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Solo Travel in China

Solo travel in China

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Cultural GatG, History GatG, Nature GatG

If you are planning to tour China during a   solo trip to Asia , below is my solo travel to China travel guide on how to travel China solo including where to travel in China, the best places to visit in China for solos, where to stay, the best tours to China for solos, and how to get around when you are travelling China alone. Find out how to get from the airports and what to do in each place.

All companies included have been recommended by myself and other solo female travellers and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article for solo female travel China. 

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives. 

About China

Tours in china, accommodation in china, travelling around china, from the airport, how long do i need, plan a trip to china, map of china.

Solo travel in China

Is China safe for solo female travellers? China is relatively safe for female travellers but be prepared for a bit of a culture shock. Staring, spitting, shoving in queues and using a microphone for practically everything can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed, especially in Beijing, the capital. That's why we've given it 2 out of 5 stars. Most people are curious but once you get outside of the city, people are welcoming and friendly.

The language barrier can be a challenge. If you are lost or in need of help, younger people are more likely to speak English than older people. When in doubt, look for a high-school student. Keep an eye on your belongings, and be cautious venturing out on your own at night, just as you would anywhere else.

China is a fascinating country to explore but if it is your first time to the country and you are unsure of where to visit in China and what to see in China alone, you may prefer to take a tour of China instead.

If you're thinking of going to China, Global Work & Travel helps you to organise au pairing placements in China and around the world. Choose from a working holiday, summer camp, internship, volunteering or tutoring and teaching abroad. Their placements include all the support you need for a life-changing adventure.

visit china alone

Vast, timeless, and exotic, China mixes the ancient and the modern in a not-always-seamless but continuously fascinating manner. Rich in history, full of natural beauty, and constantly evolving, the country is endlessly alluring and has something for everyone. In addition, China is safe for solo female travellers and still relatively inexpensive – what’s not to love?

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for China .  

Start in the capital city of Beijing , home to many of the country’s best-known monuments. Ease your transition into the unfamiliar culture by visiting the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the places to visit in Beijing. Its grounds cover almost 3 square kilometers and feature pavilions and temples against a backdrop of perfectly manicured lakes and gardens.

Take your time touring the Forbidden City as well. The Forbidden City was once the Imperial Palace and is now a beautifully preserved site and home to a fantastic museum. For a dose of more recent history,

Solo travel in China

Temple of Heaven in Beijng

Other Things To Do in Beijing Alone

Tiananmen Square is literally right across the street. Here you can both pay homage to the anti-communist protesters who made the square famous as well as visit the mausoleum housing Mao Zedong’s body.

Is Beijing safe for solo female travellers? Yes, and Beijing also has excellent shopping, nightlight, and restaurants. Head to the hip 798 Art District, full of galleries, cafes, and trendy boutiques, and enjoy a lazy afternoon wandering about. If your budget allows, be sure to check out the Peking Opera, which puts on spectacular shows in centuries-old tradition.

One of the best things to do in China, is to see the famous Great Wall. Beijing is also a good base for exploring the Great Wall of China . As one of the famous things in China, numerous tour operators organise everything from day trips to multi day expeditions along the city wall. 

Solo travel in China

Tiananmen Square (photo @ Tracey Petrass)

Pingyao 

From Beijing, head south on an overnight train to Pingyao , home to the best preserved walled city in China. Rent a bike, or simply wander the car-free alleys of this ancient city– you’ll feel as though you have been magically transported centuries back in time in the old town. 

After spending a day or two soaking up Pingyao, hop on another overnight train to Xi’an . The city was the capitol of China for over 1,000 years and is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, one of best things to do in China, as well as numerous other museums and historic sites.

As the eastern terminus of the famous Silk Road, Xi’an is also a melting pot of cultures. Check out the Muslim quarter for delicious street food and a different perspective on China.

Solo travel in China

The Terracotta Army in Xian

From here, consider a side trip to Chengdu in the west, famous for its Giant Panda reserve. Chengdu is also an excellent base for organising trips further west into China or into Tibet . Dunhuong , once a stop on the Silk Road, is one highlight of western China.

The city is home to the Mogao Caves, once a treasure trove of Buddhist art and manuscripts. Today, the caves remain picturesque and extremely enjoyable to explore. You can also organise camel treks into the surrounding desert from Dunhuong.

Two hours from Chengdu is another of the top things to see in China, Leshan Giant Buddha, called giant due to its 71 metre size. What makes it one of the country’s tourist attractions is that it is the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world, and majestically carved out of a red-coloured cliff with a river below its mighty feet. To reach here, it's easier to take a day tour . 

Solo travel in China

Great Wall of China

Even further west is the city of Kashgar . A meeting place of cultures and religions for thousands of years, you’ll enjoy wandering the city’s back alleys and traditional Muslim neighbourhoods. Try to make it to the Sunday market, an experience you’ll never forget. Flying is generally the best way to make it from place to place in western China as the distances are unimaginably vast.

Solo travel in China

Yangtze River

If your itinerary doesn’t allow you to explore western China, simply continue south from either Chengdu or Xi’an and explore the Yangtze River region. The river itself is over 6,000 kilometers long, but the most breathtaking section is far and away the Three Gorges.

Take a three-day cruise from Chongqing to Yichang through a mystical landscape of fog, greenery, and mountains rising from the water. Cruise routes have changed in recent years due to the construction of a controversial damn that displaced over a million of the river valley’s residents.

Your next stop – Yangshuo – is equally scenic and awe-inspiring. Yangshuo is surrounded by twisting karst mountains, streams, and rice paddies, and you’ll enjoy relaxing in this beautiful outpost. Rent a bike and explore the countryside, go for a hike, give rock climbing a try, or simply kick back and enjoy this tranquil town.

Solo travel in China

Take a side trip via bus to Longsheng and the nearby Longji rice terraces (literally, Dragon Backed Mountain). This hilly, somewhat remote area is home to some of China’s most photographed rice paddies, as well as to numerous ethnic groups found nowhere else in the country. The Yuanyang rice terraces are also one of the beautiful areas to see.

For those planning a south China trip, one of the best places to visit in southern China is Macau. This entertainment hub with its Vegas-style dazzling lights of its casinos was once a Portuguese colony, and you can see its unique blend of multi-cultural heritage amongst the temples, gardens and fortresses, making it one of the unique places in China.

One of the main reasons that people flock here is for its nightlife. As a city that never claims to sleep, it’s definitely one for the fun, party solo. If you’re at a loss at what to do in China in the evenings in the rest of the country, the Chinese appear to love karaoke, so find a karaoke bar and join in.

Near Macao is Guangzhou , one of the lesser known places to visit in China. But this mega port city on the Pearl River has one of the country’s best amusement parks and is a hub for the bullet train. There are many free things to do in Guangzhou from seeing the Five Ram Statue in Yuexiu Park, to the European-style buildings on Shamian Island.

solo travel in China

The glittering lights of Macau

Another of the major cities in China is Shanghai . If you need a break from Chinese culture, Shanghai is more cosmopolitan and you will feel less conspicuous here, as it is one of the best cities to visit in China for a more western feel.

Walking along the Bund riverfront promenade, admiring the old French buildings are just one of the things to do in Shanghai alone, as well as visiting the Shanghai Museum and the pink building of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower that’s shaped like a baby’s rattle.

For amazing views of the city, the Jin Mao Tower is one of China’s tallest towers and the perfect place to see this city in all its glory. If you’re in need of adventure, the Skywalk allows you to ‘wander in the cloud’ along the tower’s 60 metre long glass walkway, 340 metres above the ground. It’s one of those crazy Shanghai attractions to get your heart pumping.

solo travel in China

Other Places To See in China

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one pf the best places in China to transport yourself to a movie scene. This National Park with the Wulingyuan Scenic Area with its majestic Hallelujah Mountains were the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie, Avatar. This spectacular canyon is also where you’ll find one of the unusual things to do in China – take a thrilling walk along the World’s longest and highest glass bridge that sits 270 metres above ground.

Another best place to visit in China is West Lake. This scenic area in Hangzhou has enough temples and gardens to keep you mesmerised for an afternoon. The lake is split into 5 areas and you can hire a bike to leisurely explore their beautiful destination at your own pace, stopping to shelter from the sun, or hopping aboard a boat ride to explore the island within it.

China is the World’s second-largest country, and this is only a small sample of what awaits you. With time and money, you could spend a lifetime exploring it and still touch only the tip of the iceberg. Solo travel China and your first visit is unlikely to be your last as China will enchant you and lure you back again and again.

Thinking of going to China? Global Work & Travel helps you to organise au pairing placements in China and around the world. Choose from a working holiday, summer camp, internship, volunteering or tutoring and teaching abroad. Their placements include all the support you need for a life-changing adventure.

visit china alone

G Adventures China

If you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company which offers trips to China and mainly caters for budget travellers. Most tours have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your China travel tour you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

Adventures start from a 4 day Habin Ice Festival to 21 days Ultimate China on a Shoestring including Hong Kong. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company.

visit china alone

Intrepid Travel China

Intrepid Travel also offer tours of China. They are similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people using their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear more costly than G Adventures.

