CHINA, CHINA, CHINA, I'm Going There. Have You Been There?

Question

I will be going to China to study abroad in Beijing and I would like if you people can fill me in with what to expect. And I ask this because I answered one question (in this category) concerning a person's dislike for China after a few incidents he was involved in that had to do with theft/crime. And as I read almost all responses from people, it sounded as if China was a little dangerous.
I want to know: Who are you, why did you go to China, how long have you been there, anything bad happen to you or someone you know while you were there?
I want to know from the people living in China, whether you are a Chinese citizen, an American working or studying abroad (or anybody), what were your experiences while you are there?
And if you have never been to China, and if you do know about what goes on there (crime related), give me some sites/links. And be honest.

I heard one person say that more and more foreigners in Beijing were being killed, is that true? I am going to Beijing. In addition, does anybody know what Chinese people think of Hispanics going to China? Am I (a Hispanic American) more likely to be robbed then a White American or Black American? I just do not know, I am not trying to sound ignorant, I just do not know. And if you can fill me in with your experiences, that would be cool, THANKS. And sorry if I sounded delusional or crazy.
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And, I will be asking this same question in a couple days, you do not have to answer again, I just want more responses.

"Summer0007"--- I know, I didn't want to belive that either, and I just had to ask. I don't think it's true either, I think it's a great place with little crime.

Answer 1

China is IMO the safest country in the world to live in. STOP believing all the BS propoganda from the USA and Canada and other ignorant people. Leave your attitude and paranoia at home. Americans appear to be incapable of seeing the real China and the real Chinese people. Their judgement is clouded by the word communism. So they make up crap about their visits there.

I lived in China for two years, I would NOT go for walk by myself at 2 AM in Canada or the USA. But have done many times in China, been to Beijing, Dalian, Kaifaqu, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hong Kong, Jinshitan, and other smaller areas. Lived in Dalian and Nanjing.

If you want to get arrested in China traffic in drugs, or people, or try to start a movement to overthrow their country.

Oh wait you would get arrested for those in Canada and the USA too, and for a helluva lot more.

The only possible crime you might run into is pickpockets, keep your backpack in front of you when using escalators or in really crowded areas.

Answer 2

No foreigners are being killed in Beijing. How ridiculous! I've just spent 5 weeks at BLCU studying Mandarin and I had a great time. As a student, you're really appreciated because you can speak a bit of Chinese so you get less of a toursit experience from sellers etc. I am British and white and spent most of my time with 4 other white people from all over Europe. We did get some funny looks when we went to the zoo but I think that's mainly because the Chinese see zoos as for kids. Crime.....hardly anything. My friend had her laptop stolen from her room but that was because she was sharing with 5 others, they all only had one key, so the door was unlocked all the time. The most dangerous thing that will happen to you in Beijing will probably happen if you're riding a bike in rush hour, other than that, it's perfectly safe. I heard no incidents of pick-pocketing because I think the Chinese have a lot of respect for foreigners and they all want to make a good impression for the Olympics. As for being Hispanic, I don't recall seeing any Hispanic people but there were lots of other minorities (everyone who isn't Chinese is a minority) but as for being American you will probably spend time with other Americans and be treated as such. Have a great time and don't worry!

Answer 3

Yeah, very true. Did you know that China and India combined make up 1/3 of the world's population? In about 3 years I'm going to India as a physician's assistant.

Answer 4

I'm German and I've bee living in China (mostly Beijing, but also shortly in Shanghai) for 5 years. I came her for work and due to the fact that my major in university was Chinese Studies. From my experience I can say that Beijing is probably the safest city I've ever lived in, at least regarding crime. Violent crimes like hold-ups, being beaten up or murder do happen, but if you're a foreigner chances that you get involved in that (if you live normally and don't get involved with gangsters) are about 0.00000001%, i.e. it won't happen. What happens a lot is pickpocketing so just be careful on buses, in the subway and in crowded places. You have to be very careful when participating in traffic, be that as a driver of a car, a motorbike, a scooter, a bicycle or especially as a pedestrian because traffic is totally nuts here. It won't matter that you're Hispanic American, once you open your mouth and out comes American English you're American. Period. The Chinese mostly love Americans, depending on the present "guidelines" of the government but when you interact with students or educated people (or even many uneducated people) they simply love Americans. I don't know which city you live in in the US but I bet my butt that it's a lot safer here in Beijing. You shouldn't worry about your safety at all.

Answer 5

I have been to China twice.
I taught English in Tianjin (about an hour and a bit away from Beijing) - four months, and I took classes in Beijing - 1 month.
I found both places very safe. Even when I travelled around China, I found it safe. I am sure that it did not hurt at all that I spoke Chinese.
The most common problem that I know of is pick pockets. I have never had my wallet stolen, but I personally know people who have. Also be weary of beggars, and 'art students' - people who come up to you and pressure you to buy some outrageously expensive piece of art - They are not stolen, and the people are actually art students (many of the works are done by them). The problem is that if you go with them they tend to pester you until you buy something. Beggars tend to flock around you and pester you... sometimes even grabbing on to your shirt and stuff. Another thing to be careful of is paying to much at the tourist markets - fun places, but bargain like mad!
Make friends with the students that have been there a little longer. They tend to know the good and bad spots, and even the good food vendors. Most people who go to China to study have a really good experience.

