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China · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Chongqing scores 76/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes. Chongqing is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime but notable petty theft and scam risks in crowded areas. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
China · Assessed 19 October 2026
76
/ 100
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the use of exit bans without a fair and transparent process under the law, and the risk of unjust arrest or detention. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Fri, 04 Sep 2026
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“This travel advice covers mainland China. See travel advice for the Special Administrative Regions, Hong Kong and Macao.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:30:13Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for China: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-10-14T10:01:47.8603619-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare for visitors; most incidents occur in poorly lit outskirts late at night
Pickpocketing
ModerateBag-snatching and pickpocketing happen in crowded spots like Chongqing North Railway Station and Jiefangbei pedestrian zone
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
89/100
Recent surveys show over 90% of residents feel safe walking alone after dark, reflecting strong day-to-day safety perceptions among locals and visitors alike
Yes. Chongqing is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime but notable petty theft and scam risks in crowded areas.
Chongqing has a low homicide rate and rare violent crime against tourists, though petty theft occurs in crowded spots like railway stations and pedestrian zones. Visitors should remain alert to scams and arbitrary law enforcement risks noted in government advisories, while enjoying the city's extensive surveillance and police presence in tourist districts.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Chongqing’s mountainous terrain and dense urban layout present unique navigation challenges, with steep hills and layered infrastructure requiring careful movement, especially during wet periods. The city maintains low violent crime rates against tourists, supported by extensive surveillance and police presence in central districts like Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave. However, petty theft remains a concern in crowded transit hubs and tourist areas, where pickpocketing and bag-snatching occur with moderate frequency. Travelers should prioritize securing belongings and using official transport options to mitigate these risks.
Recent developments include regulatory actions on viral motorcycle trends due to safety concerns and ongoing recovery from a July 2026 landslide that affected mountainous parts of the municipality. While protests over animal welfare have occurred, they remain localized and non-threatening to visitors. Government advisories from the U.S. and Canada emphasize increased caution due to arbitrary law enforcement and exit ban risks, primarily affecting those with legal or business disputes rather than typical tourists. Standard precautions, such as avoiding flashy valuables and registering with accommodations, are sufficient for most visitors enjoying Chongqing’s hot pot, river views, and transit network.
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06 · After Dark
91% of people in China say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2020).
Mugging and armed robbery are rare for visitors; most incidents occur in poorly lit outskirts late at night
No specific districts were flagged as no-go areas after dark, but the usual night-time rules apply: stay in lit, populated areas and keep your phone out of sight.
07 · Questions
Yes. Chongqing is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime but notable petty theft and scam risks in crowded areas. Chongqing has a low homicide rate and rare violent crime against tourists, though petty theft occurs in crowded spots like railway stations and pedestrian zones. Visitors should remain alert to scams and arbitrary law enforcement risks noted in government advisories, while enjoying the city's extensive surveillance and police presence in tourist districts. (Assessed 19 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Chongqing report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Chongqing ranks #9 of 9 China destinations we've assessed, scoring 76/100. See the China safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 15+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: chongqing.json (CC BY 4.0).