Intrepid Tours China start from 9 days of China Highlights experiencing the best of China, and include 2 week itineraries to Yunnan & Tiger Leaping Gorge. In addition to their guided China tours they also offer tours to Tibet. With both tour companies you share a room with another female or you can pay extra for your own room. Read our  Intrepid Travel Reviews

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and tours in worldwide destinations including China. Choose from a ticket to the Forbidden City in Beijing, a trip to Mutianyu Great Wall, or a visit to the Terracotta Warriors in Xian. There are several to choose from including Beijing tours, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check all tours and prices here

Solo travel in China: Accommodation in China

If you are planning a solo China trip, expect all types of accommodation from luxury to budget. In Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Beijing you’ll find everything from hostels to five star international hotels.

If you pre-book your accommodation through a platform online expect to pay a service charge on top. Mid-range hotels are everywhere but choose a newly opened property instead of an older one to ensure better quality. There are chain hotels as well as independent budget ones. If you are staying in a rural village in China, don’t be surprised if you hear Karaoke at full blast during the evenings.

For budget GatGs there are several hostels and if you are planning on being in China for a while, it may be worth becoming a member of the International Youth Hostel Association (IYHA) where you can get a discount on your hostel stays (perfect for backpacking China alone). You could also save money on your accommodation by taking an overnight train from Beijing to Xian.

The cost of the train then includes your bed for the night. Whether you take a hard seat or a soft sleeper. When you arrive at a train or bus station you may be greeted by tourist touts offering you a cheap room in their local guesthouse.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a capsule hotel then the Art Hotel Beijing is a great option. It’s a great experience even if only for one night. For all accommodation you may have to pay a deposit which you get back at the end with the receipt.

China doesn’t really offer camping but you can stay with a local through Airbnb, a platform where you can rent a local’s spare room or even the whole accommodation for the duration of your stay. You can save $20 off your first stay with this Airbnb link . 

  • To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in China

Solo travel in China

How to get around in China by train – When you're travelling in China, trains and buses are the best types of transportation in China to experience the country. While both options cover an extensive network, trains are slightly safer, quieter, and the fastest means of China transportation with the famous bullet trains (speed trains) which reach speeds of nearly 200 mph and offer a wider range of options in terms of seating, meals, etc. You can buy train tickets at the ticket offices in the train stations (take your passport to purchase them), and make sure you buy them with plenty of time in advance. You can purchase them online too.

China has four class trains. You can choose from a soft sleeper which has 4 beds in a carriage and are the most comfortable and costly or a hard sleeper, a more popular choice with backpackers on a budget who don’t mind sharing a cabin with 5 other strangers. Seat61 is a great resource for these ways of transportation.

For intercity travel , buses can be the best way to travel China for shorter distances. To work out which bus stations you need, you’ll need to know which direction you’re heading in for the specific bus station (north, south) etc. There are also sleeper buses. 

For longer distances, the best way to travel in China is by plane. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive and can save time for travellers on tight schedules. China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China all operate flights within China.

How to travel around China by car – Renting a car is unfortunately not an easy option. On the mainland, a Chinese driver’s license is required to rent a car . If you are determined to rent a car, you can attempt to obtain a provisional Chinese driver’s license in larger cities. However, this is not recommended. Either hire a car along with a Chinese driver, or use the country’s excellent train travel and bus networks.

Beijing – If you fly into Beijing, you have many options for reaching the city centre. Your least expensive option is to take a public bus but special airport shuttles offer more options and drop-off points within the city.

Airport Express trains are another option but only serve two locations within Beijing. Taxis are also relatively inexpensive, but be sure to take one from the “official” queue or risk traveling in a vehicle with a faulty meter and paying more than you should.

Shanghai  – Hongqiao airport is only 10 miles away from the city centre. The cost is approx CNY 100 and takes 25 – 40 minutes. Make sure that you take a metered taxi instead of opting for a taxi tout in the terminal which will cost double the price. Take the Subway Line 2 for just CNY 57 to People's Square then onto your destination. Buses from across the terminal.

Shanghai – Pudong airport is 19 miles from the city. Take a metered taxi for CNY 180 which takes from 45 – 90 minutes. Buses run every 20 minutes from 0730 until 2300.

Ten days is the minimum you’ll need to begin exploring China. In this amount of time, you can visit Beijing and its attractions, see the Great Wall, and make quick side trips to one or two other nearby cities. To really explore China, set aside at least three months, especially if you intend to venture into western China.

Travelling Overland from China

Many of China’s neighbours – for example, Myanmar, Pakistan, and North Korea – likely have quite stringent visa procedures).

Where can I fly from here?

  • Mongolia – 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Japan – 3 hrs 15 mins
  • South Korea – 2 hrs

* All flying from Beijing

visit china alone

Is tipping expected? Tips are generally not expected (and may even be refused). Exceptions include hotel porters, and tour guides (especially on multi-day tours).

Fixed price or barter? Expect fixed prices for hostels, rooms, and hotels. Bargaining is acceptable at markets and in family-owned shops, while larger stores have fixed pries.

Any ATMs? ATMs are available in larger towns and cities, as well in popular tourist destinations. Be sure to keep some cash on you, as credit cards are not accepted everywhere in China.

Which side of the road do they drive?  The right-hand side.

Good for vegetarians? China can be hit-or-miss for vegetarians. In larger cities and popular tourist areas, you will likely be able to find good vegetarian options. In more out-of-the-way places or “locals-only” restaurants, you may experience difficulties communicating your needs due to the language barrier.

Many so-called “vegetarian” dishes may contain fish or meat stock, and locals may be baffled as to why you choose not to eat meat. Buddhist temples sometimes have vegetarian-only restaurants attached to them, and these can be wonderful options.

Any seven wonders of the world?  The Great Wall of China.

If you are planning a trip to China, here are some useful websites including vaccinations required, airlines that fly there and local customs and etiquettes to help you travel alone in China. 

Budget – £70 a day

Capital – Beijing

Population – 1,360,000,000

Language spoken – Chinese, various other languages

Local Currency – Renminbi

Do I need a visa? 

Vaccinations Required 

Flying time to China – 10 hrs 

Useful Info

Airlines to China

The Best Time to Travel to China – May & June

Which Plugs Do I need? 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China

Events and Festivals in China

Local Cost Guide 

Driving Distances

Local Customs & Etiquette

Lingo – Useful Mandarin phrases

Did you know? Contrary to popular belief, fortune cookies are not a traditional Chinese custom. It is believed that they first appeared in San Francisco and that they are based on a traditional Japanese recipe. At any rate, you won’t find them in China!

Weather in China – below is the annual weather in China

China weather

Responsible Tours

Tours with Gadventures

Group Tours with Explore

Yangtze River Cruises   (multiple itineraries possible) 

Leo Hostel – Beijing-based Great Wall tours (they have a “private” portion of the wall and offer camping on top of the wall)

Big Bus Tour – Explore the city of Shanghai from an open-top bus.

Yangshuo Village Inn

Yangshou Mountain Retreat

Volunteering

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding  –  offers internships in the summer

Cultural Experiences

Peking Opera – Beijing (worth the price)

Local Projects

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – Chengdu

Where to Stay

Stay in a capsule hotel at Peng Heng Space Capsules Hotel

Treat Yourself in Hotel Eclat Beijing

Mind Body & Soul

Meridian Massage Center – Beijing (offers massage and variety of traditional Chinese medicine modalities)

China Cultural Center – Beijing & Shanghai (offers a variety meditation retreats, traditional Chinese medicine, and other healing and relaxing treatments)

Yoga retreats at Snow Mountain Retreat

visit china alone

Current Time in Beijing

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Traveling Alone in China

Traveling Alone in China

So you're considering going solo in China? Actually, traveling alone is very doable in China as the country is relatively safe, and its main issues (such as language barriers and scams) are relevant whether or not you are alone. They are also easy to avoid with a little bit of preparation.

Here are the things that we think are most important to know before you decide to take on China by yourself, and what to keep in mind while you're there.

Culture Shock

Culture shock in China is felt more acutely by solo travelers , particularly if you haven't been to a developing country before. If you have no one to talk to and process your experiences with, you may feel very isolated very quickly.

You will find behaviors, food, sights, sounds, smells, ways of doing things, etc. can be very different in China. This bombardment of the senses and mind can lead to emotions ranging from fear and anxiety to frustration and irritability, to disorientation and depression.

Culture shock often follows a period of enchantment, awe and wonder (the honeymoon period), but may happen the moment you step off the plane. It is followed by a sense of adjustment to and tolerance of new surroundings, if you stay in China long enough.

See more on How to Deal with Culture Shock in China Easily .

The language barrier is the biggest problem for most travelers in China. Not many people outside China's big cities speak English, never mind any other European languages.

This can make it hard to travel around especially if you are by yourself. If you have any food allergies make sure you have this written down in Chinese too.

It is also a good idea to download a translation app on your phone, this way you can translate anything you come across, as many translation apps (for example, Pleco), do not require Internet access.

Hostels in China are generally safe and a great way to meet other travelers.

The larger dorm rooms tend to have lots of people in at the same time, but if you still feel uncomfortable you can always ask the staff to change your room for you or find another place to stay, your safety comes first! Many hostels also provide single-sex dorms if you feel more comfortable staying there.

Take your valuables with you if staying in a dorm, or if your door or window looks vulnerable to thieves.

China's registered taxis are generally safe, but avoid illegal taxis . Cars with red lights in the windows are black taxis, and unregistered. Also make sure you take the taxi receipt every time you leave, as that will increase your chances of retrieving something if you've accidentally left it in the taxi.

