July 2024 - Travel guide books

Question

Hi all

My partner , from Japan, just told me that she has been told it´s not ok to bring any books containing maps of China into China, for it may be considered improper as per the Government´s rules.

Is this true? Could we bring our Lonely Planet/Rough Guides into China, or not ok?

Thanks

Answer

It is true that China has strict regulations regarding maps and geographic content. The Chinese government regulates maps to ensure that they conform to official boundaries and territorial claims. This is why certain foreign maps showing disputed areas or borders differently from the official Chinese version can be considered “improper” or sensitive.

However, for most travelers, bringing widely available travel guidebooks such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guides is generally not a problem. These guides often include maps for tourist purposes, but there are some caveats:

Ensure that maps do not show disputed regions incorrectly, especially areas like Taiwan, Tibet, South China Sea, or border regions.
Avoid bringing large, detailed topographic or professional maps, which could be considered sensitive.
Digital maps or downloaded PDFs on personal devices are usually allowed, but again, avoid printing or carrying maps that challenge official borders.

Practical advice:

Carry the guidebooks in your personal luggage; keep them as standard travel materials.
If questioned, explain they are general travel guides for tourism purposes.
Most travelers, especially those carrying common travel guides, pass through customs without issues. Problems are rare and usually related to professional or detailed maps showing sensitive areas.

In summary, you can bring your Lonely Planet or Rough Guides into China, but avoid carrying professional or highly detailed political maps. Stick to standard tourist maps included in guidebooks.

July 2024 - Travel guide books

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