Wuhan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Wuhan.
Healthcare System
Wuhan has a well-developed healthcare system with numerous public and private hospitals, including several internationally accredited facilities. As a major city and medical hub, Wuhan is home to top-tier hospitals with modern equipment and specialists. However, the system operates differently from Western countries, with upfront payment typically required before treatment.
Hospitals
Major hospitals for foreigners include Wuhan Union Hospital (international department), Tongji Hospital, and Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital. These facilities have experience treating international patients and some English-speaking staff. International clinics are available but limited compared to Beijing or Shanghai. Always bring cash or credit cards as payment is required before or immediately after treatment.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Wuhan, marked by green crosses. Many common medications are available over-the-counter without prescriptions. However, brand names differ from Western countries, and pharmacists rarely speak English. Bring generic drug names written in Chinese characters or use translation apps. International hotels can often help locate specific medications.
Insurance
Travel health insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and often required for visa applications. Ensure your policy covers China specifically and includes COVID-19 related treatment. Keep policy documents and emergency contact numbers accessible at all times.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter in English and Chinese
- Download a medical translation app or carry a medical phrasebook with key terms in Chinese
- Keep copies of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers in both digital and physical formats
- International departments at major hospitals are more expensive but offer English support and familiar processes
- Be prepared to pay upfront for medical services; keep receipts for insurance reimbursement
- Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival for emergency assistance
- Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas, though less common than in many other major cities. Thieves target distracted tourists, particularly on public transportation and in busy markets.
Traffic in Wuhan can be chaotic with aggressive driving, frequent lane changes without signaling, and vehicles not always yielding to pedestrians. E-bikes and scooters often use sidewalks and may not follow traffic rules.
English is not widely spoken in Wuhan outside major international hotels and some tourist sites. This can create safety issues in emergencies, when seeking medical care, or when trying to navigate transportation.
Wuhan experiences periods of poor air quality, particularly in winter months and during certain weather conditions. Pollution levels can affect those with respiratory conditions or sensitivities.
While food poisoning is not extremely common, street food and restaurants with poor hygiene practices can cause gastrointestinal issues. Tap water is not potable, and ice may be made from tap water.
Wuhan has extreme temperatures with very hot, humid summers (often 35-40°C/95-104°F) and cold, damp winters. Summer heat can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heavy rains in summer can cause flooding.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Friendly locals (often young women or students) approach tourists near major attractions, practice English, and invite them to a traditional tea ceremony. Victims are taken to a tea house and presented with an exorbitant bill (often 1000+ RMB) for basic tea.
Some taxi drivers at airports and train stations refuse to use meters or have tampered meters that run fast. Others take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
People dressed as Buddhist monks approach tourists at temples or tourist sites, offer blessings or bracelets, then aggressively demand large donations or refuse to take items back unless paid.
People claiming to be art students invite tourists to view an exhibition of their work, then pressure them into buying overpriced, mass-produced artwork with emotional manipulation.
Unofficial money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or switch real bills for fake ones during counting.
Massage establishments advertise low prices but add numerous unexpected fees, pressure customers into expensive 'special' services, or hold belongings until inflated bills are paid.