Make sure you always carry the name card of your hostel or hotel, including an address in Chinese characters , so that you can show it to a taxi driver, and they can help you get home if you get lost. The same thing goes for when you are visiting tourist attractions: make sure you always carry around the name or address of the place in Chinese. Many people, including the taxi drivers taking you around, will really appreciate it so there is no confusion as to where you are going.

As a solo traveler you are an easier target for scammers. This is why it is extra important to keep an eye out on these popular scams especially in cities with China's most popular tourist destinations (see Beijing's Top 10 Scams ).

Although it might seem distrusting, when people who speak good English come up to you at tourist destinations it is generally safer to politely tell them you don't want to talk to them, as you never know what their intentions are.

Personal Safety

This advice counts for people traveling alone as well as people traveling in groups. Keep your money and valuables hidden away when you are traveling, so that when you open your wallet nobody can see how much money you are carrying around.

On top of that, make sure you carry your health insurance information on you , so that if something does happen the hospital staff will be able to find your documentation.

It is also advisable to have your medicine allergies and any illnesses such as diabetes translated and written down in your documentation. If you aren't keen on carrying your passport around, make sure you have copies of your passport photo page, your Chinese visa, and your entry stamp on you at all times.

When you are out in bars and clubs make sure you are always watching your drink and your valuables. iPhones cost nearly as much as the average person earns a month in China's big cities, never mind the smaller cities, so they are popular targets.

If large groups of people come up to you you while you are out, and are acting extremely friendly, keep in mind that they might be after your valuables rather than just wanting to chat.

We Can Guide as Much or Little as You Want

Are you thinking of traveling to China alone, but do you have no idea where to start? We can help you while you are planning your first trip . See our most popular first trip to China tours:

  • The Golden Triangle — 8 days in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai
  • Classic Wonders — the above with scenic Guilin, in 11 days
  • The Flavor of China — savor local sights and foods in Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hong Kong — 12 days

If you do decide to come to China with us, we can also guide you as much or as little as you like. Want to be taken around the whole time? No problem, just let us know. Or would you rather we only take you to the more difficult to reach tourist destinations? That's also not a problem. All you have to do is contact us and tell us exactly what you are looking for.

Further Reading

  • Are you a woman looking to travel to China alone or with fellow women? China is generally a safe place for this. Check out this article with tips for female travelers in China .
  • Eating alone is all about convenience. We're prepared a list of the top travel-friendly Chinese snack foods , so you can eat conveniently, while exploring China.
  • We have an entire database of articles to help you explore China, whether before your trip or during. For more travel tips in particular, check out the travel tips section of our articles .
  • Check out our guidebook for more practical information.

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  • 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
  • 12-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai Tour for Your Summer Vacation
  • Best China Tours 2024/2025: Top Tours for First & Return Trips
  • 11-Day Family Happiness
  • 12-day Panda Keeper and Classic Wonders
  • 13-Day A Broad Taste of China
  • 13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour
  • 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
  • 14-Day Classic China Photo Tour
  • 3-Week Must-See Places China Tour Including Holy Tibet
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12 tips for solo travel in China (from a self-proclaimed expert)

Posted by Gayle Aggiss | Updated August 15, 2022 | Travel

12 tips for solo travel in China (from a self-proclaimed expert)

Have you ever dreamed of traveling solo through China?

Some people may try to convince you that it’s too dangerous to travel solo in China. But in fact, the opposite is true.

China has a very low crime rate, the public transport is great, and even though you’ll struggle to communicate with the locals outside of the main cities, that issue will apply whether you’re alone or with someone else.

In fact, solo travel in China can be amazing. Trust me, I’ve done it!

It will allow you to immerse yourself in a way you just can’t manage when you’re with other people. It will force you to engage with people and with the country. And it will encourage you to have a truly adventurous and unique trip based on what you most enjoy to do.

That being said, traveling by yourself in China can be difficult. That’s why I’ve created this list of top tips for solo travel in China.

1. Expect a safe place

China is a safe country all around, with a low crime rate . But you’re even safer when you’re a tourist in China.

The Chinese government is very concerned about their public image on the world stage, so any criminals harming tourists are given hefty sentences. And to most of them, it really isn’t worth the risk.

apps banned in china

You should still take the same precautions when traveling in China that you would take anywhere else. But you’re at very low risk of physical attacks of all kinds.

In fact, while you’re there, you’ll probably feel safer than you did back home.

I know that when I was in China, I was shocked at the fact that I could walk home at 3 am after a night out with friends.

Not only was I perfectly safe, but I felt safe too, in a way I hadn’t experienced when doing the same in Australia, where I’m from.

2. Get a visa

China visa

Know the visa rules before you travel to China. Image by i viewfinder on Shutterstock.

You may need to get a visa when you travel to China. It depends on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, and what country you’re from.

For really quick trips (i.e. less than six days), you could be eligible for what’s called Visa Free Transit. But if you’re not, you’ll need to compile some documentation and pay a visa fee – again, this depends on where you’re from.

You can check the Chinese visa page for more information and help.

3. Be prepared for culture shock

Crowd in China

Culture shock will affect independent travelers. Image by Ulrich & Mareli Aspeling on Unsplash.

Unless you’ve traveled extensively in Asia, or even if you have, you’ll experience culture shock when you get to China. I know I did.

For the first few weeks (or months) I felt as if I was wandering around with my mouth wide open at just how different it was to my home.

But that’s half the fun, isn’t it? Everything’s different in China, from the food to the sights , smells, and ways of doing things. And this can bring on feelings like disorientation, anxiety, irritability and even fear and depression.

It can be particularly bad for solo travelers, who don’t have someone with them to discuss and debrief after a shock.

So, go easy on yourself. Take breaks when you need to. And with a bit of time, you’ll find yourself adjusting to the way they do things in China.

Some travelers like to learn a lot about the country before they get there, so the culture shock isn’t as intense. If that’s you, check out some of the best China blogs before you go, or even a China documentary on Netflix .

4. Don’t expect the locals to speak English

A local woman in China

You’ll need to find other ways to communicate in China. Image by SteveMushero on Pixabay.

Traveling throughout China is very different to being a tourist in the major cities like Shanghai or Beijing.

Outside of the big cities and the main tourist areas, you’ll find that the locals speak very little English, let alone other European languages.

This can be a huge barrier for any kind of traveler, but here are some tips to overcome it:

  • Don’t be embarrassed to use body language to communicate (but counting with your hands is different in China, so be careful)
  • Always have your hotel/destination names on your phone in Chinese so you can get back to your base
  • Also have any dietary restrictions written down in Chinese on your phone
  • Download a translation app on your phone (choose one like Pleco that doesn’t need internet access).

If you’re addicted to Google (for translation, maps, etc), make sure you get a VPN before you arrive in China. Otherwise, your access will be blocked by The Great Firewall of China.

5. Stay in hostels

Stay in hostels if you solo travel in China

Great hostels like this one (Hantang Inn, Xi’an) are ideal for solo travel in China. Image by Matyas Rehak on Shutterstock.

As long as you’re reasonably careful, then hostels are a great choice for solo travelers.

They’re generally safe and will give you the chance to meet other travelers so you can have company when and if you want it.

Most hostels in China have dorm and private rooms. So, if you don’t mind sleeping in a room with lots of strangers, you can take a dorm room and travel really cheaply.

And if you need more privacy, you can have your own room and still enjoy access to the shared facilities for friend-making time.

I recommend using Hostelworld as it specializes in budget accommodation and has a huge range of hostels in China.

6. Beware of scammers

Chinese yuan money

Counterfeit notes are in circulation in China. Image by Ton Anurak on Shutterstock.

You’ll find scammers in almost every country and as a solo traveler, you’ll be an easy target. Most scammers set up shop in the popular tourist cities like Shanghai and Beijing , but you need to be careful everywhere.

Here are some tips for staying safe from scammers:

  • Beware of anyone who comes up to you and speaks good English (Chinese people are usually pretty shy)
  • Don’t exchange your money on the street – do it at a Chinese bank
  • Check any change you get for counterfeit ¥50 or ¥100 bills
  • Don’t go for a drink (even tea) with a friendly local who approaches you on the street, as they may leave you with a huge bill
  • Try to use proper bank ATMs
  • Be careful and cautious when giving money to people begging
  • Always ask the price of your meal/snack/drink before consuming them.

You can read more about the most common scams in China here .

7. Be careful what you buy

Fake Nike shoes China

Blink and you’ll miss the fake Nike shoes. Image by StreetVJ on Shutterstock.

If you’re from most Western countries, then you can be reasonably certain that the items in the shops are authentic. However, China is famous for its knockoffs, and these can appear in some unexpected places.

For example, don’t just assume that a bottle of your favorite perfume actually is the brand that the bottle says. Always check the bottle carefully, just in case it’s a knockoff.

And remember that fake goods may get confiscated at the airport, so this is an important thing to do when you buy branded products.

8. Be prepared for the toilets

Squat toilet China

When you travel solo in China, you have no one to remind you to bring toilet paper! Image supplied by Gayle Aggiss.

If you’re only traveling in the major tourist areas on a tour, then you probably won’t have major problems with the toilets. But if you’re traveling independently or outside of the tourist areas then things will be different.

Most of the toilets you find in China will be squat toilets , which means you will have to get used to them pretty fast.