Answer 6

First of all are you white? If you are, then of course you are a tourist. But don't worry.

I was born in China in '91 and moved to America when I was three. I can't speak Chinese that well but I can understand it. I went back in 2000 and recently in 2007. Beijing is probably one of the better if not the best city in China. Unless you're talking about Hong Kong or Macao. In Beijing, the crime rate is not as high compared to the rest of China. Because of the Olympics, the city has cracked down on pollution, crime, traffic and overall has tried to significantly improve the city. Especially because of the Olymipcs, the city has tried to become more tourist friendly, if its not then why would they choose the city for the Olympics?

But like any other city there is crime. People steal bikes, money and other possesions. Many people will harass you to buy merchandise or for money. But there is such things as police. It may be worse than in America or Western Europe but as long as you are careful you should be fine.

The Negative: a lot of pickpoketers, do not flash money, especially american!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. The air quality is pretty bad compared to suburban America. You probably don't know the language or the culture to get around with ease. Get a guide. A lot of walking.(I mean probably 5 to 10 miles a day). Many people may harass you for money and stuff.... no a lot, depending if your black or white. Ignore them. Do not listen to them. Don't even look at them. If you speak to one then they all come. As for crime, hold on to your posessions at all times, tightly!!! Make sure you have deep pockets or put your hands in your pockets. Keep track of your luggage.

Positive: you are not the only tourist. There are russians, koreans, europeans, japanese, americans, australians, ect. Talk to one of them for info. There is Micky D's, pizza hut, and KFC if the food doesn't fit your taste. A great experience. Overall the city has definitely improved since 2000.

Trust me there is worse. In my home city in the province of Hunan, the traffic, crime, and the overall city is significantly worse compared to Beijing. Cars and motorcycles drive on both sides of the road. The streets are not filled with vehicles, instead they are filled with people with cars going through them. Motorcycles to not have to obey red lights. There are no such things as stop signs. No such thing as jaywalking. Police don't have guns. If you leave your door unlock without anybody inside, most likely you will be robbed. People can smoke anywhere. Only major intersections have red lights, most intersections don't. Its HOT!!!!!!! People don't turn on AC in cars, houses or restraunts.

But overall China and Beijing is rising to standards of MDC like the US. But you will definitely recieve a culture shock. Expecially the heat in the summer.

I can't explain what everything is like, because somethings you will just have to find out. But you will be suprised, sometimes in a good way or bad way. But having a positive outlook will make your trip that much better. I hope you like it, and have a nice time.

Contact me when you get back. [e-mail]

Answer 7

me..I'm triste or you can just call me lolo
I'm a chinese but I live all over the place..
I went there because I haven't been back in 12 yrs..it's like getting back to my roots
I've stayed there the longest for 3 months..the shortest..1 month
Something bad happened to me in both my trips..but something bad always happens where ever you are!
I was involved in a fight when I helped this old lady ..I chased down the thief and got involved in a fight but thank god my unc came..he's the mayor of the district ..

there are cases of theft and of course ppl trying to rip you off..that's why you need a chinese friend to help ya around!
I am not a chinese citizen..I'm trying to get my french one...

You want me to tell you..then you better send me an email..I can fill you up and answer any questions you like

ok?

how about hotmail..?

look enjoy your stay there..beijing would be heaps good..olympics is on the way and it should be lots of fun!

Answer 8

"more and more foreigners are getting killed"????? Where did u get that from? If that statement was true, why more and more foreigners are coming to visit China? that's just nonsense!

Compared to New York or LA, Beijing is way safer. All large cities have their bad districts. Just use the common sense, avoid those districts even though there aren't many in Beijing.

There is a website for expats in beijing:
http://www.thatsbj.com/
hope it'll help with your house hunting.

Answer 9

I am a white, American businessman raised in Texas. I have gone on extended trips to China twice. There are very poor people there so there will be some robberies, a lot of begging and hard negotiating. Also, some scam artists. But it is my impression that there is little outright violence or confrontations. You can count on people in China to be curious, hospitable, friendly and ingratiating. They are introverted compared to Americans, Mexicans and South Americans. The food is good, the women beautiful and the men can be great friends to you. I really love it there but I just act responsibly while still having a lot of fun. I bet that you will love it and you better see the Great Wall or you are missing out!

Answer 10

I've been to China (HK) and I loved it!! I went to China for vacation, I'm American. Nothing bad happened to me, except being harassed by tailors all the time. They never harass the HK'ers, only the foreigners!