China Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for China
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated November 27, 2024
China recorded 0.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2020, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places China #182 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.0 per 100,000 in 2010, 0.5 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates China at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
0.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#14 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2020
Homicide Rate Trend (1995-2020)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.0 per 100,000 in 2010, 0.5 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How China Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
China has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
1(2023)
Military Spending
1.7% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for China:
Updated to reflect a shift to Level 2 "Exercise increased caution" for Mainland China. Summary: Exercise increased caution when traveling to Mainland China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans. Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for China
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated March 12, 2026).
Lost or Stolen Passports
If your passport is stolen, you must apply for both a new passport at the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General and a new PRC visa. File a police report at the nearest police station right away. You may also be directed to file a report at the local Exit-Entry Bureau .
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General for assistance. Domestic violence in the PRC is rarely recognized as a crime.
Tourism
The tourism industry in the PRC is unevenly regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the PRC government or by recognized authorities. If you are seriously injured, sophisticated medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders may be slower to respond in rural areas, potentially delaying access to urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
China Population & Demographics
Population of 1,408,975,000, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
India
2.8 /100k
Level 2
Pakistan
4.3 /100k
Level 3
Russia
6.8 /100k
Level 4
Vietnam
1.5 /100k
Level 1
Myanmar
2.6 /100k
Level 4
Afghanistan
4.0 /100k
Level 4
Nepal
2.1 /100k
Level 2
North Korea
—
Level 4
Kazakhstan
2.5 /100k
Level 1
Tajikistan
0.9 /100k
Level 2
Laos
—
Level 2
Hong Kong
0.4 /100k
Level 2
Kyrgyzstan
1.8 /100k
Level 1
Mongolia
5.9 /100k
Level 1
Bhutan
2.5 /100k
Level 1
Macau
0.6 /100k
Level 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Is China safe to visit?
The US State Department rates China at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 0.5 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in China?
China has an intentional homicide rate of 0.5 per 100,000 people (2020, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #182 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for China?
China is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in China compare to other countries?
China's homicide rate of 0.5 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Asia average of 2.0.