You should also carry toilet paper with you at all times, because most toilets won’t have any. And remember that the used toilet paper goes in the trash can, not in the toilet.

9. Learn to haggle

Market stall selling fans in China

You should haggle at places like this in China. Image by LapaiIrKrapai on Shutterstock.

One of the bad things about traveling alone is the fact that you have to do everything yourself. And that applies to haggling too.

Haggling is common in China outside of chain stores and high-end boutiques, so be prepared to argue the price you want.

And don’t worry if you don’t speak the language, the shopkeeper will have a calculator that you can use to exchange prices.

It would be worth getting familiar with counting money in Chinese so you’re not short-changed.

10. Wear sturdy shoes

Sturdy shoes are best for solo travel in China

Make sure you’ve got good walking shoes for China. Image by Tom Wheatley on Unsplash.

When you get to China, you’ll see lots of young women wandering around in very high heels. Don’t try this yourself unless you’re as sure-footed as an acrobat in heels.

China’s roads, pavements, and everything else are often uneven, covered with rocks and other debris, or made of a slippery type of rock or tile. So, unless you like tripping over, avoid shoes that are hard to walk in.

I remember taking a big fall in the middle of a street in Shanghai, where roadwork was going on in the middle of a busy intersection. I went straight down on my hands and knees, ripping up my hands and my nice jeans.

Not to mention, there were plenty of locals around, all of them staring curiously at the scene. Try to avoid doing that yourself if you can!

The guide on what to pack for China covers shoes as well as every other item you’ll need in your suitcase or backpack.

11. Stay on the path

West China map pin

Stick to the places you want to visit, and you’re comfortable visiting. Image by Gualberto Becerra on Shutterstock.

China is a fairly safe place to travel as a solo traveler, much safer than other parts of the world. However, it’s still important that you stay on the beaten path unless you’re super-adventurous, fluent in Mandarin or not very risk averse.

Some parts of China, most notably the western and remote regions, are so isolated that you might have trouble getting into and out of them. For example, you need a special permit to visit Tibet  and even then you’ll be in a tour group.

Venturing off on your own in a place like this could get you into a lot of trouble. Plus, you don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere in such a huge country, with no one around who speaks English and not a single embassy in sight.

So, stick to the beaten path, at least for your first trip to China. And why would you want to stray from it anyway when the beaten path is so exciting, filled with delicious food, beautiful nature spots, and amazing cities?

You can check out Mike’s article on China travel tips for more helpful info like this.

12. Ask for help

Chinese woman

Locals will be generous with their time. Image by Maud Beauregard on Unsplash.

This may surprise you a little, but the locals will be incredibly helpful when you’re in China despite their shyness. That’s been my experience, anyway.

They won’t usually come up to you and ask if you need help, which is where the surprise comes in, but if you ask for help then they’ll often be extremely helpful and friendly.

They’ll work hard to understand what you need, help you read your maps, and giggle as they practice their English on you.

In fact, some of the most heartwarming interactions you’ll have while you’re in China will probably be when you ask the locals for help.

Just remember that tipping is not customary in China , so please don’t pull out your wallet when you do receive help.

Are you ready for solo travel in China?

Traveling solo in China can be an amazingly rewarding experience.

It will test you, teach you, frustrate you, and enthrall you, and you’ll return home a different person than you were when you left.

Just make sure you keep these tips in mind when you’re planning a trip to China, and traveling across the country. And don’t forget your China VPN !

Want to keep reading? Then check out my article, “ Is China safe? ” for more helpful advice about traveling around this crazy country.

Main image credit: Vonnahmed1 on Shutterstock.

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Gayle Aggiss

Gayle Aggiss

Gayle loves learning and is intensely curious about the world. This curiosity has driven her to travel and work overseas, including China and Vietnam. Gayle is from Perth, Western Australia. You can follow her on LinkedIn .

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

visit china alone

Solo Travel to China: 32 Tips You Need to Know

Janice Waugh

April 11, 2018 by Janice Waugh

visit china alone

Westerners, in China, are known as “Big Noses.”

Doesn't sound too flattering does it?

But learning this does put one in one's place. We are the outsiders. We are the guests. And we should learn how to behave.

Hopefully the tips below, which were gathered with the help of my fellow travelers, will help you navigate and negotiate China with grace as well as greater ease.

I say my fellow travelers because I was in China for three weeks as the guest of Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). And though we had the benefit of an expert resident in each city and a local trip leader, we still noticed many things ourselves about traveling China that would be helpful to know before arriving. So, at one dinner, I got everyone brainstorming for this post. Here are the results plus a little research from me.

solo travel china

Yes, prepare for all weather possibilities when you pack. We climbed the Great Wall of China in the rain.

Table of Contents

Planning Your Solo Trip to China

  • If you're transiting through a Chinese airport you Do NOT need a visa.
  • If you're transiting through some ports of entry in China to a third country within 72 or 144 hours and if you are a national of certain countries, you can apply for a visa exemption.
  • It takes four days but you can pay more for express or rush service.
  • It costs $100 for Canadians and $180 for Americans.
  • Use Booking.com for your hotel reservations. Because you can cancel almost all bookings, you can show reservations and still be flexible with your itinerary.
  • Alternatively, you can use an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China.
  • Read the visa application instructions for your own country carefully and give yourself lots of time to get it.

Screen Shot 2016-03-17 at 3.24.53 PM

  • Pack light and with lots of layers. When I went (in April) the weather was warm in the day, cold at night. We had some rain. Your clothes need to cover many conditions.
  • Take yuans with you. While the official name of Chinese currency is Renminbi, abbreviated to RMB, it is commonly referred to as the yuan. While credit cards are accepted some places, prepare yourself for a cash economy.
  • Buyer beware . Shopping in China can be quite exciting but beware that if you buy knockoffs, for which they are famous, they could be confiscated at the airport.
  • If you're not on a tour, take a guide book . This is one country that would be very difficult to navigate without one.

Knitting circle in the market in Fengdu.

Knitting circle in the market in Fengdu.

Solo Travel to China – basic tips

  • Drink bottled water. As is the case for many countries, this is the most important tip. Drink bottled water. Make sure that the cap cracks as you open it so that you know that it is the original, clean water in the bottle.
  • An ATM is your best bet for getting cash. Not all banks accept foreign debit cards. Look for an HSBC to bank in person or check that the symbols that are on your debit card are also on the ATM.
  • Learn a few words with these very phonetic spellings :  Knee-how (hello for any time of day); Shay Shay (thank you); Gum Bye (cheers); Dui Bootse (sorry); How (yes/okay); Boo (no). You're not going to get the tones right but with these basic words coming out of an obviously non-Chinese mouth, everyone seems to understand.
  • Carry toilet paper with you at all times . It's not always available in the toilets. Used toilet paper goes in the basket, not the toilet.
  • Most toilets outside your hotel are squat toilets. If you're not familiar with them, read up on how to use them before you go.
  • There is only one time zone in China.  Even though it's a huge country. the time is always the same and your difference in hours to home is always the same.
  • Crossing the street can be hazardous . Follow the lights if necessary but you're actually much safer in the center of a crowd when crossing the street.
  • Tipping is not expected.  Tipping is not common in China however tour guides and drivers make their living from tips. $3 – $4 American dollars for a full day tour is fair. In high-end restaurants and hotels catering to westerners, tipping is expected.
  • Haggling is expected. Don't try this in chain stores or high-end boutiques but elsewhere haggling over the price of something is common.
  • Wear footwear with really good traction . China uses a lot of polished granite outdoors and I slipped a few times. Oddly, when I got to Hong Kong, what looked like the same granite was not slippery.

Despite being in a fog, the Big Buddha of Hong Kong was still impressive.

Despite the fog, the Big Buddha of Hong Kong was still impressive.

Solo Travel to China. My Favorite Experiences in Five Cities

  • Beijing and everywhere. Find the public parks. The Chinese have an amazing sense of community and their parks are full with people participating in shared activities from drawing to calligraphy to badminton and hacky sack. I particularly enjoyed the mornings when people were doing tai-chi.
  • Xian is famous for the Terracotta soldiers.  Unless you enjoy watching cheesy films, skip the movie-in-the-round. It's terrible and a ploy to get you into the gift shop. To take really good pictures, make sure that you have a camera that's decent in low light and has a good zoom.
  • Chendu is known for the Pandas. Seeing the pandas is a beautiful experience but don't miss the People's Park. It's wild. Activity is everywhere. From amateur acts on stage to matchmaking services to a massive tea house… you could spend hours there.
  • Lhasa . Here's a wonderful book about Lhasa, Trespassers on the Roof of the World: The Secret Exploration of Tibet . Lhasa is a challenging city from a political and cultural perspective but also due to the altitude. If possible, take the train to Lhasa and give yourself a couple of days to adjust before climbing the Potala Palace.
  • Hong Kong   It is possible to get out of the bustle of Hong Kong and enjoy nature. There is a 10K hiking trail to the Big Buddha that I have not yet done. Read  Meetup.com Got me Hiking in Hong Kong: And it was #$@&%*! hard!

Getting out of the cities into a village where we stayed at a guest house showed us the contrasts of China.

Getting out of the cities into a village where we stayed at a guest house showed us the contrasts of China.

