Laws and Rules

Students should be aware of the ways in which the laws of their home country differ from those in China. While laws in China do not differ dramatically from many other places, there are certain aspects of Chinese law that are important to keep in mind.

Drugs and Regulated Substances

Do not attempt to take illegal drugs into or out of China. Do not sell, produce or use illegal drugs in China. All drugs you have in China should be clearly labeled. In the case of prescription drugs, the original prescription should be kept safe.

These rules are extremely serious. What may seem like relatively minor infractions can have harsh penalties in China. Any drug-related infraction will almost certainly result in deportation, and may include a fine and even jail time.

Religious Activities

Religious activity is permitted in China. Those wishing to perform religious services should go to a government-sanctioned place of worship. Going to unregistered churches, mosques or other places of worship can result in serious consequences, both for you and others that attend. Religious materials are permitted in China for personal use only.

Religious proselytizing is strictly prohibited. Do not enter China if you intend to spread any form of religious belief. There is absolutely no tolerance for these activities in China.

Do not associate or promote religious groups or activities that have been banned by the government of China.

Freedom of Expression

Do not publish or freely speak in support of ideas or groups that support political movements that the Chinese government has deemed inappropriate. These include, but are not limited to, ethnic separatist movements and banned religious organizations. Do not publicly disrespect Chinese government officials, the Chinese government or the Chinese Communist Party.

You are allowed to discuss your opinions. However, it is advised that you do not discuss politics with Chinese people you are not familiar with. This isn’t because you will find yourself in legal trouble but because you are likely to offend or be unable to effectively communicate. Politics can be a sensitive subject in China and it takes time to understand how to talk about them. Only talk about politics with people that you know and trust very well.

Importing and Exporting

Certain objects are not allowed to be taken into China. In addition to illegal drugs, this list includes: weapons, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit money, deadly poisons, live plants and animals and any biological matter that could cause pests or disease. Printed matter, film, photos or other similar materials that could be seen as inappropriate or offensive, including pornography, are also strictly forbidden.

The above materials should also not be taken out of China. In addition, do not export materials involving state secrets, relics or antiques without the proper documentation and near-extinct or rare plant and animal materials (including seeds and breeding materials).