Safety, Beijing

Foreign tourists walk past military police standing guard on the Great Wall of China at Badaling, north of Beijing. Chinese police and government officials announced that a British man was attacked and killed near Badaling some time before Oct. 2, 2002 when his body was found. British media have identified the tourist as Tom Dawson, 24, a graphic artist from West London who was at the beginning of an eight-month tour around Asia. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

Please watch your valuables closely and never leave anything unattended. If you intend to drive, never leave any branded stuff in the car or you might return to find the car window smashed and your beloved item missing.

While the western perception of the communists watching your every move and making sure you don't spread controversial ideas is largely untrue, you should be careful discussing politics or other sensitive subjects (Tibet, Taiwan, Falun Gong, Xinjiang, etc.) in public. I don't think anything would really happen to you but it's best to not be on their radar. Also, you may find yourself questioned by friendly 'students' who want to know if you read underground democracy magazines or newspapers - use your common sense, they're pretty obvious.

around major sites, there is going to be lots of people trying to sale you stuff, some great deals can be had, but you can quickly find yourself surrounded, so keep moving. beware of pickpockets especialy kids. its sad the kids are being used by adults to get into our pockets

some years ago,china was extremely safe for tourists;I was reported that lately,it is less true,and that many pickpockets try to steal money from tourists;so as everywhere,try to look poor,and single ladies,avoid to travel with mini-skirts.

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The steps leading up inside the Bell and Drum Towers are extremely steep, so please take care whilst walking up and down. Luckily there are hand rails on either side to assist you.

SOME WOMAN WILL INTRODUCE THEMSELF AS BUSSINES WOMAN TO CHEAT YOU,.AND GET SOMETHING FORM YOU ASAP,,ONE OF THEM I MET ON INTERNET I M PUTTING HER PIC,,

Tiananmen Square - Soldiers, police, and undercover agents everywhere. Don't you be talking 'bout no massacre or practicin' any Falungong, y'hear?!

There isn't any dangers in Beijing that wouldn't be in any big city...the only problem is traffic but if you are careful you have no need to worry....