Solo Travel to China – Where to Stay

  • Hotels.  All the major chains have hotels in China's major cities, but why stay at a western hotel? The hotels selected by Overseas Adventure Travel were all Chinese owned and gave a more local flavor.
  • Guest Houses.  Guest houses are a wonderful opportunity to get closer to the local culture. We stayed one night in a guest house in a village outside of Xian. OAT arranged for us to eat our evening meal there and help with the cooking which was a bonus for me as I learned how simple the basic dishes are. Also, our host took us to the local park in the evening where the whole village gets together for line dancing. It was a great time!
  • Hostels.  I met a number of solo travelers traveling independently in China. They were staying at Hostels and (with one exception in Chendu where the hostel was under a massive renovation) had good things say. You can check out hotels, starting in Beijing, here.

The food was wonderful. These are stir-fried garlic stems. Such a delicate, delicious garlic flavor.

The food was wonderful. These are stir-fried garlic stems. Such a delicate, delicious garlic flavor.

How to Stay Healthy in China

  • Drink bottled water . It was our first tip but it bears repeating.
  • Pharmacies have western and eastern medicine. They can often fill prescriptions as well.
  • Carry your travel insurance information.  I travel with World Nomads insurance. One of the benefits of World Nomads is that should you decide to extend your trip (or you forgot to buy travel insurance before leaving) you can buy it on the road.
  • Protect yourself from smog. Many Chinese cities have serious smog problems. A mask is a good idea but you may want to avoid too much exertion on particularly bad days.
  • Carry hand sanitizer. Just as there is often no toilet paper in public restrooms, there is often no soap and water as well.
  • If you need medical attention , make sure that you have a translator with you. Your hotel will likely help you find someone. Read  I was a Guest of the Chinese Healthcare System .

transportation for tourists in China subways, trains, taxis

The subways are crowded but very efficient and surprisingly easy to navigate.

Transportation for Tourists in China

The infrastructure of subways, roads, rails and flights in China is excellent.

  • Subways.  The subways in Beijing, Shanghai and other large cities are extremely busy but also efficient and inexpensive. During rush hour, there are people whose job is to push people on the subway. Don't be alarmed. This is normal though you may want to avoid the busiest of hours.
  • Taxis.  I took taxis in Xian and Hong Kong and both were quite inexpensive. In Xian (and the rest of mainland China), tipping is not necessary. In Hong Kong, tipping is. In mainland China, have the name of your destination written in Chinese for you as your driver may not speak English.
  • You need your passport to enter the train station.
  • The toilets are mostly squat toilets however in first class you may find a western toilet at one end of the car and a squat toilet at the other end.
  • Left luggage rooms are available at large railways stations making it possible to take an overnight train into a city for a day and leave that evening.
  • Flights . Because China is such a large country, you may want to consider flights between destinations. The cost of domestic airfare is reasonable by North American standards.

learning to cook in china

If you go to China with a tour company, I suggest that you go with a small group. OAT takes a maximum of 16 people per trip which means that you can go into people's kitchens and learn things like how to make dumplings. It was a lovely experience.

Solo Travel in China – communications

  • Internet.  There are lots of sites that are not available in China. For example, you can't see Solo Traveler in China unless you have a VPN. Using a VPN can make it look to the Internet like you are in another country. A VPN also increases your online security protecting your identity as you manage your banking online. I use StrongVPN. Get full details on how to buy and use a VPN here.  VPN for Travel: What, Why and an Easy Setup Guide
  • Stay in touch  – For the latest on staying in touch while traveling read  Use Your Phone Anywhere in the World: Free and Low-cost Options

If you travel to China independently, these tips should be really valuable to you. If you go with a group, I hope they help you get the most out of your tour.

What an experience! What a fabulous time! My thanks to Overseas Adventure Travel for making my trip to China possible.

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Claire's Footsteps

All Destinations , Asia , China

The ultimate solo travel in china guide.

visit china alone

China is many things. Crazy, overwhelming and unique are all words that could be used to describe this Asian country. Solo travel in China can seem pretty daunting – it’s often near impossible to know exactly what is going on while exploring the country, especially if you have little grasp of the language.

If you’re thinking about solo travel in China, you may have some concerns for your safety in this enigmatic country. Rest assured – one thing that China isn’t is dangerous. Actually, throughout all of the times I have been in this country (four now!), I have never felt my safety questioned or threatened once.

Considering that I travelled some tremendous distances (including a 44 hour train journey!) and have spent most of my time alone in the country, this is an enormous credit to the safety of the country.

There isn’t really that much difference between travelling as a solo male or female in China; the crime rate is so low that women just aren’t threatened, and there is less of a ‘chauvanistic’ culture than there is in the UK. I have never been harassed or catcalled in China; and sadly this still happens weekly back home in London.

So, if you want to solo travel in China, don’t worry – you’re going to be perfectly safe. The local people are some of the kindest I’ve ever met, and I always felt watched over and looked after by whoever was around me. Travelling in China is safe.

BUT, safe doesn’t always mean easy. And China is not easy. But it is so worth it.

What Makes China Such a Challenging Place to Travel?

visit china alone

So, if China is so safe, why is it such a difficult travellers’ destination, and why is it still relatively unexplored by backpackers? There’s a few reasons why so few backpackers venture to China on their Asia trips.

The Language

The language barrier is there, and it’s intense. Chinese couldn’t be further from European languages and the way that it is written makes it an incredibly complex one to master. While it’s entirely possible to learn Chinese if you’ve got a spare few years, being able to converse after one China trip might be difficult.

I picked up some basics (including the very useful phrase ‘this is my foot’, a great starter to any conversation), but anything beyond asking how much something was (and probably not understanding the answer) and asking for aubergine without meat in a restaurant was kind of beyond me.

English is Not Commonly Spoken

In other Asian countries, a language that’s hard to grasp isn’t necessarily a problem because lots of locals speak English. One of my biggest pet peeves is when English-speaking people go abroad and just expect everybody to speak Englishh, so I didn’t mind nobody speaking my language at all, but it definitely made travelling very challenging at times.

In the larger cities, some younger people have a good grasp of English and most of them are very keen to practice with tourists, but you really can’t rely on it anywhere in China (until you get to Hong Kong that is, where English is everywhere!). Travelling in China gives you an appreciation for hand gestures and body movements that you never thought you’d need!

The Road Signs Could be a Little More Informative

Signs in China can be a tad baffling.  Whether you find yourself confused at a station, where the signs are so sparse you could end up being fast-tracked to the Russian border, or be left wondering (or trying not to wonder) what the miscellaneous in ‘Sheep Casserole Miscellaneous’, chances are at some point you’ll be completely baffled by a Chinese sign.

Westerners are Stared at A LOT

Be prepared to be a local celebrity! In China, Western travellers are so uncommon that they are subject to constant staring and photo requests.

It gets a little bit tedious after a while, but it’s important to remember that the staring isn’t considered rude in their culture – they’re actually staring because they’re fascinated with Westerners – and as we’re in their country we should be respecting their cultures. Full stop.

The Food is Amazing… And Awful… At The Same Time

visit china alone

Being vegetarian in China is an interesting experience. Meat is everywhere; for breakfast lunch and dinner, all over market places, on the side of the road at service stations…. If you’re a strict vegetarian, you’ll struggle in China.

I had to desensitize myself to a lot of what surrounded me and remind myself that I was there to respect the culture, and this culture does view meat completely differently to the Western world.

Even if you’re a meat fan, you might find some of the specialities a little stomach turning – we’re talking cow stomach or pig liver, or the occasional white rubbery organ-shaped delicacy which doesn’t quite have a decipherable name…

But China’s not a complete hell for vegetarians. The Chinese actually love tofu, which can be found in many Chinese restaurants. And their veggie dishes are often AMAZING.

Aubergine fried in garlic, cauliflower in a spicy sauce and huge bowls of thick noodles were my favourites when I was out there. The food just took a bit of adjusting to – another rung to the complicated ladder of backpacking in China.

The Distances Are Large

Unless you want to take internal flights (which I wouldn’t recommend – the trains are an experience and are much more environmentally friendly ), you’re going to be covering some serious ground in China.

My longest train ride was 44 hours – while I always had a bed and enough space to get up and walk around, I can’t say that they were exactly comfortable, and sometimes just standing outside the toilets was enough to turn my stomach!

That being said, I have also taken some new trains, like the amazing bullet trains that connect different cities, and the ultra-modern slow train between Shanghai and Beijing. These trains are absolutely fab.

They were all part of the experience of travelling in the country and I do believe that travelling by train through China was one of the best things that I’ve ever done .

The Culture is Completely Unique

The culture of China, which developed independently of outside influence for thousands of years, is the polar opposite of everything that I’ve ever experienced before.

There’s 1,300,000,000 people in China and the way that they are doing things may well make a great deal more sense than the Western way of doing things. But it’s different for Western tourists, and takes some adjusting to.

Why Should I Solo Travel in China?

visit china alone

All of this shouldn’t scare you! Despite China being confusing as heck and the opposite of user friendly, there’s so many reasons why you should still explore this country on your own, ESPECIALLY if you’re on your own!

Why is that? You may ask. I’ll tell ya…

  • Travelling in China is a humbling experience. You realise how large the world is and how many different ways there are to do things other than your own.
  • China boasts incredible nature and scenery (like Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie) as well as the most jam packed manic cities, which are equal parts frustrating and completely awesome. You can check out the 20 best places to visit in China here .
  • There’s a distinct sense of pride you can achieve by conquering certain countries, and China definitely is one of them. And solo travel in China makes that experience all yours.

