TRAVEL ALERT: CHINA SAFETY AND SECURITY CONCERNS IN URUMQI, XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION

1.  The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to safety and security concerns in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, particularly in the city of Urumqi. U.S. citizens are advised to carefully consider travel to the Xinjinang Uyghur region at this time.  This Travel Alert expires on December 10, 2009.

2.  On September 3, 2009, thousands of Chinese took to the streets of Urumqi to demand increased security after reports of alleged needle stabbings.  According to New China News Agency (Xinhua) and other news sources, five people were killed and fourteen were wounded in the protests.  Following an early-July outbreak of ethnic violence, tensions have continued and a heavy security presence is in place in Urumqi, Kashgar, Hotan, and other major cities in the region.

3.  The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation in Xinjiang.  U.S. citizens in Xinjiang, and especially in Urumqi and other regional cites, are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.  Banks, shops and schools in Urumqi may close unexpectedly. Communications and transportation routes have reportedly been restricted; however, the Chinese authorities report the airport, railway, and roads remain open.

4.  U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the Department of State's travel registration website.  By registering, U.S. citizens can receive the embassy's security and safety updates during their trip. Registration also ensures that U.S. citizens can be reached should an emergency arise either abroad or at home.  While consular officers will do their utmost to assist U.S. citizens in a crisis, travelers always should be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions.

5.  Beijing:  The U.S. Embassy is located at No. 55 AnJia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.  The American Citizen Services section can be contacted during regular business hours and for after-hours emergencies at (86) 10 8531-4000 or at amcitbeijing@state.gov.  For detailed information, please visit the U.S. Embassy website at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn.  The Embassy consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China:  Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Hunan, Qinghai, Gansu and Xinjiang.

6.  Chengdu:  The U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu is located at Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu 610041; Tel. (86)(28)8558-3992, Email consularchengdu@state.gov.  For after hours emergencies, please call (86)(28)1370-800-1422.  This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet and Yunnan.

7.  Guangzhou:  The main office of the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou is located at Number 1 South Shamian Street, Shamian Island 200S1, Guangzhou 510133.   The Consular Section, including the American Citizen Services Unit, is now located at 5th Floor, Tianyu Garden (II phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510133, tel. (86)(20) 8518-7605; after-hours emergencies (86) (20) 8121-8000, Email: GuangzhouACS@state.gov.  This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China:  Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi and Hainan.

8.  Shanghai:  The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai is located in the Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200041; tel. (86-21)3217-4650, after-hours emergencies (86)(21) 6433-3936,
Email: Shanghaiacs@state.gov.  This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

9.  Shenyang:  The U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang is located at No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110003; tel. (86)(24) 2322-1198, Email: ShenyangACS@state.gov.  For after hours emergencies, please call (86)(24)137-0988-9307.  This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China:  Liaoning, Heilongjiang and Jilin.

10.  Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United Sstates or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.