Is Hangzhou Safe? Crime, Scams, Health & Emergency Guide for Travelers

Hangzhou is one of China's safest major cities. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare, the streets are well-lit and busy, and the police presence is visible without being intrusive. But "safe" does not mean "risk-free." This guide covers the real safety concerns you might face — scams targeting tourists, health issues, traffic hazards, and what to do in an emergency.

Overall Safety Assessment

Hangzhou consistently ranks among China's top 5 safest cities. The crime rate is low by both Chinese and international standards. Most safety issues visitors encounter are non-violent: overcharging, minor scams, and petty theft in crowded areas.

Risk level by category:

Category	Risk Level	Notes
Violent crime	Very Low	Almost unheard of against tourists
Pickpocketing	Low	Possible at West Lake and night markets
Tourist scams	Moderate	Tea house scam, fake art students
Traffic accidents	Moderate	E-bikes and scooters are the main hazard
Health issues	Low	Air quality can be poor in winter
Natural disasters	Very Low	Occasional typhoon remnants in summer

Common Scams in Hangzhou

1. The Tea House Scam (茶馆骗局)

How it works: A friendly English-speaking "student" or "local" approaches you near West Lake or a tourist area. They invite you to a tea ceremony or to practice English. You end up at a tea house where you are served tea and snacks, then presented with a bill for ¥500–2,000.

How to avoid:

• Decline invitations to teahouses from strangers, no matter how friendly
• If you want a tea experience, go to an established tea house with posted prices
• If you are caught, call the police (110) — they are familiar with this scam

2. The Art Student Scam

How it works: Someone claims to be an art student and invites you to see their exhibition. You are taken to a small gallery and pressured to buy overpriced artwork.

How to avoid: Decline politely and walk away. Legitimate galleries do not recruit customers on the street.

3. The Overcharging Taxi Scam

How it works: Some taxi drivers take longer routes or do not use the meter, especially from the airport or train station.

How to avoid:

• Always insist on the meter (打表)
• Use Didi (China's Uber) instead of hailing taxis
• Know the approximate fare before getting in (airport to city center: ¥100–150)

4. The "Free" Massage or Tour

How it works: Someone offers a free massage, tour, or service. You are then pressured to buy products or pay hidden fees.

How to avoid: Nothing is free. Politely decline any unsolicited offers.

5. Fake Goods at Markets

How it works: Markets sell counterfeit brand-name goods (bags, watches, electronics) as genuine.

How to avoid: Assume all brand-name goods at markets are fake. If you want genuine products, shop at official stores or malls.

Health & Medical Safety

Air Quality

Hangzhou's air quality is generally better than Beijing or Shanghai, but can reach unhealthy levels in winter (December–February) due to heating emissions and atmospheric inversions.

• Check the AQI on the China Air Quality app or AQICN.org before planning outdoor activities
• AQI below 100 is acceptable; above 150, consider limiting outdoor time
• Bring an N95 mask for high-pollution days

Water and Food Safety

• Tap water: Do not drink tap water in Hangzhou. Use bottled water (¥2–3) or boiled water.
• Street food: Generally safe at busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid food that has been sitting out.
• Ice: Most restaurants use purified water for ice. In small establishments, ask if the ice is made from filtered water (过滤水).
• Fruits: Wash with bottled or boiled water before eating.

Hospitals and Clinics

International-friendly hospitals:

Hospital	English Service	Location	Phone
Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital	Yes (VIP clinic)	Shangcheng District	0571-86006767
Zhejiang University First Hospital	Limited	Shangcheng District	0571-87236666
Hangzhou First People's Hospital	Limited	Shangcheng District	0571-87065701

Pharmacies: Available on every major street. Look for the green cross sign (药店). Most common medications are available without prescription, but bring your own prescription medications.

Common Health Issues

• Heat exhaustion (June–September): Drink plenty of water, avoid midday sun, wear a hat.
• Food poisoning: Carry Imodium and rehydration salts. If symptoms persist more than 24 hours, visit a hospital.
• Mosquitoes (summer): Use repellent containing DEET. Dengue fever is rare but possible.
• Eye irritation: Air pollution can cause dry, irritated eyes. Bring eye drops.

Traffic Safety

E-Bikes and Scooters

The biggest physical danger in Hangzhou is not crime — it is e-bikes. Electric scooters are everywhere, often running red lights, driving on sidewalks, and appearing silently from blind corners.

Safety tips:

• Always look both ways before stepping off a curb, even at green pedestrian signals
• Do not assume e-bikes will stop at red lights
• When walking on narrow streets, stay to the side
• When renting an e-bike, wear a helmet (not legally required but strongly recommended)

Pedestrian Safety

• Use designated crosswalks and overpasses
• Even at crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers before crossing
• Right-turning vehicles have right of way at many intersections — watch for them
• Jaywalking is technically illegal and enforced by camera in some areas (¥5–20 fine)

Metro Safety

The Hangzhou Metro is clean, safe, and well-managed. Security checks at stations require bags to be scanned. During rush hours (07:30–09:00, 17:30–19:00), trains are extremely crowded.

Emergency Contacts

Service	Number	English Service
Police	110	Limited English
Ambulance	120	No English
Fire	119	No English
Tourist Complaint	12345	Some English
Foreign Emergency	0571-87022424	English available

Tip: Save these numbers in your phone before you arrive. For medical emergencies, it is often faster to take a taxi to the hospital than to wait for an ambulance.

What to Do If...

You Are a Victim of a Scam

1. Stay calm and do not hand over more money
2. Call 110 (police) — they are generally helpful with tourist scams
3. If at a teahouse or shop, refuse to pay and ask for a receipt (发票)
4. Take photos of the establishment and the people involved

You Lose Your Passport

1. File a police report at the nearest police station
2. Contact your embassy or consulate in Shanghai (most countries have consulates there)
3. Apply for an emergency travel document

Major embassies in Shanghai:

• US Consulate: 021-3217-4650
• UK Consulate: 021-3279-2000
• Australian Consulate: 021-2215-5200
• Canadian Consulate: 021-3279-2800

You Need Medical Help

1. For minor issues, visit a pharmacy (药店) — pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter treatments
2. For serious issues, go to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital's VIP clinic (English-speaking doctors)
3. For emergencies, call 120 or take a taxi to the nearest hospital

You Are in a Traffic Accident

1. Do not leave the scene
2. Call 110 (police) — a police report is required for insurance
3. Take photos of the scene and any damage
4. If injured, go to a hospital immediately and keep all receipts

Safety Tips by Area

West Lake Area

• Very safe during the day and evening
• Pickpocketing possible in crowded areas (Broken Bridge, Su Causeway on weekends)
• Keep bags zipped and phones in front pockets

Night Markets

• Safe and well-patrolled
• Watch for pickpockets in crowds
• Keep valuables secure and avoid flashing expensive items

Train Stations and Airport

• Standard precautions against pickpocketing
• Use official taxi queues or Didi, not unofficial drivers who approach you
• Keep luggage in sight at all times

Bars and Nightlife

• Drink spiking is rare but not impossible — watch your drinks
• Avoid unlicensed venues
• Use Didi to return to your hotel, not unlicensed taxis

FAQ