Tips and Tricks for Solo Travel in China

Due to China being a really safe place, solo travelling in China as a girl or guy doesn’t make much difference. Obviously use common sense – if somewhere seems dodgy don’t go there, and if a situation is uncomfortable get out of it.

Common sense is enough to keep you safe in China – even though I quite often have no idea what’s going on there, I never feel my safety questioned in China.

But safe doesn’t always mean easy. And solo travel in China is not easy. But there are some ways to travel through China without feeling like the world is upside down!

Here’s how to travel solo in China and absolutely boss it.

Make a Cheat Sheet

As soon as you land in China and arrive at your accommodation, get someone there to make you a cheat sheet. Generally, you’ll find someone at your hostel or hotel who can speak good English (hostels generally have younger people employed and many speak excellent English, or you may also find Chinese guests who can speak good English).

Write down some basic words in English – certain foods that you like ordering or places around the city you might want to visit are a good start – and ask your helper to translate these into Mandarin Chinese characters.

Your cheat sheet will become your best friend. Make it pretty, keep it safe and add to it!

If you want to have a cheat sheet organised before you get to China, contact me on Instagram – I can offer a translation service of basic words and phrases written by a Chinese native for a good price.

Try to Learn Some Chinese

visit china alone

Yes, Mandarin Chinese is hard, and some of the words are accented so simliarily that it can often seem that you’re trying to say something completely different to what you mean. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t learn a little bit! People can and do learn Chinese when in travelling in China. It is a language that will take you a while to master, but if you’re travelling in the country for over a month, the bare basics can easily be grasped.

By the time I left China on my first seven-week trip, I could ask how much items were in a shop, I could occasionally understand the price of said items, I could ask for aubergine, rice and watermelon and I could say make me a cup of tea.

While my culinary options were somewhat limited by this, it was good to know that if I became completely stuck without my cheat sheet, I could at least make a simple transaction and get some food. (By the way, the Chinese cook aubergine in such a delicious way that I was more than happy that it was nearly all I asked for. I ate it most days for three months and I have no regrets. Hence the copious mention of aubergines in this post. Just keepin it real).

Before I visited China I learned the incredibly useful phrase ‘this is my foot’ and the words for ‘zebra’ and ‘hippopotamus’. The opportunity for these didn’t arise too much when navigating China, but honestly, you really can learn a bit of Mandarin with some effort. It also looks super impressive when you travel to other places!

Completely Open Your Mind

Lots of things in China are completely different to the way that they may be in Western societies. Embrace this and love the change – there’s over a billion Chinese people and you know what? What they’re doing might actually make more sense than what we’ve been fed our whole life.

Revel in the culture, even if it confuses the heck out of you. Enjoy queueing – nobody queues like the Chinese after all. Smile and wave to the people staring – and remember that they’re only staring because they’re fascinated because it’s so rare that they see Westerners. Let kids have their picture taken with you!

Make Yourself Known (very loudly) to EVERYONE

This strategy will definitely land you in the idiot abroad category, but you have to be one of the world’s savviest travellers to not be lumped in this category whilst travelling in China in the first place.

I developed the tactic of boarding a train, giving every staff member a big and cheerful ‘Nihao!’ (hello) and pointing at the name of my destination on my ticket, with an I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT’S GOING ON look in my eyes. The staff always got the message and made sure that I was alerted before my train stopped at its destination.

Make Use of some Fantastic Apps

I wasn’t the best at doing this but there are some great mobile apps that you can use while attempting to navigate China – many of which I was made aware of – and wished I used more of! – after I left the country.

Make sure you have a decent smartphone on your China packing list – it will make getting around the country much easier.

  • Maps ME lets you download detailed maps of your local area which you can browse at your leisure.
  • Google translate has a fantastic voice function that can translate what you need to say into Chinese and Chinese speech into English.
  • DiDi is the Chinese Uber.

These will really help you explore China with very few hiccups. If you have an Android phone, download these before you enter the country, as Google Store is blocked in China.

Always Have a Map of the Local Area and Your Accommodation Address Written Down in Chinese

visit china alone

These are two of the most valuable things that you will keep in China. Mobile apps are great, but you never know when a phone will break, run out of battery or get lost (in my case, A LOT). Oh, also, remember your power bank when travelling in China or anywhere in the world.

If you keep these two things on your person whenever possible, it will be pretty impossible to be completely lost.

Get in the habit of getting these sorted as soon as you get to a new place, or even before – they’re perfect to show taxi drivers at a station!

Relax, Know that Everything Will be ok and Enjoy the Crazy Rollercoaster that is Travelling in China

As I said before, China is safe . You’re more secure walking the streets of Beijing than Berlin, and I’d feel so much more at ease rocking up to Shanghai train station at 3am than walking the streets of South East London. You won’t come to any harm in China .

You’re going to be confused, you’re going to slip up a few (hundred, maybe) times, and you may even end up lost somewhere in Inner Mongolia when you meant to get off the train in Xi’an (edit: the latter never happened, I made sure of that through careful practice of making everyone aware of my presence at all times while on trains).

Your China travelling experience will be bonkers and ridiculous and fascinating and amazing. It will all come together to be a perfect yet flawed trip. You’ll wonder how it’s possible to feel so much frustration and amazement at the same time, and laugh at how bizarre it is to revel so much in bewilderment. Just open your heart and mind and enjoy the ride. You’ll have a blast. 

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5 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Solo Travel in China Guide ”

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This was such a great text of info!! Now it really makes me wanna go!! I’m a 62 years old lady with white hair and when i travelled solo to Thailand , Vietnam and Bali this year , i absolutely Loved it!! Go when i want to go and where i want to go! Loved it!! I never dined alone! But there was no language barrier so when i go to China, i will definitely depend on my phone translator and carry a big battery with me. This is very exciting.!! I going to a wedding in Hong Kong in January and will more then likely continue to China. Which city and places do you highly suggest? And I’m gonna do cheap hotel accommodation. Hows the youth hostels in china? Is it fairly unexpensing to visit China? Have you been sick from food poisoning? I know that can happen anywhere but in all my travel i haven’t been sick anywhere and i ate everywhere i felt like. Hows the trains accommodations? I normally travel by plane to save time since it was so cheap in Asia. Thank you very much for all the great tips.

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Hi Odette, amazing! I’m sorry for the late response, but I’ll answer your questions now and hope that you see them. You sound like such an adventurer, I hope I’m the same at age 62!

Definitely take your phone translator, Google translate is a life saver! Younger people in the cities do speak some English – some very good – but in the countryside and older people won’t speak it.

For a first time, I’d definitely recommend checking out my first time China itinerary. If you type into Google China itinerary Claire’s Footsteps it will come up. Those are all of the places that I think are essential to get a real feel for China just by one trip. There are some hostel recommendations too. Hostels in China are great! Most are really clean and high standard and serve food and drinks. Wifi not great but that’s to be expected and talking to people is much more fun. I’ve met so many interesting people in Chinese hostels, both locals and other travellers.

Yes, it’s very cheap, especially if you stay in hostels and eat at local places. I didn’t get sick in China – although I don’t eat meat which may help! I have got sick a few times in Latin America though so I know I’m not immune!

I would recommend taking a sleeper train once as they’re quite an experience! I’ve never actually flown internally in China (trains are cheaper and I’ve always found it a good way to save money on a night’s accommodation when booking the right one) but I’ve used Chinese airlines when flying internationally and have always found them to be very good.

I hope that helps! Do come back and let me know how your trip goes, I’d love to hear about it!

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Hi Claire, I was just wondering what your experience of hostels out there was? Was it easy to meet other backpackers along the way. I’m interested in going to south west China but wondering hat it will be like out there? Katie

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Thanks so much for this!! I’m going to Xiamen for four months on exchange then will be backpacking across China for two months. This post is so helpful and has got me so excited!! Just discovered your website and I’ll defs be coming back to it <3

Thanks Holly, so glad it’s helped your trip planning!

Comments are closed.

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Asia , China , Solo Travel , Travel Tips

My solo trip to china (two weeks itinerary).

Famous viewpoint of the Tiananmen Square

My solo trip to China was completely different and a memorable one. I’ve gathered some incredible experiences during my entire trip in various destinations from eastern to northern China. It was pretty interesting to discover many new things about this East Asian country for the first time. I loved the welcoming peoples, striking natural beauty, and exploring different destinations’ different variations was fun. Apart from the historical sites, it was surprising to see the glorious modern cities to classical ancient villages. Undoubtedly, there is a lot to do and see in China . Have you been to China? My China two weeks itinerary is packed with my travel experiences and tips for planning your own trip.

China’s visa policy varies from country to country, and best to check before planning a trip. I took one month visa before the visit and traveled via Dhaka-Singapore-Shanghai routes with Singapore Airlines .

Table of Contents

  • 1 What is the Best Time To Visit China?
  • 2.1 Shanghai
  • 2.3 Huangshan
  • 2.5 Xi’an
  • 2.6 Beijing
  • 3.1 Day 1: Shanghai
  • 3.2 Day 2: Shanghai
  • 3.3 Day 3: Suzhou
  • 3.4 Day 4: Suzhou, Huangshan
  • 3.5 Day 5: Huangshan
  • 3.6 Day 6: Huangshan, Guilin
  • 3.7 Day 7: Guilin
  • 3.8 Day 8: Guilin
  • 3.9 Day 9: Guilin, Xi’an
  • 3.10 Day 10: Xi’an
  • 3.11 Day 11: Xi’an
  • 3.12 Day 12: Xi’an, Beijing
  • 3.13 Day 13: Beijing
  • 3.14 Day 14: Beijing
  • 4 Are You On Pinterest? Click To Save This For Later Read!

