Is China safe? Days ago, this question sparked hot discussion on world-famous social media Quora and many people gave the same answer “China is so safe!”
But as a mega city with so large a population, is Guangzhou safe?
Is Guangzhou a good place for travel?
What aspects does Guangzhou need to improve?
We interviewed some expats in Guangzhou. Let’s check what they said.
1. Guangzhou has powerful public security force
Paul, Chile
When Paul first came to Guangzhou, it astonished him that dozens of citizens in Guangzhou talked on the phone while walking on the street.
Paul says, in his country, it seems that you are telling others, "come and get my phone".
Terry, USA
According to Terry, though police in China are not as strong as American police, they provide citizens with a sense of security. Rarely had she seen violence in Guangzhou and she doesn’t have to worry about her personal safety when walking on the street in Guangzhou.
2. Guangzhou is safe, because police always appear in time
Louis, USA
According to Louis, compared with USA, there are fewer patrolmen on the street of Guangzhou. However, policemen always show up in time when you need them.
He also thinks it gives him a sense of security, although it is quite different from the USA.
Jafar, Ethiopia
Jafar felt a sense of security when he arrived in Guangzhou. For example, they need to go through security check before they get on the train in railway station or Guangzhou Metro.
He felt surprised at first because there is no security check in his country. He thinks that although it takes a long time to get on the train, it ensures people’s safety on the train.
3. Guangzhou Police are ready to help
Douglas, USA
According to Douglas, in Guangzhou, each tourism spot has security guards. Policemen patrol on the street, which makes you feel safe when traveling in the city.
Douglas says, in America, the relationship between the police and the people is antagonistic. Both sides are prone to conflict because of little things. But after he came to China, he saw a harmonious relationship between the police and the people.
He also raises an example of his friend. One of his friends once got lost in the city. At that time he asked a policeman for help. Even though the policeman didn’t speak English, he made every effort to help him. At last, the policeman drew a map to guide his friend who finally found his destination.
4. Suggestions
* Simplify document application procedures for foreigners
Alan, Kazakhstan
Alan shares his experience of applying for a driving license. As a foreigner, he had to have all his identifications notarized and it took longer for him to go through all the application procedures than locals. So he suggests that the application procedure should be simplified.
* Pay more regard to metro safety
Robin, Indonesia
For Robin, safety inspection of Guangzhou metro seems a bit simple. He suggests that the inspection should be more strict to ensure citizens’ safety as the passenger flow in Guangzhou is always large.
