China: Overview

Travel Warning: Post-Games Security - Xinjiang Warning - Earthquakes

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are over but visitors to China should still expect tight security procedures not only in the capital, but across the country. Travellers should make sure they have the correct visa requirements - issuing procedures recently changed due to the Olympics Games held in August. Security at airports, on subways, and at popular tourist sites is likely to remain tight. Travellers should monitor news reports and avoid any large demonstrations.

Travellers should avoid China's Xinjiang region, near the Tajikistan border, following three violent attacks recently. Sixteen policemen were killed in attacks at a border post on August 4. On August 10, seven militants and a security guard were killed after a series of bombings targeting a police station. On August 12, three security staff were stabbed to death at a border checkpoint.

Sichuan province continues to suffer from deadly earthquakes, following the massive quake on May 12 which killed more than 67,000 people. A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the province near the Yunnan border on August 30, killing 32 and injuring up to 500 people. Reports claim more than 150,000 were forced to leave their homes. On August 5, a quake with a 6.0 magnitude close to Guangyuan city resulted in three deaths and injured 35. The May 12 earthquake left more than five million people homeless. It measured 7.9 in magnitude and caused massive damage to buildings, bridges and roads.

Following recent violent pro-Tibet riots in Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Yunnan provinces, travellers are advised to check with their government advisory agency before visiting these areas. The Chinese Government is reportedly cracking down on 'splittist' Tibetan monasteries - banning worship at temples where monks fail to comply with official demands.

Travellers entering China by road or rail across the southeastern border, particularly the Vietnamese frontier, report that Lonely Planet China guidebooks have been confiscated by border officials. This is due to sensitivity regarding maps of China that do not include Taiwan. Travellers should consider putting a cover on the book to make it less recognisable and just to be safe, copy down any crucial details you might need while in the country.

For good advice from other travellers check out the Thorn Tree travel forum.

severity: High-level alert