When traveling overseas, you’re subject to the laws enacted by the local government, even if you’re a citizen of a foreign country—and that’s especially true in the People’s Republic of China, where laws are very strict and firmly apply to visitors.

Breaking Chinese laws and administrative regulations, even inadvertently, can lead to fines, imprisonment, deportation, and exit bans, so educating yourself about the relevant laws for travelers is key to avoiding criminal offenses and run-ins with local authorities.

Local Laws in China Travelers Should Know

The Chinese legal system is largely a civil law system, with basic laws that apply overall and local administrative rules and laws that vary between Mainland China and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

China’s central government is notorious for its rigid national laws and harsh legal system—under Chinese law, you can be detained for up to 13.5 months before formal charges are even filed, for one—so foreign visitors should always strive to comply with local regulations and obey Chinese authorities during their visit.

Read on to learn about China’s local laws for travelers, such as import and export restrictions, drinking laws, and driving laws.

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Currency

A maximum of ¥20,000 (Chinese yuan renminbi; CNY) can be imported and exported out of China  without being declared.

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Passport and Visas

Foreign nationals are required to have a valid passport and a valid visa to enter China . You should carry your passport and visa on your person when out exploring, and keep a copy of your passport ID page and visa safe at your hotel.

For residents of 53 countries, including the US, China allows visa-free transit visits  for either 72 or 144 hours, provided that very strict criteria are followed. You must enter through an eligible port of entry (like Beijing Capital International Airport or Shanghai Pudong International Airport) and show proof of departure from an approved port of entry within either the 72-hour or 144-hour time period. You also need to use a passport valid for at least three months from the intended arrival date. Furthermore, your arrival and departure flights must have no stopovers within Mainland China and originate and end in a different foreign country.

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Customs and Border Patrol

The Chinese government has very strict laws regarding what can and can’t be brought into the country. You can’t bring the following with you to China:

  • Firearms or explosives
  • Drugs or poisons
  • Plant or animal products
  • Any printed or recorded material that doesn’t abide by China’s censorship laws

If you are carrying any of the above items when you arrive in China, you’ll need to declare them or risk harsher consequences than confiscation.

Upon leaving the country, you can’t take the following:

  • Valuable cultural items or relics that aren’t authorized for removal
  • Endangered or precious animal or plant products
  • All the above restricted import items

If you’re unsure about any items you’re importing or exporting out of the country, you should always declare them to be sure. Due to the strictness of local regulations and Chinese laws, it’s better to be forthright and honest and risk the items being confiscated.

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Photographs and Video Recordings

There are no laws regarding street photography, but if you want to take a photograph of someone, be respectful and ask first.

However, you should avoid taking photographs of military installations, government buildings, and other sensitive areas, as this could lead to legal trouble.

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Indigenous Sites

As the Han Chinese ethnic group makes up a large portion of the Chinese population, many temples, mountains, shrines, pagodas, and grottoes around China, which are sacred through religions like Taoism and Buddhism, are key Indigenous sites. In general, you should be respectful when visiting these places, following any posted signage or local rules, removing shoes, wearing modest clothing, and being quiet and non-disruptive.

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Drinking

The drinking age in China is 18, and allowing underage people to purchase or imbibe alcohol comes with penalties and fines. Engaging in behavior that disturbs public order, such as public drunkenness, can result in fines or detention.

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Smoking and Tobacco

Even though China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of tobacco, there are still places where smoking isn’t allowed. You can’t smoke in most indoor public places, like restaurants, bars, and public transportation. Always look for signs indicating where it’s appropriate to light up before doing so.

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Drugs and Marijuana

The possession and trafficking of illegal drugs are strictly prohibited in China. Penalties for drug-related offenses can be severe, including long prison sentences and even the death penalty in extreme cases.

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Driving

The Chinese government doesn’t recognize the International Driver’s License, so you need to have a Chinese-issued driver’s license to drive in China; consequently, most foreigners aren’t able to drive here. If you’re planning a longer stay and need to be able to rent or operate a vehicle, it’s possible to get a Chinese driver’s license, although it’s a lengthy process with a medical exam, test, and more.

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LGBTQ+ Travelers

Even though gay marriage is outlawed and LGBTQ+ lifestyles have historically been frowned upon and discriminated against on a governmental level, most Chinese people are tolerant of gay people and usually won’t cause a scene.

In general, LGBTQ+ individuals can feel safe and secure traveling around China, but they should still keep a low profile and use discretion. In many cities like Hong Kong and Beijing where there are small but lively gay scenes, LGBTQ+ people can feel more comfortable being themselves in public but should still be discreet. When traveling in more rural and potentially conservative or traditional areas, individuals should especially practice discretion and avoid PDA.

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Wildlife and Animals

China is very protective of its precious native wildlife, like tigers, pandas, and pangolins, so illegal hunting, poaching, trading, or transporting of wildlife is strictly prohibited. Similarly, the destruction of habitat comes with harsh consequences.

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Public Displays of Affection

Overt public displays of affection, like long kisses or holding hands, are frowned upon in China, so when out and about, you should try to keep the PDA to a minimum. A short hug or quick peck on the cheek is fine, but don’t go further than that.

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Dress Code

When traveling around China, dress modestly and conservatively. Avoid shirts, dresses, pants, or skirts that are too short or don’t cover everything. You can still dress casually and for comfort, but choose modest pieces with good coverage.

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Internet Censorship

China has strict internet censorship, commonly known as the “Great Firewall of China.” Access to popular websites and platforms, like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and certain news websites is blocked. While using a virtual private network (VPN) to access blocked sites is possible (though using a VPN might also be restricted) it is best to be cautious with your internet usage while in China.

What Happens If I Break the Law While Visiting China?

Depending on the offense, breaking Chinese law could result in fines, imprisonment, deportation, or being blacklisted from ever returning to the country. Minor offenses, like littering or being a nuisance in public, usually only result in a fine. But bigger offenses could lead to arrest and incarceration.

If you’re arrested in violation of Chinese law or local regulations, you should immediately seek out a lawyer and alert your country’s embassy or consulate. Both can provide assistance and guidance on navigating the Chinese legal system.

China Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

Extraterritoriality has a long and complicated history in China; local laws, rules, and regulations are still somewhat murky to this day. Chinese citizens can be prosecuted for breaking Chinese laws while traveling abroad, but foreigners are typically only held accountable if they break the law while in the country.

Due to the complicated legal system, however, and the fact that China’s lack of extradition agreement with the US makes it difficult to extract someone in serious legal trouble, foreign visitors should try their best to avoid violating Chinese law.

Preparing for Your China Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a China visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to China,  including travel requirements, visa extensions, and culture and traditions , visit our China content hub.