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Post by Stella on Dec 27, 2006 0:38:11 GMT 7
Just a quick question: would you say it's safe to venture out by yourself as an obvious foreigner after dark to go shopping, walking around, etc.? I also have quite a bulky camera that I would like to take photos with, are there any issues with that? Any restricted areas or objects that shouldn't be photographed?
I am by no means a paranoid first-timer abroad, but having Africa as my current home, I've encountered some problems here, so just wanted to get the "local" opinion on the matter. Thanks in advance to all!
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Post by zach on Dec 27, 2006 4:53:32 GMT 7
I would say "yes, it's safe, BUT..."
I think being a foreigner is not going to make a difference, if it does make a difference i would think it might be advantageous.
I think walking around most of downtown late at night is quite safe, there always seem to be some shops and places open. I would strongly advise against walking in some areas such as...parts outside of downtown that are industrial or factory areas with no shops or residents, areas around huge construction sites that are full of migrant workers. I know that a place like Ningbo University, which is outside of town and has lots of construction workers in the areas, there have been a number of incidents. Sadly, people here are less likely to step in and help/intervene in these kinds of situations.
I lived in Jinja, Uganda for a few years, and there it was a little more dangerous to be out at night. I have felt safe in most places but my chinese female friends are wary of walking around these construction zones late at night. I also assume some of the same rules for photos might apply, like no photos of soldiers, banks, army base, police, etc. I don't know that these rules apply, so definitely I'm open to being corrected.
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Post by SamT on Dec 27, 2006 15:37:43 GMT 7
Generally speaking, towns in Zhejiang province (Ningbo, Hangzhou, etc.) are safe, but not so in Guangdong province (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan, etc.). The fact that you have roughed it out in Africa definitely helps. Newcomers from "safe countries" (myself included) need to learn to be more alert though - even crossing roads could be hazardous sometimes.
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Post by Craig on Dec 29, 2006 3:54:47 GMT 7
Ningbo's a safe place, and the Ningbonese are quite peaceful people. Like Zach said, the only ones you have to watch out for are the migrant workers, and they pretty much stick to their construction sites. They live in the incomplete buildings until they finish their work. If you're worried about someone catching up with you, get a bike.
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louis
Junior Member
Posts: 6
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Post by louis on Feb 5, 2007 16:12:15 GMT 7
Typically migrant workers from where ? Other provinces ?? Tks
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Post by pregnantbob on Feb 6, 2007 21:27:18 GMT 7
It is no longer safe.
I am now in Ningbo.
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Post by pregnantbob on Feb 6, 2007 21:27:37 GMT 7
Actually on second though, making myself sound like a predator is not funny at all.
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Post by irvin on Feb 7, 2007 10:18:21 GMT 7
lol watch out for those xing jiang people, they look like foreigners but not quite. They have a little chinese look and a little russian looks.
I saw some around Tian Yi thieving purse while the victim is distracted (usually calling someone on the cell phone).
Ningbo is nowhere as bad is guangzhou where crime is concern- but it's getting there.
Bottom line is: watch your back.
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louis
Junior Member
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Post by louis on Feb 8, 2007 13:10:39 GMT 7
I guess bottom line is to be alert...
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Post by irvin on Feb 9, 2007 9:11:45 GMT 7
I meant what I said, I literally meant "watch your back". the lady got her wallet stolent cuz she was looking upwards laughing on the celly.
Be especially careful during spring festival, if possible don't shop around tian yi during those few days. If you caught them most of the time they'll run away but getting gut cuz of a struggle isn't unheard of.
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Post by Craig on Feb 9, 2007 11:43:41 GMT 7
It's hardly worth chasing thieves. A friend of mine caught a bike thief red-handed, and chased him down. The police arrived, and arrested the thief, who received a grand total of ten days in jail, after which he got out and started stealing bikes again. Sentences like that are just a joke. It's no wonder that thieving is such a good job.
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Post by zach on Feb 9, 2007 12:32:34 GMT 7
well, that would be the first time I've heard of the Chinese judicial system being too lenient on offenders. Usually that kind of behavior will turn you into an organ donor pretty quickly
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Post by pregnantbob on Feb 9, 2007 18:01:37 GMT 7
dude, stealing bicycles turning you into an organ donor? I think you're becoming quite the Stalinist  In the early eighties it was common to get executed for crimes that would have gotten you about 3 years gaol time these days... or at least is this what was relayed to me by someone who in charge of executions back in the day. |
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Post by zach on Feb 10, 2007 14:07:03 GMT 7
Well, i wasn't implying I thought that would be a fair punishment for stealing bikes....but crimes of only slightly greater outrage could still get you whacked and then billed for the bullet.
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Post by pregnantbob on Feb 10, 2007 22:23:34 GMT 7
such as?
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