China's reputation as a safe and secure destination is becoming a major draw for international travelers, injecting strong momentum into the country's high-quality inbound tourism growth.
As China continues to roll out visa facilitation policies, the inbound tourism market has seen a notable recovery. In addition to more convenient payment methods and tax-refund incentives for departing tourists, the country's public security environment has won widespread praise from overseas visitors, providing crucial support for the ongoing improvement of the tourism experience.
"The illumination of the buildings, at night there are police, so that's extra security there. I feel pretty safe," said Rafael De Jesus Hinojosa, a tourist from the United States.
According to data from China's Ministry of Public Health, the number of criminal cases nationwide fell by 12.8 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year, reaching the lowest level since the turn of the century.
China now ranks among the countries with the lowest homicide rate, the lowest overall crime rate, and the fewest gun-related cases in the world. It is widely recognized as one of the safest nations globally.
From walking along late at night to leaving parcels unattended -- everyday details that might raise concerns elsewhere -- China's public safety environment offers a relaxed and reassuring atmosphere for long-term international students and expatriate professionals, as well as foreign visitors.
Effective governance and a civic-minded population have helped build a robust social security system supported by comprehensive safety infrastructure, routine street patrols, and rapid emergency response. Yet beyond the hardware, it is the kindness of the Chinese people that adds a unique and heartfelt dimension to the country's safety.
"In China, the trust between people makes me feel safe. The Chinese people are quite enthusiastic, making us feel at home," said Nur Rizqiyah Febriani, an Indonesian student at Chang’an University in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
"When one of my friends came to China for the first time, she didn't know any Chinese. She got lost and started crying. A police officer saw her, immediately came over, and escorted her all the way back to her hotel. It was quite touching," said Sherieva Kseniia, a Russian student at Chang'an University.
China's inbound tourism gains pace, visitors highlight secure environment
