"Despite the new veneer of individual freedom, China is still basically a police state, with the State interfering with and controlling the lives of its subjects to a degree most Westerners would find it hard to tolerate - as indeed many of the Chinese do. This should not affect foreigners much, however, as the State on the whole takes a hands-off approach to visitors - they are anxious that you have a good time rather than come away with a bad impression of the country. Indeed, Chinese who commit crimes against foreigners are treated much more harshly than if their victims had been native.
The police (or Public Security Bureau ) are recognizable by their green uniforms and caps, though there are a lot more around than you might at first think, as plenty are undercover. They have much wider powers than most Western police forces, including establishing the guilt of criminals - trials are used only for deciding the sentence of the accused (though this is changing and China now has the beginnings of an independent judiciary). If the culprit is deemed to show proper remorse, this will result in a more lenient sentence. Laws are harsh, with execution - a bullet in the back of the head - the penalty for a wide range of serious crimes, from corruption to rape.
Crime is a growth industry in fast-changing China, with official corruption and juvenile offences the worst problems. Much crime is blamed on spiritual pollution by foreign influence, the result of increasing liberalization. But serious social problems, such as mass unemployment, are more to blame, as is the let's-get-rich attitude that has become the prevailing ideology. However, there is no need for paranoia; China is still safer to travel in than many Western countries
Emergency contacts
In mainland China dial the following numbers in an emergency: Police tel 110 Fire tel 119 Ambulance tel 120 In Hong Kong and Macau , dial tel 999 for any of the emergency services.
Theft and Violent crime
As a tourist, and therefore someone far richer than anyone else around, you are an obvious target for thieves . Passports and money should ideally be kept in a concealed money belt; a bum bag offers much less protection and is easy for skilled...
Sexual harassment and illegal activities
Women travellers usually find incidences of sexual harassment much less of a problem than in other Asian countries. Chinese men are, on the whole, deferential and respectful. A much more likely complaint is being ignored, as the Chinese willĄ"
|
China Vacations 