With increasing cases of strikes, fraud and other disputes in international relations, travelers are increasingly concerned about the safety of their destination. It is therefore important to evaluate the risks associated with any trip. When a Canadian traveler wishes to visit China, they must weigh up the many aspects associated with the journey.
China is a large country with a population of over 1.3 billion people and a rich culture dating back thousands of years. The world’s second-largest economy, China has grown significantly in recent years, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $13.456 trillion in 2018. With an increasingly open international economy, opportunities abound for business travelers, students, and other adventurers in China.
In 2019, Canada saw a great influx of Chinese tourists, some of whom stayed for longer periods of time. Chinese travelers find themselves amid the grandeur of North America’s natural beauty and cultural diversity with modern, world-class cities such as Toronto and Vancouver.
Despite the wealth of opportunity present, when traveling to China, Canadians must be aware of the language barrier, health risks, and safety concerns. While English is widely spoken in major cities, many smaller cities and villages only speak the native language, making communications difficult. Additionally, health risks are present in people, animals, food, and water. Special precuations need to be taken when consuming local food and beverages, and diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus are present in rural areas. Finally, personal safety and security remain of concern to travelers. Political tensions may be adversely affected by visiting certain parts of China.
Canadian travelers must consider the risks of traveling to China and decide if the risks are worth it. They must evaluate the potential rewards such as exploring a new culture, improving their language skills, and discovering undiscovered natural wonders, as well as the potential risks such as political tension, health hazards, and language barriers.
Overall, traveling to China is considered safe, with appropriate precautions. The Canadian government’s website adviss Canadians to take standard safety precautions, as they would in any large city, such as staying in well-lit areas and avoiding confrontations with locals. Canadians should also research the locations they plan to visit and only stay in accredited hotels. Additionally, Canadians should purchase comprehensive travel medical insurance before their trip.
Political Tension
Aside from the obvious cultural and language differences, there is the equally important issue of political tension between Canada and China. Political tensions between the two countries have been escalating since 2018, when the arrest of a Chinese tech executive sparked an international dispute. This tension is likely to persist in 2019 and could result in a sense of insecurity among travelers.
Furthermore, Beijing has been increasingly critical of Canada’s approach to how it hosts Chinese citizens, which could make visitors to China feel unwelcome at times. Consequently, it is important to remember to be respectful and courteous when traveling to China, and to avoid discussing political topics with local people.
Despite the political tension between the two countries, the vast majority of Chinese citizens are welcoming and hospitable and most areas remain safe for visiting Canadians. Travelers should exercise caution while in China and look out for protest and demonstrations that could be caused by the political atmosphere.
It is important to know the current political situation and remain aware of the latest news. Canadians should also keep in touch with the Embassy of Canada in Beijing, as well as their local consulate, for official advice and assistance.
Air Quality
Another important factor to consider when traveling to China is air quality. Economic and industrial development has led to worsening air quality in many parts of the country, to the detriment of human health. Consequently, air quality can be a major concern for those traveling to China.
Cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu have some of the worst air quality in the world and travelers should take measures to protect themselves from the air pollution. This includes wearing masks and avoiding physical activities outdoors, particularly during times of high air pollution.
Canadians traveling to China should be aware of the Air Quality Index (AQI) as it can be used to measure air quality. The AQI is based on five pollutant levels, namely carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide, and provides information to travellers on how to avoid air pollutants.
Authorities in China have recognized the air pollution problem and implemented measures to improve air quality. The Chinese government has adopted a number of policies and initiatives, including regulations, standards, incentives, and transparency measures.
Health Hazards
When traveling to China, Canadians must also consider the health risks associated with the journey. Health risks present in the country include water and food contaminants, wild animal-borne diseases, air pollution, and infectious diseases.
Travelers should take special care to avoid eating or drinking any tap water, ice cubes, or unpasteurized milk. They should also avoid foods that appear to have been improperly handled or prepared, and use bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth.
Canadians should also take precautions to avoid wild animal-borne diseases which include rabies and avian influenza. This may include avoiding contact with wild animals and not drinking water directly from climate bodies. Furthermore, travelers should consult their doctor before departure about vaccines they may need.
Air pollution is also a major health hazard in China. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that air pollution is a major public health concern in China. This is due to the high levels of particulate matter and other pollutants which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, when traveling to China, travelers should protect their health by wearing masks and avoiding physical activities outdoors when air pollution is high.
Cost of Living in China
When considering traveling to China, Canadian travelers should also be aware of the cost of living in the country. According to the Numbeo Cost of Living Index, the cost of living in Beijing is 79% lower than in Toronto, and 60% lower than in Vancouver.
Furthermore, China is known for its particularly low housing costs, with an average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Beijing costing around $303.00 USD. Eating out is also relatively cheap in China, with an average meal costing around $8.00 USD.
It should be noted that although China is relatively inexpensive, its banking sector is considerably less developed than in Canada, and credit cards or cash are the preferred payment methods. Additionally, travelers should be aware of the exchange rate before traveling to China, as it could affect the rate of exchange.
Travel Documents
Finally, it is important for Canadians traveling to China to have all the required documents. A valid Canadian passport and a visa are the two main documents required for entering China. Canadians must apply for the visa at least one month before departure for tourist or business purposes, while longer-term visas may require additional paperwork.
Canadians should also inquire about health and travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies while in China, as well as any other documents that may be required for the journey. Furthermore, Canadian travelers should ensure that their passport has enough blank visa pages and is valid for six months beyond the intended trip.
In conclusion, when considering traveling to China, Canadian travelers must take into consideration the risks associated with such a journey. They must evaluate the potential rewards against the risks, such as political tensions, language barriers, health hazards, and air pollution. By taking the necessary precautions and researching the latest information, travelers can ensure that their trip to China is safe and rewarding.
