s political system was based on hereditary monarchies known as dynasties. The last dynasty, the Qing, ended in 1911 with the founding of the Republic of China. In 1949, the communist party won a protracted civil war and established the People’s Republic of China on mainland China. The defeated side (the Kuomintang) retreated to Taiwan.
The government is centralized in the Chinese Communist Party under a single-party system. There is a president as head of state and a premier as head of government with a National People’s Congress and a State Council. The highest level of power is the National People’s Congress.
China is undergoing major economic and social change. The introduction of a market-based economy has led to reforms that have created the world’s fastest-growing major economy, the world’s largest exporter, and the second-largest importer of goods. As a result, China has become a major superpower with the world’s largest standing army and the second-largest defense budget.
Visitors to China can see the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, temples, markets, and museums, to name just a few.
Recommended Vaccinations For China
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Due to a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis B, vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
Vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated adults, children under 16 years of age, staying for more than 3 months in the country. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Vaccination is recommended for all travelers to high risk areas. There is also a high risk of exposure to those engaging in forestry, woodcutting, farming and the military, such as campers, hikers, hunters and individuals who undertake fieldwork.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all persons 9 months of age or older if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This requirement does not apply to travellers whose itineraries are limited to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
Unvaccinated travellers are at risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
This vaccination is recommended for people who plan extensive outdoor activities while visiting rural or farming areas during the months of May to October. It is not recommended for itineraries that are limited to Beijing or other major cities.
Recommended Medications For China
There are no recommendations for China at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for China
For Most Travellers
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk of acquiring Hepatitis B in China.
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in China through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in China, particularly in the southeastern more tropical area. According to NaTHNaC, high risk areas include Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hainan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng.
For Some Travellers
Scrub Typhus
Scrub typhus, also known as Tsutsugamushi fever, has occurred in some areas of China.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
Transmission season varies from early spring to late autumn. High risk areas include Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Hebei, Jilin, Heilongjang and Yunnan. Also including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Guizhou.
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreaks have occurred in western China.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in China, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in China. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis occurs most commonly in rural areas in China. The risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night, when sand flies typically feed.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis has occurred in China. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis usually occurs in rural farming areas in China. Outbreaks have been recorded in all provinces except Xizang (Tibet), Xinjiang, and Qinghai. The risk for travellers of contracting Japanese encephalitis is low, but visiting areas where the virus is active and extensive outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all persons 9 months of age or older if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This requirement does not apply to travellers whose itineraries are limited to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in China. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in China
Personal Safety
Travellers in China are reminded that laws are strictly enforced, and offenders may be fined, detained, arrested, or deported. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of mobile phones and other electronic devices occurs, even during the day. Criminals target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Drink spiking is also common, do not leave drinks unattended and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Do not hike alone in isolated areas, including on the Great Wall.
Violent crime is rare in China, however, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is prevalent and foreigners are the major target. Carry your passport with you at all times as travellers may be asked to produce ID. Ensure, however, that your passport is kept in a secure location.
There has been an increase in cases of extortion by taxi drivers. Also, foreigners have been approached by strangers and invited to a nearby establishment for a drink, only to be presented with a large bill and forced to pay. Be cautious of strangers asking to “practice English” or to accompany them to nearby locations. Be aware of “tea tasting”, “massage”, or other scams.
Travellers should be aware that weapons are prohibited, and foreigners have been prosecuted for possession of prohibited weapons. The laws apply to those transiting Hong Kong airport and apply to carry-on luggage, luggage in transit, and checked luggage. Prohibited weapons include slingshots, stun devices, any spear or dart guns, knuckledusters, etc.
China has a zero-tolerance policy about drugs. Severe penalties for drug-related offences include the death penalty.
Driving in China requires a Chinese driver’s license. To purchase a train ticket, travellers must show their passport. Theft on trains is common.
Always ask permission before taking photos of Buddhist monasteries. Note that there is sometimes a fee associated with this.
Internet access is strictly restricted by Chinese authorities.
LGBTI travellers should note that although homosexuality is legal in China, same-sex marriage is prohibited and anti-discrimination laws are not in place. LGBTI travellers may face discrimination and should avoid open displays of affection.
China is affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, and typhoons (in May-November). Monitor local news sources closely for information about natural disasters.
Extreme Violence
Terrorist attacks are possible either targeted or random. Such attacks occur in places frequented by travelers and expats. Since 2014, violent attacks (including knife attacks) have caused injuries and deaths in public places. They have occured in railway stations and markets. It is advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant during national holidays or when transiting public transport hubs.
Political Unrest
Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations in any city. Even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly become violent. Those choosing to participate in demonstrations face the risk of arrest and/or deportation. During periods of tension, some news reporting, access to text-messaging, the internet and to international telephone lines may be blocked.
Areas To Avoid
Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in the Tibet Autonomous Region (Xizang) and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region as police presence, violence and unrest are common in this region, and ethnic minorities have been detained. Travellers must obtain a permit before travelling to this region. Authorities may also impose curfews and restrictions on short notice.
