Sichuan is a vast southwestern province of China renowned for its fiery cuisine, spectacular natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, and the Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes ranging from lush river valleys to towering Tibetan-fringe highlands.
Sichuan is generally a very safe destination for international travelers with low rates of violent crime in urban areas. The main safety considerations are altitude sickness in western highland areas, seismic activity, and the need to navigate Chinese internet restrictions and payment systems.
Current safety advisory
Low
The US State Department has China at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and exit bans, not due to crime or terrorism. Sichuan itself presents no specific elevated security concerns for international travelers behaving lawfully.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Be aware of exit ban policies that could prevent departure even for minor disputes. Standard tourist activities in Sichuan present very low risk.
Standard Precautions
Sichuan is generally safe for travelers. Take normal precautions against opportunistic theft in crowded tourist areas.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Acclimatize slowly when traveling to western Sichuan highlands — altitude sickness can occur above 2,500m; ascend gradually and allow 1–2 days for adjustment before strenuous activity
Carry altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide/Diamox) prescribed by your doctor if planning visits to Daocheng Yading (4,000m+), Kangding Airport (4,290m), or Huanglong (3,600m)
Drink only bottled or boiled water — tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Sichuan; hot tea served at restaurants is safe
Use Didi (ride-hailing app) exclusively for taxis in Chengdu and other cities — unlicensed taxis at tourist sites and transport hubs frequently overcharge international visitors
Install a VPN before entering China — Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, and many other services are blocked; use Baidu Maps and WeChat instead
Sichuan is in a seismically active zone — the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake was centered in Sichuan. Familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures and your hotel's emergency exits
Monkeys at Mount Emei and some forest areas are bold and may snatch food, glasses, or bags — secure belongings and do not feed or tease them
Register with your country's embassy or consulate upon arrival in China for emergency assistance
Some areas of western Sichuan near the Tibet Autonomous Region border require a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) — research permit requirements for your specific route well before traveling
Sudden weather changes are common in western Sichuan mountains — always carry warm layers, waterproof jacket, and sun protection regardless of season
Download offline maps (Baidu Maps, Amap/Gaode) and save your hotel address in Chinese before venturing out — language barriers can complicate getting help when lost
Emergency services operate on standardized Chinese numbers; keep the police (110), ambulance (120), and fire (119) numbers saved on your phone
Sichuan food can be very spicy — inform restaurants of your spice tolerance to avoid gastrointestinal distress; carry basic anti-diarrhea medication as a precaution
Flash floods and landslides occur during summer rainy season (June–August) on mountain roads — check road conditions before driving or taking buses to remote areas
Be cautious with ATM usage — use bank branch ATMs (ICBC, Bank of China) rather than standalone machines to minimize card skimming risk
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Tea Ceremony Scam
Friendly locals invite tourists to a 'traditional tea ceremony' that ends with an exorbitant bill for the tea — this is a well-known scam operating in Chengdu tourist areas
How to avoid: Decline invitations from strangers to accompany them to tea shops or art exhibitions, especially near Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Street
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed or tourist-targeted taxi drivers at airports, train stations, and scenic areas charge many times the standard fare
How to avoid: Only use the Didi app for taxis; licensed metered taxis should always use the meter — insist on it
Fake Panda Cub Photos
Vendors near panda bases sometimes offer to take photos with a 'panda cub' for a fee, using sedated animals in poor conditions
How to avoid: Only participate in panda encounters at official research bases (Chengdu Panda Base, Wolong, Bifengxia) — never pay street vendors
Currency Exchange Fraud
Informal currency changers offer favorable rates but give counterfeit notes or shortchange tourists
How to avoid: Exchange money only at banks, official airport exchange counters, or your hotel; never exchange with street individuals
Tourist Price Inflation
Street food and souvenir vendors may quote much higher prices to foreign tourists, especially in major tourist areas
How to avoid: Check prices at neighboring stalls first, and use WeChat Pay/Alipay to see the actual price on QR code before paying
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended for Sichuan. Japanese encephalitis may be recommended for rural areas during mosquito season. Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) if visiting highlands above 3,000m.
- Water
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Always use bottled water or boiled water (tea at restaurants is safe). In remote highland areas carry water purification tablets.
- Food
- Food safety is generally good in established restaurants. Street food from busy vendors is typically safe. Avoid raw foods, unpeeled fruits, and food that has been sitting out. Choose restaurants with high customer turnover.
- Facilities
- Chengdu has world-class hospitals with international departments and English-speaking staff including West China Hospital and Chengdu International SOS Medical Center. Rural and highland areas have very limited medical facilities — carry a comprehensive first aid kit.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Sichuan is very safe for solo travelers including solo females. Chengdu's urban areas are well-lit and populated at night. The hostel community in Chengdu is active and social. Solo travelers in western highland areas should inform guesthouses of their itinerary and not hike alone on unmarked trails.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers report Sichuan as generally safe with minimal harassment. Standard urban precautions apply: avoid isolated areas late at night, use Didi rather than street taxis, and keep your accommodation address saved in case you need to show a driver. Female-only dormitory rooms are available in Chengdu's better hostels.
Families
Sichuan is an excellent family destination. Child-friendly amenities are widely available in Chengdu. The main family concern is altitude in western Sichuan — children under 3 and seniors should avoid areas above 3,500m. Panda bases are ideal for children and are very safe.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in China but are not publicly recognized. Sichuan is more liberal than many Chinese provinces, with a small LGBTQ+ scene in Chengdu. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may draw stares but are unlikely to cause direct confrontation. Exercise the same discretion you would in any conservative society.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110
- Medical
- 120
- Embassy
- Contact your country's embassy in Beijing; most have a 24-hour emergency hotline for citizens in distress. US Embassy Beijing: +86 10 8531 4000; UK Embassy Beijing: +86 10 5192 4000
- Tourist Police
- Chengdu Tourist Police: +86 28 8701 6666