Foreigners praise country’s high sense of safety

Monday, June 22, 2026

Foreign residents and visitors in China continue to praise the country’s strong sense of safety and social stability, citing personal stories and global safety rankings that highlight low crime and communal trust. This growing confidence, supported by convenient technology and cultural openness, is attracting more international tourists and long-term residents, boosting China’s appeal as a secure and welcoming destination.

Foreign residents and visitors in China continue to highlight the country’s reputation for safety and social stability, citing personal experiences that underscore a widespread sense of security in urban and rural settings alike.

Jannelize Bessenger, a South African YouTuber based in Kunming, Yunnan province, shared her observations after living in China for seven years. In one test of local trust, she left a backpack unattended in Chongqing’s busy commercial district for nearly two hours, only to find it intact upon her return. Bessenger attributes her decision to stay long-term in China largely to the country’s safe environment. “Safety is the number one reason why I stay in China,” she said, noting that it is the respect for life and communal values among residents that contribute to this atmosphere.

Her confidence in China’s security is also rooted in an early encounter during her first year in the country. After falling ill in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, she was assisted by a stranger who accompanied her to a hospital and then left without expecting anything in return. The incident helped her realize that living alone in China was feasible and safe even as a foreign woman unfamiliar with the language.

China’s high ranking on global safety indices supports such personal accounts. According to Gallup’s 2025 Global Safety Report, the nation scores well on safety and law and order metrics. This broad sense of security is often taken for granted by Chinese residents, Bessenger explained, who said many locals do not realize how fortunate they are to live in a country with low crime rates.

Short-term foreign visitors have similarly found China’s environment conducive to comfortable travel. Canadian YouTuber Dave Mani and his wife cited their experience navigating both cities and rural areas, describing China as “very high on the list in terms of general safety” after traveling to 56 countries. Mani also emphasized how technological integration, including widespread use of translation apps and WeChat’s mobile payment system, enhanced their ease of movement and daily interactions.

Meanwhile, international students like Ana Rosa Neumann Devers, originally from the Dominican Republic and currently studying in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, expressed a strong sense of belonging and respect within their communities. Devers noted China’s cultural openness and the warm reception she received, highlighting that differences in background did not affect the respect extended to her.

In addition to safety, foreign residents appreciate China’s diversity and vibrant local life. Bessenger encourages newcomers and travelers to explore cities after dark, noting that the atmosphere during nighttime street food outings reveals an authentic and peaceful urban rhythm unique to China.

With over 150 million inbound tourists reported in 2025, including more than 30 million entering under visa-free policies, these firsthand experiences reflect a broader trend of increased confidence among foreigners regarding safety and cultural acceptance in China.