Find essential emergency contacts, medical support details, and
British Embassy assistance for China. This guide helps UK travellers
stay safe, act quickly, and handle urgent situations with reliable,
up-to-date information.
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A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting China — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.
• China enforces extremely strict drug laws — trafficking can result in the death penalty.
• Possession or use of illegal drugs leads to arrest, detention and severe penalties.
• Carrying weapons, including knives and sprays, is highly restricted.
• Drink-driving is strictly illegal, with severe punishments.
• Bringing illegal substances into China results in immediate prosecution.
• Respect for elders, traditions and cultural etiquette is highly valued.
• Modest behaviour is expected in temples, shrines and historic sites.
• Littering, damaging parks or natural areas can lead to fines.
• Disrespecting national symbols or cultural relics is a criminal offence.
• Graffiti or vandalism of public property is strictly prohibited.
• Police may request identification at any time — carry your passport.
• Public disorder, aggressive behaviour or disturbing the peace can lead to arrest.
• Scams involving taxis, teahouses, ATMs and counterfeit goods occur in major cities.
• Foreigners are discouraged from participating in protests or political gatherings.
• Offering bribes to officials is illegal and treated seriously.
• Public transport requires valid tickets — fare evasion is punishable.
• Speeding, dangerous driving and ignoring traffic signals are strictly enforced.
• Using mobile phones while driving without hands-free is illegal.
• Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention or bans.
• Certain regions require permits or authorisation for entry.
• Photographing military facilities, border areas, government buildings or sensitive infrastructure is prohibited.
• Drone use is regulated and often requires approval; flying without permission can lead to confiscation or fines.
• Some temples, museums and cultural sites restrict photography.
• Avoid photographing strangers without permission.
• Removing plants, rocks or natural materials from protected areas is illegal.
• Feeding wildlife, especially in national parks, may be prohibited.
• Swimming or hiking in unmarked or dangerous zones is unsafe.
• Entering geothermal, mountain or desert regions without permits is not allowed.
• Lighting fires in forests or nature areas is tightly controlled.
• Damaging cultural relics, temples or archaeological sites is a criminal offence.
• Removing artefacts or historic items is strictly prohibited.
• Climbing on fragile structures or monuments is not allowed.
• Buying or exporting items made from endangered species is illegal.
These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels normal or automatic in the UK may be approached very differently in China.
• Don’t take photos of military or government buildings, as this is prohibited.
• Don’t use VPNs or restricted apps without understanding local regulations.
• Don’t speak loudly inside temples, where quiet reflection is expected.
• Don’t smoke in prohibited indoor areas, where fines may apply.
• Don’t cut queues, especially at stations and attractions.
• Don’t assume all toilets have Western facilities, and be ready for squat toilets.
• Don’t drink tap water, and use bottled water instead.
• Don’t handle cultural relics, including statues and artefacts.
• Don’t enter restricted sections of the Great Wall, where paths may be unsafe.
• Don’t underestimate air pollution on certain days, and limit outdoor activity when advised.
• Don’t touch people’s heads, particularly children.
• Don’t disrespect local customs, especially during festivals.
• Don’t assume English will be spoken, even in major cities.
• Don’t use rude hand gestures, which may differ from UK norms.
• Don’t eat while walking in temples or historic areas, as it may be seen as disrespectful.
• Don’t bargain aggressively, though polite negotiation is welcome in markets.
• Don’t underestimate walking distances at attractions, which are often vast.
• Don’t cross busy roads unpredictably, and use pedestrian bridges where possible.
• Don’t access blocked websites publicly, as this may attract scrutiny.
• Don’t ignore health precautions, especially regarding food hygiene and regional diseases.
The British Embassy provides assistance to UK nationals, including help with passports, emergencies and consular enquiries.
British Embassy Beijing (Main Office)
Address: 11 Guanghua Lu, Jianwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600, China
Telephone: +86 (0)10 5192 4000
Official website: https://www.gov.uk/world/china
Other Posts:
Full list: https://www.gov.uk/world/china
The image shown is for illustration only. Always rely on the address and contact details provided above when seeking embassy assistance.
Use the following numbers for police, fire and medical emergencies.
• Police: 110
• Ambulance: 120
• Fire: 119
• Maritime Rescue: 12395
Tourist police and assistance lines can help visitors with safety concerns and local guidance.
• Major cities have tourist police units or multilingual assistance teams.
• Tourist information centres provide guidance and safety advice.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) – 24/7 Global Helpline
Keep this number stored in your phone and written down separately in case your mobile is lost or stolen.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides essential consular support to British nationals abroad. This includes help with lost or stolen passports, information on local laws and legal processes, and guidance during medical issues, crime, or major emergencies. When local circumstances make it difficult to reach a British Embassy or Consulate, travellers can also contact the FCDO’s 24/7 global helpline for immediate advice and support.
Contact your travel-insurance provider’s 24-hour emergency assistance line immediately in the event of illness, accident, serious injury or theft.
Honorary Consuls offer limited support in regions where the British Embassy is not present.
Where applicable, details are available at: https://www.gov.uk/world/china
This information explains how to access urgent medical help and emergency treatment.
China does not accept GHIC/EHIC — all medical care must be paid for or covered by insurance.
NHS GHIC information: https://www.nhs.uk/ghic
If you need medical help:
• Call 120 in an emergency.
• Use international or major city hospitals for reliable care.
• Carry your passport, insurance documents and payment method.
Below is an overview of public and private healthcare services, including what travellers can expect when accessing medical care.
China has a wide range of medical facilities, with international-standard hospitals in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Rural and remote areas may have limited medical options. Upfront payment is normally required for treatment. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical costs, evacuation and repatriation is essential for UK travellers. Air quality, climate extremes and altitude in some regions can also pose health risks.
Follow these steps if your passport is lost or stolen, including how to apply for an Emergency Travel Document.
If Your Passport Is Lost Or Stolen
You may need passport photos, proof of travel plans and to pay a fee for the ETD.