Safety in Nanjing: What Travelers Should Know
Nanjing, with a population of over {{‘population’: 9314685}} people, is a major city in eastern China ({{‘country_code’: ‘CN’}}). Like any large urban area, it has things you should be aware of, but overall, it is considered a safe place for residents and visitors.
Crime rates in Nanjing are generally low, especially concerning violent crime. Reports from sources that track global safety like Numbeo often rank major Chinese cities like Nanjing quite favorably compared to many large cities in North America or Europe in terms of overall crime levels. Most incidents travelers might encounter are related to petty theft rather than violent acts.
Common scams or petty theft situations sometimes occur, particularly in busy tourist spots, around railway stations, or on crowded public transport. Pickpocketing can happen. Be mindful of your belongings in places like Fuzimiao (Confucian Temple area) or on crowded metro lines. There have also been reports of “tea ceremony” or “art student” scams where friendly strangers invite you for tea or to view art, leading to an inflated bill. Being polite but firm in declining unsolicited invitations is a good approach.
Public transport, including the metro system and buses, is generally safe and reliable, even late into the evening. Popular areas and tourist sites are typically well-lit and have a visible police presence, contributing to a sense of security.
For solo travelers, Nanjing is generally safe for both men and women. The low rates of violent crime mean that walking alone in many areas is not usually a major concern. However, standard travel advice applies: be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas. For women, while rare, taking taxis or ride-shares late at night is advisable over walking long distances in unfamiliar areas.
Regarding local laws and unwritten safety rules, carrying identification (like your passport copy) is important. Public order is valued; public intoxication or overly disruptive behavior can attract unwanted attention from authorities. Jaywalking, while common, is technically illegal and can be risky due to traffic volume. Be respectful of local customs and sensitive topics.
Emergency services are available and generally responsive. You can contact the police by dialing 110, ambulance services by dialing 120, and the fire department by dialing 119. While operators may not always speak English, hotels or helpful bystanders can often assist in communicating with emergency services if needed.
Current assessments from sources like OSAC typically describe the crime threat in Nanjing as low to moderate, with the primary risks being petty crimes like pickpocketing or scams targeting unaware tourists. Major security incidents affecting tourists are uncommon.