Is Shenzhen Safe For Tourists? Crime Rates & Safety
Is Shenzhen safe for tourists? The short answer is yes. With a safety index score of 65 out of 100, it’s considered a low to medium risk place for travelers. Biggest concerns are petty theft and money scams.
Shenzhen is ranked as one of the friendliest and desirable cities in China to live in. in fact “Lonely Planet” ranked Shenzhen in the second place in their “Top 10 cities to live in 2019.” Shenzhen is also listed amongst the list of “creative cities” by UNESCO as well.
Some of the famous attractions in Shenzhen include The Window of the World and Lianhua Mountain Park, East Pacific Center, Shun Hing Square, Dafen Oil Painting village, kk100, etc.
But, keeping all that aside, should an outsider be worried about taking a trip to Shenzhen?
Shenzhen Crime Rate & Safety Index
Crime: 52.64
Safety: 65.36
Overall Safety Risk: LOW/MEDIUM
See Also >> Book A Tour In Shenzhen
Safety In Shenzhen
The city of Shenzhen has a great deal of controversial criminal reputation. It is often seen as a hub for criminal activities by different people living in other parts of China. A person new to China may even believe this and cancel their visit to Shenzhen. However, the locals, as well as tourists, have given strong evidence that the crime rate in Shenzhen is on the lesser side (at least lesser than any other western cities).
There are few petty crimes that a tourist should be careful about such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, but the occurrence of life-threatening criminal activities, especially to foreigners is rare.
Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing in Shenzhen is a prevalent problem in the city for tourists. The rates of pickpocketing incidents are particularly higher in the border areas, where people from Hong Kong pass through regularly.
Other than border areas, the other prone areas where tourists should keep a tight grip on their wallets and bags are jam-packed shopping areas, bus stations, and theme parks as well.
Beggars
Beggars are also a common sight in Shenzhen, especially around the border areas, Shekou and underpasses. Chinese Locals hardly pay any attention, hence begging is restricted to some particular areas, where tourists are usually spotted. Begging is usually a part of larger criminal organizations in Shenzhen. It is therefore not advisable to give beggars money in bulk amount.
Transport and Taxi
The safest way for tourists to navigate around the city would be to take the metro. Tourists can map out where they want to go and board the metro accordingly. Taxi is also another method of transportation, but there are some drivers who drive without proper licence and charge tourists in excess.
The driving in Shenzhen also falls under the aggressive category, so one needs to be extremely cautious while crossing streets as well.
Other forms of safety factors such as Mugging, Women traveling alone in Shenzhen, Terrorism, and kidnapping are all LOW risks here. Shenzhen is safe and not much to worry about if being cautious.
Scams In Shenzhen To Avoid
Scams in Shenzhen are not as common and frequent as it is in Beijing or any other large metropolitan cities in China. However, it is present in some areas, especially around the Shekou and Louhu areas.
Counterfeit bills and prostitution are widespread around these areas. So it would be wise for tourists to skip these parts of the city or stay extra vigilant if they do visit it.
Apart from counterfeit bills, the Louhou area is famous for its counterfeit products. Clothes and all other types of products are below-standard or fake and sold at discounted prices to trick tourists into thinking that they have purchased a genuine product at a low price.
Overall safety
Although there are problems with petty crimes, especially in some specific areas in Shenzhen city, the risks of violent crimes aka life-threatening crimes are Low. As long as tourists stay out of those areas, they should not face any unnecessary inconveniences. Of course one has to be always careful with their bags and wallets wherever it may be. So as long as one is vigilant about his/ her belongings, Shenzhen should be an amazing experience. Is Shenzhen safe? Yes, everyone will feel safe while visiting this wonderful city.
Read More >> Best Places To Visit In Shenzhen