Safety & Health
The honest truth about safety in Nanjing — and what you actually need to worry about.
Is Nanjing Safe?
Yes, Nanjing is very safe. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. The biggest risks are the same as any big city: pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and taxi scams at the airport. Use common sense and you'll be fine.
What to Watch Out For:
- Pickpockets: Mostly at Confucius Temple and crowded metro stations. Keep your phone and wallet in front pockets.
- Fake taxis: Only use official taxis or Didi. Ignore drivers who approach you inside the airport.
- Tea scams: Friendly strangers inviting you to a traditional tea ceremony can lead to an outrageous bill. Just say no thanks.
- Overcharging: Some souvenir shops at Confucius Temple inflate prices. Bargain or walk away.
Tap Water
Do not drink tap water. The tap water is technically treated but the plumbing infrastructure is old. Always drink bottled water or boiled water. Bottled water is cheap (2-3 RMB / $0.30) and available everywhere. Hotels usually provide free bottled water daily.
Air Quality
Nanjing's air quality has improved dramatically over the past decade, but it can still be poor on some days, especially in winter. Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) on your weather app.
- AQI 0-50 (Green): Perfect — enjoy outdoor activities
- AQI 51-100 (Yellow): Moderate — fine for most people
- AQI 101-150 (Orange): Unhealthy for sensitive groups — consider a mask if you have asthma
- AQI 150+ (Red/Purple): Unhealthy — wear an N95 mask outdoors, limit strenuous activity
I recommend bringing a pack of N95 masks just in case, especially if visiting in November-February.
Travel Insurance
Get travel insurance. Medical care in China is affordable by Western standards, but serious issues or emergency evacuation can be expensive. Good options for China:
- World Nomads — Popular with backpackers and long-term travelers
- SafetyWing — Affordable, designed for digital nomads
- Allianz Global Assistance — Comprehensive coverage
Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation and adventure activities if you plan on hiking Purple Mountain.
Medical Care
Nanjing has excellent hospitals. For foreigners, these are the best options:
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital International Center — English-speaking staff, accepts international insurance
- Jiangsu Province Hospital — Large, well-equipped, some English-speaking doctors
- Global Doctor Nanjing — Western-style clinic, full English service, direct billing to insurance
For minor issues (cold, stomach upset), pharmacies are everywhere. Show them your symptoms on a translation app and they'll help you find the right medicine.