Bottom line first: by most international metrics, China ranks among the safest travel destinations on Earth — strolling a big-city street alone at midnight is normal and safe.
Crime data: China's homicide and violent-crime rates sit persistently in the world's lowest tier; street robbery and tourist-targeted scams are far rarer than in many popular destinations.
The real small risks are your own lapses: phone snatching in crowds, tourist-zone overpricing (ask the price first), and taxis refusing the meter (insist, or use ride-hailing).
Healthcare: big-city hospitals and international clinics are high quality and fast. Prescription drugs need prescriptions. Buy travel insurance covering China; insurers can pay hospitals directly.
Traffic: the high-speed rail network is the world's safest. The only real danger to watch is road traffic — right-hand driving and e-bikes. Wear a helmet cycling, buckle up in cars.
Emergency numbers: 110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire, 122 traffic. Some cities' 110 can connect English-speaking help.