What is the Best Time To Visit China ?

Spring (April – May) and Autumn (September – October) are the best times to visit China. I traveled in April and loved the weather – neither too hot nor cold. But remember, packing must be season-based due to weather variations in different regions. The northern part of China is cold enough than the southern part where you’ll face monsoon, So, you have to pack heavy to light clothes.

It is a must to download some essential applications before entering China. VPN download and installation are mandatory before boarding the flight to access all restricted sites from China. Another Chinese Baidu Translate voice translation App will help overcome the language barrier during your stay in China. WeChat App will help to communicate and payment transfers with local people.

It is best and common to travel by train in different regions once you’re in China. I pre-booked train and local air tickets from the Trip.com site. I loved China’s excellent high-speed or bullet train services during my entire trip to China. China train service is the best than local airlines; commonly, flights will be delayed. So, it is wise to go on a train journey when in China.

Bullet train at SuzhouBei Railway Station

The subway is also a great option to travel on a budget around the cities. Rented private taxis will cost you high, but a good option is downloading the local DiDi-Rider App for an affordable ride in cities.

Proper planning on destination selections will save you time and money.  It is tough to cover all destinations during the first visit for far distances unless you stay longer.

It is recommended to check out some must-read travel books to visit China to know more details about its top places, culture, and food habits.

The Best Books To Read Before Visiting China

Where To Stay in China?

There is plenty of budget accommodations in China. And keeping in mind the best locations on any accommodation selection is a must to save time and some cash.

The hostel is the best option for saving a lot on accommodation. There are many standard hostels where even possible to stay in a single room at an affordable price. I mainly stayed in hostels and loved the atmosphere. It was not an issue staying with all locals in hostels. All are very cooperative and friendly.

I also stayed in hotels and preferred to go with mid-range to luxury. It is far better to stay in a hostel than in a budget hotel where you may not get all the standard facilities.

My solo trip to China started with the modern city Shanghai. Shanghai is a must-visit for the best shopping, good food, iconic skyscrapers, museums, parks, and gardens. I had no idea there are many top things to do in Shanghai . But I spent only two days which was not enough.

Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel

I stayed two nights in a dormitory room at Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel , which is located in Downtown. The famous Nanjing Road is very close to this hostel. I liked the location and best for shopping and dining. It takes just a few minutes by walking to reach Shanghai’s heart, the Bund, from the hostel.

I spent one night in Suzhou, one of the beautiful cities in eastern China and just 50 miles away from Shanghai. I stayed at the 4-star Hotel Soul Suzhou located in Gusu District of the 150-year-old Guan Qian Street. I loved all the comforts and facilities of this beautiful hotel. The most famous Humble Administrator’s Garden is quite near to the hotel.

Hotel Soul Suzhou

Many prefer to stay in Hangzhou, the most beautiful city in eastern China, to explore the West Lake. But I decided to stay in Suzhou to explore beautiful classical gardens. I should keep more days for Suzhou. There is a lot to see in this famous city of gardens. I also wish to visit Hangzhou on my next visit to China.

If you’re not interested to stay in Suzhou, it is even enjoyable to go for a day tour from Shanghai to Suzhou for exploring some of the best tourist attractions in the city.

It is worth staying in Huangshan to visit the famous Yellow Mountain and the ancient Hong village and Xidi village. The scenic and quiet Huangshan city is best for backpackers. I stayed two nights in a dormitory room at a budget-friendly Koala International Youth Hostel  located in Tunxi District. All are very hospitable of this hostel, and I had a good time with hostel mates.

Guilin is such a green and charming city in southern China. It is a popular tourist destination in China and best for backpackers as well. I loved all about Guilin for the scenery, and there is a lot to explore. I should have booked more days for Guilin but spent only two days!

I stayed in a single room at Guilin This Old Place Int’l Youth Hostel in Xiufeng District. Rong Lakeview around the hostel is simply excellent and such a photogenic spot. I loved all the hostel facilities; everything was so neat. It was best to move around the scenic location, Two Rivers and Four Lakes of the hostel.

It is also best to stay in a small resort town Yangshuo near Guilin city. The entire town is very picturesque for the breathtaking scenery of the Karst Mountains.

Xi’an

China’s northern large city Xi’an became a must-visit destination for the famous tourist spot Terracotta Army. I spent three nights in the city at the traditional Ancient City International Youth Hostel , located in the heart of the city on Lianhu Road. The location is good for shopping and eating, close to Muslim Street. I stayed in a single room, and the staffs were very cooperative.

China trip is incomplete without visiting the Great Wall of China in the capital city Beijing. Besides, all top historical sites are located in the northern city of Beijing. I spent three nights at the 200-year-old Qianmen Courtyard Hotel in Qianmen Street.

It was interesting to explore this oldest hotel for the beautiful Chinese oriental decor. The location is also excellent to shop and eat like a local. The famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City are nearby this hotel.

The famous Qianmen Street is good for budget accommodations. You’ll see many Chinese courtyard residences in each hutong converted into traditional Chinese-style hotels.

Two Weeks China Tour Itinerary [14 Days]

My two-week China tour itinerary included Shanghai, Suzhou, Huangshan, Guilin, Xi’an, and Beijing. I’ve visited and explored various top places from those cities. And found it is possible to travel to China on a Budget. You don’t have to spend more on accommodations and food. Besides joining some group tours in China, I explored around on my own.

Pre-booking the entire tour will cost you high. It is better to book local guided tours from China for exploring some must-visit and iconic tourist attractions like the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven .

How safe to travel solo in China? It is safe, and you’ll find locals are curious and helping in nature. You don’t need any extra precautions to travel all alone. You can join many group tours where English speaking guide is available in the big cities. I didn’t face any trouble as a solo female traveler during my 14 days in China. Read inside to get the itinerary and my complete China travel experiences.

Things to know about visiting China for the first time

Day 1: Shanghai

Nanjing Road, Pedestrian Street of East Nanjing Road

I arrived in Shanghai in the afternoon. On the way, it was great to see the first look at some of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks, including Oriental Pearl TV Tower , Shanghai World Financial center, and Shanghai Tower. Before leaving Pudong International Airport, I bought a China Unicom Prepaid SIM card to use during my 14 days trip to China.

It was fun spending my first day walking along Nanjing Road , Shanghai’s best shopping street. The eastern part of this road or Nanjing East Road is the central shopping hub where you’ll find many branded stores.

Walk along the Nanjing Road

After evening this road became complete with many shoppers as indeed so much to explore and buy. I had a fun time while I enjoyed shopping a bit more from my favorite H&M brand store. I purchased several items – the red and black colored light jackets I worn during my entire China trip bought from this largest Shanghai H&M store.

There are also many food stalls on Pedestrian Street of East Nanjing Road to dine the best in the local restaurants. I enjoyed checking some fruit stalls and tried different Chinese fruits. Later came back to the hostel after eating with the farmer cooked mixed fish and Chinese bread.

Farmer cooked mixed fish with Chinese bread

Shanghai food was the best. I loved the Chinese food in Eastern China a bit more than other destinations of China. All in all, various Chinese fruits were simply the best to try a lot during my whole trip.

Day 2: Shanghai

Huangpu River Waterfront, The Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Centre, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Waibaidu Bridge

The second day I had a comfort breakfast with Chinese Noodles Soup from Blue Mountain Hostel. Later I went to explore the city on foot. I loved the Huangpu River Waterfront site the most. When in Shanghai exploring the Bund, the symbol of the city is a must. It was simply amazing to enjoy the best city views from this site.

There is a 45 km long Huangpu Riverside Walkway from where you’ll get to see all iconic skyscrapers on the east side of the River – China’s tallest building Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Centre , and Oriental Pearl Tower. And the west side of the Bund is lined with many historical buildings of different architectural styles. The iconic Swatch Art Peace Hotel is also located here. Walking along the Bund Sightseeing Avenue is fun, I loved to capture a lot of photos of this colorful waterfront area.

The famous The Bund Bull sculpture of The Bund

It is best to spend time at the waterfront site in the evening for all the lights. You can have the food from the food court and spend the leisure time. It is also fun to enjoy from here Huangpu River Cruise along the Bund.

The iconic Waibaidu Bridge or Garden Bridge is the beautiful one built-in 1907. It is the first long-span bridge in Shanghai.

The iconic Waibaidu Bridge

Some other must-visit city attractions are the traditional Chinese Yu Garden and Shanghai Museum .

It is best to take a city sightseeing tour by bus to explore Shanghai’s top tourist attractions . You can book this from Nanjing Road. If you keep more days for Shanghai, you may visit Shanghai Disneyland Park for the ultimate fun in the theme park.

Shanghai city sightseeing tour bus

Day 3: Suzhou

Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou Museum, Cruising along the Grand Canal, Guan Qian Street

The third-day early morning, I left for Suzhou; it took just half an hour to reach the city by high-speed train from Shanghai Railway Station. Hotel Soul Suzhou is very close to Suzhou Railway Station. I found it a must to bargain when renting any private taxi or rickshaw in China; most drivers ask for more rates, even for short distances.

