Nanjing - The Third Safest City in China? Go back »

2008-11-27 | Nanjing

'Peace and safety - the name card of Nanjing' describes Nanjing according to a recent report from 'Nanjing City Investigation Team of National Bureau of Statistics'. A slightly strange translation perhaps but most residents in Naning, both foreign and local would agree that this is a statement is well justified.

With citizens' sense of safety calculated as a rate, this survey results indicated that safety and security among Nanjing residents is far higher than the national standard. The 2007 survey was published in "Oriental Outlook" – a publication of Xinhua News Agency and featured the results of research carried out in 31 major cities in China. The results based on the reponse of Nanjing residents showed attributed Nanjing safety rating of 98.2%. According to these results, in China only Hong Kong and Shanghai are considered safer cities to live in.

"I think it is right that Nanjing is a safe place for foreigners. People can walk alone on the streets even at night. However most foreigners also behave in a way that they means they will not really often come in situations which are dangerous." said Joachim Braem, German resident and General Manager of Nanjing member company AMG Pesch.

Against a backdrop of what can surely be described as an unthreatening atmosphere, Nanjing is not of course totally free of crime. Cases of violence and robbery do take place, with an increase particularly noted in the lead up to Chinese New Year. This seasonal increase in crime rates is related to the return to home towns of Nanjing's migrant workers. When returning, such workers are expected to arrive with full wallets and presents. For the many for whom this is not the case, with the prospect of returning empty handed and losing face when reunited with family and old friends, theft is seen as an escape route. There also are indications that unrest is increasing among rural farming communities in Jiangsu as throughout China. These issues however are small slights on a broader picture of security and safety. Living in a country other than ones own always means facing difficulties and challenges. This is undeniably the case for Europeans living in a China, a country with a culture so removed and distinct from European countries'. Freedom to walk the streets of Nanjing any time of day or night is easily taken for granted, but the lack of crime should be notable for its absence. The general atmosphere of friendliness and non aggression in Nanjing that is acknowledged in this survey makes Nanjing one of the safest cities in a country full of relatively safe cities. That surely sets Nanjing apart from most other cities not only in China but in the world.