Scammers pose as police officers, claim to need to check foreign currency for counterfeits or inspect passports, then steal money or demand bribes. Some work with accomplices who pose as tourists.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Documentation
- Carry your passport at all times as police may request identification; keep a photocopy separate from the original
- Take photos of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) and email them to yourself
- Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep hotel business cards in Chinese to show taxi drivers
- Have important addresses written in Chinese characters
- Carry cash as many places don't accept foreign credit cards
Transportation
- Use DiDi (Chinese ride-hailing app) instead of street taxis when possible; requires Chinese phone number
- Download metro maps offline; Wuhan Metro is safe, efficient, and tourist-friendly
- Avoid unlicensed taxis and motorcycle taxis
- Always insist taxi drivers use the meter
- Be extra cautious when crossing streets; traffic doesn't always yield to pedestrians
- Keep valuables secure on crowded public transportation
- Avoid rush hour (7:30-9am, 5-7pm) on metro if possible
Communication
- Download VPN before arriving as Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and many Western sites are blocked
- Install WeChat for communication; it's essential in China and works for payments
- Download offline translation apps (Baidu Translate, Pleco) before arrival
- Get a local SIM card for data access; available at airport and convenience stores
- Save emergency numbers in your phone with Chinese labels
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases for emergencies
- Have your hotel's phone number accessible for emergencies
Money and Payments
- WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate; cash is increasingly less accepted, but keep some for emergencies
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours for safety
- Keep small denominations of cash; large bills may be difficult to break
- Be aware of daily ATM withdrawal limits
- Check bills for counterfeits, especially 50 and 100 RMB notes
- Keep money in multiple locations, not all in one wallet or bag
Accommodation
- Stay in registered hotels; not all accommodations can legally host foreigners
- Keep valuables in hotel safe, not in your room
- Know your hotel's address in Chinese characters
- Take a hotel business card when going out
- Verify fire exits and emergency procedures upon check-in
- Use hotel-recommended transportation services
- Don't open door to unexpected visitors; verify with front desk first
Food and Water
- Never drink tap water; use bottled water even for brushing teeth
- Avoid ice in drinks unless at international hotels
- Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high
- Be cautious with street food; observe hygiene practices before ordering
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Peel fruits yourself rather than buying pre-cut
- Be adventurous but start slowly with spicy local cuisine to avoid stomach issues
Cultural Awareness
- Respect local customs and avoid political discussions, especially about sensitive topics
- Don't photograph military installations or personnel
- Be aware that VPNs and certain content are technically illegal; use discretion
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Use both hands when giving or receiving business cards or payments
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding
- Learn about local dining etiquette; don't stick chopsticks upright in rice
Personal Security
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas at night
- Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, leave the situation
- Keep friends or family informed of your itinerary
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers near tourist sites
- Don't leave drinks unattended in bars or clubs
- Use reputable tour operators for activities
- Keep emergency contact numbers readily accessible
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Wuhan is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Violent crime against women is rare, and Chinese culture generally respects women. However, women may experience staring, particularly if they have distinctive features, though this is usually curiosity rather than threat. Solo women dining or traveling may attract attention simply because it's less common culturally. Harassment is less common than in many other countries, but women should still take standard precautions.
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention; while there's no strict dress code, conservative clothing is appreciated
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark; use taxis or DiDi instead
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; saying 'bu yao' (don't want) clearly
- Sit in designated women-only areas on public transportation when available
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed, safe neighborhoods with good lighting
- Keep phone charged and share your location with friends or family
- Be cautious in bars and nightclubs; don't leave drinks unattended
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining women's travel groups or finding travel companions through apps
- Learn basic self-defense phrases in Mandarin
- Avoid discussing being alone or your accommodation details with strangers
- Use hotel-recommended transportation services, especially at night
- Be aware that some men may be overly curious or want to practice English; this is usually harmless but maintain boundaries
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in China and was declassified as a mental illness in 2001. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Adoption and partnership rights are not available to same-sex couples.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; even heterosexual couples keep PDA minimal
- Wuhan's LGBTQ+ scene is limited and relatively underground; research venues before visiting
- Use LGBTQ+ travel apps and forums to connect with local community members for advice
- Be cautious about openly discussing your sexuality with strangers or in public
- Book accommodations that are known to be LGBTQ+-friendly; international hotel chains are generally safe choices
- Same-sex couples may face questions when booking rooms; request a double bed if preferred
- Be aware that gender-nonconforming appearance may attract significant attention
- Avoid LGBTQ+ activism or political discussions as these can be sensitive topics
- Connect with LGBTQ+ expat communities through social media before traveling
- Shanghai and Beijing have more developed LGBTQ+ scenes if you want to experience Chinese queer culture
- Hotel staff and service workers are generally professional regardless of sexual orientation
- Be prepared for curiosity or questions from locals, though most will be respectful
- Consider that family-oriented culture means questions about marriage and children are common for all travelers
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Wuhan and China generally. Medical costs for foreigners can be extremely high, especially at international clinics. Without insurance, you may be required to pay thousands of dollars upfront before receiving treatment. Medical evacuation to your home country or to Hong Kong can cost over $100,000. Additionally, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions are common risks. Many Chinese visas require proof of travel insurance.
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