It was one of the best experiences to visit Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest one in Suzhou. This classical Chinese garden during the period of the Ming Dynasty in 1509 A.D. It was interesting to stroll around walkways, old houses, bridges, and ponds inside the garden. The garden is considered the model of the modern Chinese Garden.

Classical Gardens of Suzhou - Humble Administrator's Garden

The Museum of Suzhou is close to Humble Administrator’s Garden and one of the finest ones to explore.

Suzhou Museum

Later I took a rickshaw ride and moved around the city. I also enjoyed a motorboat ride along the Ancient Grand Canal. During the 40 minutes ride, we crossed many old bridges, buildings and got the local lifestyle feel.

Cruising along the Grand Canal Suzhou

Some other top Suzhou gardens are Lingering Garden, Lion Forest Garden, Net-Master Garden. And all together known as the Classical Gardens of Suzhou and now UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was fun to walk along 150-year-old Guan Qian Street in the afternoon, best for shopping and eating like a local. This place became touristic and festive in the evening. I found Chinese people love fun and laughter; they all together in a group enjoy strolling around, shop, eat and talk a lot hehe.

Day 4: Suzhou, Huangshan

Suzhou to Huangshan scenic high-speed train ride, Tunxi Old Street

The fourth day after a buffet breakfast at the hotel, I left Suzhou for Huangshan. I took a high-speed train from Suzhou North Railway Station or SuzhouBei Railway Station. Three hours train journey from Suzhou to Huangshan was scenic and comfortable.

I reached HuangshanBei Railway Station in the afternoon for two-night stay in the city.

After arriving at the hostel, I booked day tours for the next two days. In the evening strolled around Tunxi Old Street. I joined one of my hostel mates, and we took a public bus to reach the destination. The bus service was good and best for budget travelers.

Huangshan ciy public bus

We had dinner at one local restaurant. The restaurant owner was too curious and took selfies with us. It is the typical scenario in China, hehe.

Day 5: Huangshan

Hongcun village

The fifth day was for Ancient Hong village or Hongcun village visit in Hongcun Town. After breakfast from the hostel, I joined a group tour to explore the most picturesque Hong village that belongs to southern Anhui Province. It was a bus tour, and the roadside landscape was fantastic.

Beautiful road on the way to Hongcun village

The Chinese Hongcun village is like a canvas and seems like many artists lovingly painted each corner of this village. Many residences from Ming and Qing Dynasties are there in the village. You’ll see many artists or art students paint or practice paintings on a canvas here.

Both Hongcun and Xidi villages are listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The action film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, was filmed in Hongcun.

Hongcun village of southern Anhui Province

The local guide explained all about the Hong village in Chinese, and there was no English-speaking guide.

Day 6: Huangshan, Guilin

Yellow Mountain

On the sixth day after breakfast, there was a tour to Huangshan Mountain or Yellow Mountain. It is the top tourist attraction in Huangshan and also the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can reach the top of the mountains via cable car. Watching the sunrise is best from Yellow Mountain. But only possible if you stay in a hotel nearby the mountain.

I had a memorable goodbye with cute gifts as a token of love from the Koala Youth Hostel.

Cute gifts from the Koala Youth Hostel

In the evening, I had a flight for Guilin with Air Guilin from Huangshan Tunxi Airport. But the flight was detailed three times and could reach Guilin at last after 4 AM local time. Just for two hours journey had to wait so long in the airport.

Day 7: Guilin

Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Rong Lake Scenery Area

The stunning mountainous view from the rooftop of the Old Place Hostel made my morning. I kept my seventh day in China to see one of the most famous scenic spots of Guilin,

Two Rivers and Four Lakes. And mainly explored by walking the Scenery Area of Rong Lake.

Rong Lake Scenery Area of Guilin

The Two Rivers (Lijiang River, Peach Blossom River) and Four Lakes  – Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, Mulong Lake form the most beautiful scenery in Downtown Guilin. There are total of 19 famous bridges and built to strengthen the scenic area.

Glass Bridge, Mid-lake Island, Beidou Bridge, Ancient Banyan Twin Bridges, Ancient Southern Gate, Rongxi Bridge, Yingbin Bridge are some of the beautiful spots worth visiting around the Rong Lake Scenery Area.

It was lovely to stroll around, so many beautiful walkways – so lavish green is the Guilin city. I loved to see how nicely protected the grass and trees. Later I had a delicious lunch with Italian Pizza from the on-site restaurant of the hostel. Each bite was so yum!

Elephant Hill Scenic Area and Sun and Moon Towers are some of the city’s top sightseeing places. Guilin by night comes out so charming for Two Rivers and Four Lakes. And so, after evening, cruising is a popular activity around this scenic spot.

Day 8: Guilin

Li River Cruise, Yangshuo, Shangri-La Theme Park

On the eighth day , I took Guilin’s scenic route to Yangshuo for a cruise trip down to the famous Li River. The Lijiang River cruising is fascinating for the stunning Karst mountains and river sight views.

Cruise trip down to Li River

Li River Karst mountains scene is there on 20 Yuan banknote. Bamboo Raft Cruise is popular on the Li River.

Then we visited Shangri-La Theme Park from Yangshuo County. Shangri-La’s viewpoint with the backdrop of the Karst Peaks is too scenic. Simply a beautiful countryside surrounding mountains, rivers, bridges, houses. We enjoyed a short boat ride and got to know the story and local customs behind the beautiful spot Shangri-La in Guilin.

This countryside whole day group tour was from Guilin to Yangshuo and Shangri-La guided by English speaking guide.

Day tour from Guilin to Yangshuo

If you keep one more day, it is best to go with Longji Terraced Field tour out of Guilin city.

Day 9: Guilin, Xi’an

Lianhu Road, Muslim Street

On the ninth day morning, I was left for Xi’an from Guilin. The road is so scenic with the mountain view that leads to the beautiful Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. It was lovely to fly with Air Chang’an. Within two hours arrived at the Xi’an Xianyang International Airport for three days trip to the northern cultural city Xi’an in China.

The scenic Guilin road leads to the Liangjiang International Airport

In the afternoon moved around local markets on Lianhu Road. I loved to check mainly seasonal fruit stalls. There are also many clothing stores, best to shop and eat on a budget.

Later in the evening visited some food markets of the famous Muslim Quarter of Xi’an Muslim Street . And tasted noodles and fresh Pomegranate juice from one food stall. I decided to go for a street food tour another day to explore this street known as Bei Yuan Men Muslim Culture Street.

Street food from Xi'an Muslim Street

For the next day, I booked all for the Xi’an Terra Cotta tour.

Day 10: Xi’an

Fortifications of Xi’an, Terracotta Figures Factory, Furniture Museum, Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum

On the tenth day , I joined a group tour by bus to explore the top Xi’an city attraction Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The guide explained the ancient City Wall of Xi’an, which is also known as Fortifications of Xi’an. We didn’t get down at the spot; a bike ride thr ough the old City Walls of Xi’an is fun.

We stopped at one Terra-cotta Figures Factory to see the process of making terracotta sculptures. This factory is also connected with one Furniture Museum where showcases all furniture from Ming Dynasty.

Terracotta Army was built in the third century BCE but first discovered by some local farmers in 1974. One farmer is still alive, and his name is Yang Ji De. He has a restaurant on the site. We had our first lunch at that farmer’s restaurant before visiting Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum.

More than 8,000 terracotta figures were built under China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang by millions of laborers. It was all to protect his life after death. Not only laborers but also many artisans had been involved in Terracotta Warrior’s construction.

Interestingly, each figure of the Terracotta Army is different and very detailed. No way to find any similarity. The entire mausoleum site is a museum for further research and protection.

Terracotta Army - Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

Day 11: Xi’an

Bei Yuan Men Muslim Culture Street, Flea Markets, Xi’an Great Mosque, Drum Tower, Bell Tower

On the eleventh day enjoyed Xi’an city tour by walking to explore nearby city attractions. It was fun to try various Xi’an foods from Bei Yuan Men Muslim Culture Street. Both sides of the 1100-meter-long street are lined with many delicious and halal food. There are also many fruit stalls best for fresh Chinese fruits and juices.

At the end of this street will take you to visit the Drum Tower, flea markets, and the Great Mosque of Xi’an.

Xi'an flea markets

The popular tourist attraction Bell Tower is also possible to explore on foot, located very close to North Avenue.

Day 12: Xi’an, Beijing

Qianmen Street, Dashilan Pedestrian Street

On the twelfth day , I had to leave Xi’an for Beijing. The best way was to take the subway very close to the hostel to reach Xi’an North Railway Station. It took four and half hours to reach Beijing West Railway Station.

My last three days in China kept for Beijing’s ancient and historical city to visit several UNESCO Heritage Sites, including the Wonder of the World Great Wall of China.

In the afternoon, it was fun to walk along cute alleys or hutongs of Qianmen Street. It is a famous pedestrian street built in Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Popular Qianmen Street in Beijing

There are many oriental decorated hotels, traditional courtyard residences, markets, and restaurants in each hutong. You may also go for an old hutong tour by pedicab.

I had also moved around Dashilan Pedestrian Street, best for budget shopping and eating.

Later I booked Beijing city sightseeing tour and Great Wall tour for the next two days.

Day 13: Beijing

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Consultation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Temple of Heaven, Pearl House, