Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Rules, regulations, and conditions vary greatly throughout China, but a general rule of thumb is that traffic safety is poor and driving in China can be dangerous.

Traffic can be chaotic and largely unregulated and the rate of accidents in China, including fatal accidents, is among the highest in the world.  Motorcycle and bicycle accidents are frequent and often deadly. Pedestrians do not have the right of way, and you should show extreme caution when walking in traffic, even in marked crosswalks. Child safety seats are not widely available.

Traffic Laws: You may not drive in China using a U.S. or international driver’s license.  If you have a resident permit, you can apply for a Chinese driver’s license, although regulations for obtaining a license vary from province to province and passing the test can be very difficult. 

If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, stay calm; road altercations can turn violent.  The safest course is to call and wait for the police.  Even minor traffic accidents can become a major public drama quickly.  If there are no injuries and damage is minimal, the parties often come to agreement on the spot.  The police may mediate or conduct an on-site investigation and require those involved to sign statements at the local police station.  Unresolved disputes are handled by the courts.  In cases involving injuries, the driver whose vehicle is determined to have inflicted the injury will often be held at least partially liable for the injured person’s medical costs even if the victim caused the accident.  Sometimes, the police may hold your passport until the other parties are satisfied with the compensation they receive.    

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Also, we suggest that you visit China’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Public Transportation:  China has a rapidly growing public transportation sector-- including subways, trains, and buses -- with a generally positive safety record.  Mass transit is widely available in major cities, and is generally safe, although individuals on crowded buses and subways are often targeted by pick-pockets. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of China’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of China’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.