Mainland China

Before committing: resolve legal exposure and planned activity with qualified mainland counsel. Personal safety planning must account for financial regulation, commercial disputes and the traveller's actual nationality status.

Emergency: police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119. 96110 is an anti fraud advice and warning service; urgent threats belong with 110. [S44]

Crypto activity requires particular care

The PBOC's 2021 notice identifies specified virtual currency business activities as illegal financial activities, including exchange and intermediary services, and addresses overseas exchanges serving mainland residents. It also states that virtual currencies do not have the legal status of fiat currency. Do not interpret a foreign licence or access to an app as permission to operate from the mainland. [S45]

This notice is not a complete answer to every question about personal holdings, private disputes, inheritance or current enforcement. Obtain current advice for the particular facts. Do not use this guide to route around capital controls, conceal activity, borrow accounts or bypass platform restrictions.

Visiting or living in major cities

For Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou or Chengdu, verify hosts and venues independently and maintain a known route home. A business district, private club or invitation from a mutual friend is not a substitute for diligence. For Hainan or a remote resort, check medical access, weather and return transport.

Keep lawful ordinary payment arrangements and a backup if a phone or payment account stops working. Verify QR destinations before paying. Do not use a personal bank account to receive or forward money for another person's crypto business.

Disputes and identity

Official travel advice warns that connections to commercial or civil disputes can result in exit restrictions, and describes broad national security risks. Seek legal assessment before entering with an unresolved dispute; a return ticket does not guarantee departure. [S46]

China does not recognise dual nationality. How authorities treat your nationality can affect foreign consular access. Resolve uncertainty before travel, especially if you retain Chinese documents or household registration. Do not assume a foreign passport settles the question. [S47]

Household and family priorities

Protect address and school information, control visitor and delivery access, and apply independent verification to unfamiliar officials or urgent family requests. Do not tell extended networks where recovery material is stored. Separate routine family assistance from requests to hold funds or move assets.

Do before arrival: obtain required legal advice, confirm documents and accommodation obligations, establish lawful communications and payment access, and give a trusted contact your route.

If threatened or detained: prioritize safety, seek police or legal assistance as appropriate, and request an interpreter or applicable consular contact. Do not pay an unofficial “release” or “account clearance” fee to an intermediary.