It’s always wise to do some research before arriving in a new country – some may have surprising laws, and breaking them could land you in hot water. Here are ten things not to do in China that you should familiarize yourself with.
China is a vast country with many incredible things to see and do, which is why many people jet off to the far east to absorb this fascinating culture.
With the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, and The Yangtze River to feast your eyes on, it’s no wonder China is attracting more and more adventurers.
Still, just like many other places worldwide, China has many rules to adhere to. Luckily, we’ve got a list of the ten things not to do in China (that could get you jailed), so take note.
10. Entering military areas – don’t wander around
While this can sometimes be an innocent mistake, if you don’t see any signs or can’t read Chinese, it is always best not to wander off into areas you are not familiar with.
If you are caught in a military zone or, worse still, taking a photo of a building there, you will get in a lot of trouble, so steer clear.
9. Using counterfeit money – one of the worst punishments
While we would hope nobody would commit this crime in any country, it is worth knowing that in China, this crime is punishable by death.
China takes the death penalty very seriously, and over 44 other crimes bring about this punishment, so always familiarise yourself.
8. Bringing banned books into the country – an easy mistake to make
You may want to take a couple of books with you during your trip, but be aware that many books are banned in China, so always research beforehand.
Some of the top forbidden themes include violence and obscenity or anything that goes against the government, but there are plenty more.
7. Openly supporting Tibet – keep your views to yourself
While many of us have our own opinions on the situation in Tibet, talking about it openly is one of the top things not to do in China.
This is strictly forbidden, so much so that many people, even big-name celebrities, have been banned from entering the country for sharing their thoughts on Tibet’s liberty.
6. Gambling – except in Macau
With the exception Macau, a haven for gamblers, the rest of China is forbidden from participating in any gambling.
If you have a keen interest in playing slot machines or taking part in a game of poker, mainland China is not the right place for this hobby.
5. Visiting naughty websites – strictly forbidden
China strictly prohibits explicit content, both online and in print. The government takes this so seriously that you’ll find everything completely censored to avoid any objectionable material being seen. Breaking this rule can land you some time in a cell.
4. Using social media – a good excuse to detox
China has forbidden any form of western social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Loopholes do exist, but are really best avoided. We recommend taking a social media detox during your visit.
3. Playing certain video games – no playtime
One of the main things not to do in China is to play certain video games. This refers especially to anything containing themes of violence, sex, or gambling.
While these aren’t readily available in China, you are strongly urged not to take games of this kind into the country during your visit.
2. Being rude to authorities – show respect
One of our top recommendations for things not to do in China is to cause any problems with the authorities.
Of course, tempers can flair in stressful situations, it is best to remain calm and be polite, or face potential charges.
1. Overstaying your visa – always plan carefully
When travelling to China, always double and triple-check your visa dates, and always leave on time. Overstaying your visa comes with hefty fines and can also lead to an indefinite arrest.
So, now you know some of the things not to do in China. It is clear that some planning and preparation are critical to adhere to the country’s many rules.
