China: Overview

Travel Warning: Post-Olympic Games Security - Violent Attacks in Xinjiang - Earthquake Aftershocks

The Olympic Games finished on August 24 but visitors to China should still expect tight security procedures not only in Beijing, but across the country. Travellers should make sure they have the correct visa requirements - issuing procedures recently changed due to the Olympics. Security at airports, on subways, and at popular tourist sites is likely to remain tight until the post-Olympic celebrations begin to settle. Travellers would be wise to avoid any large demonstrations.

An American tourist was killed in a knife attack in central Beijing on the opening day of the Olympic Games. A second tourist was injured in the attack at the Drum Tower monument, 5km (3mi) from the main Olympic stadium.

Travellers should avoid China's Xinjiang region, near the Tajikistan border, following three violent attacks in recent weeks. Sixteen policemen were killed in attacks at a border post on August 4. According to reports, two men drove to the border post in a rubbish truck and threw two grenades at a group of policemen before attacking others with knives. Both of the offenders were captured. On August 10, seven militants and a security guard were killed after a series of bombings targeting a police station. Two militants died during the bombings and five were killed by police. On August 12, three security staff were stabbed to death at a border checkpoint.

An earthquake struck the Sichuan province on August 5, killing three people and injuring 35. The quake, with an epicentre close to Guangyuan city, had a 6.0 magnitude and destroyed thousands of houses in the area. Water, power supplies, and communication facilities have reportedly been seriously affected - travellers should monitor news reports and avoid this area. The quake is considered to be an aftershock of the massive May 12 earthquake which struck southwestern Sichuan province, killing more than 67,000 people, injuring thousands more, and leaving more than five million homeless. It measured 7.9 in magnitude and caused massive damage to buildings, bridges and roads. Travellers are advised to avoid the affected area if at all possible.

Following violent pro-Tibet riots in Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Yunnan provinces in March, travellers are advised to check with their government advisory agency before visiting these areas, which may be closed to foreigners during the Olympic Games. 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