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Q: Is China as safe as people say?
I've been here for a while and not had any problems so far but I've read a few things recently that have made it sound a little less safe than I previously thought. Are there any really dangerous parts of the country?
No, in my opinion it is not as safe as it is made out to be. It's just that most instances of violence are under-reported.
Chinese are very violent to each other, maybe less so to foreigners, but violence towards each other is just part of the culture,,, dunno why,,, just maybe the 'face' thing ? read the news,,, people always jumping others just like any other country I guess,,, well,, maybe not Scandinavia or Switzerland / Austria,,, but like most other countries for sure.
anyway, the reason I replied to this post is to remind everyone reading on here,,, especially folks new to China, is that by Western standards Chinese don't fight 'fair'. They gang-up on whomever it is that they are attacking, like 3 or 4 or 5 will beat the crap out of 1,,,, and they are prone to use weapons, make-shift clubs mostly, but knives too, and they will also attack from behind with no warning. Watch your step.
Shining_brow:
Also, notice the word 'and' in Diver's post.
My mate was bashed by about 4-5 guys.. and from behind.,... and with a weapon!
"..and...and...."
I think it depends what you mean by dangerous.
The driving is definitely dangerous, the air,water and food are unclean and probably doing horrible things to your body, so in that respect you could say China isn't at all safe.
If you mean physical danger, I'd say the risk of being beaten up or murdered is much lower in China than it is in most Western countries.
Violence does happen, I've experienced it and have had friends get into fights but honestly, a lot of that is just people being in the wrong place at the wrong time, hanging around the wrong people when you should be avoiding them and probably being stupid themselves, just like at home.
In my opinion, China is safe enough as long as you're not being an idiot and don't put yourself into dangerous situations.
the roads 
.No, in my opinion it is not as safe as it is made out to be. It's just that most instances of violence are under-reported.
Chinese are very violent to each other, maybe less so to foreigners, but violence towards each other is just part of the culture,,, dunno why,,, just maybe the 'face' thing ? read the news,,, people always jumping others just like any other country I guess,,, well,, maybe not Scandinavia or Switzerland / Austria,,, but like most other countries for sure.
anyway, the reason I replied to this post is to remind everyone reading on here,,, especially folks new to China, is that by Western standards Chinese don't fight 'fair'. They gang-up on whomever it is that they are attacking, like 3 or 4 or 5 will beat the crap out of 1,,,, and they are prone to use weapons, make-shift clubs mostly, but knives too, and they will also attack from behind with no warning. Watch your step.
Shining_brow:
Also, notice the word 'and' in Diver's post.
My mate was bashed by about 4-5 guys.. and from behind.,... and with a weapon!
"..and...and...."
A lot of people, children and pets get kidnapped in china
And don't become too rich or popular. Business people can get bumped off by their partners (probably because either a) it's easier than splitting the money, or b) why bother to re-negotiate a deal??). Bumping off a senior colleague happens unbelievably regularly around the country.
Many locals have anger management issues, though that's mainly aimed at their own family.
Given that this is a country that runs on corruption, and police can easily be bribed to look the other way (or coerced to action by crossing so many legal lines - and the effect of endemic racism of the "You're the foreigner, so you're in the wrong - pay up!"), you shouldn't be surprised that crime can be rampant.
I will say, though, that things can go your way, and you can sometimes find extra protection just by being foreign.... it just depends on where you are (and luck).
Hard to say... If you mean in terms of violence, it isn't really that high in general.
In terms of traffic accidents, it is quite dangerous.
If you mean in terms of theft... it is pretty high but if you seem like someone who is observant and conscious of you surroundings... you won't be a target.
If you are a weaker person in China, (a shy, meek woman/young child) then I would say it is much more dangerous for various reasons.
Shit happens...big time! Though not in the party's best interests (stability) to have it reported. Baaaa.....baaaa...
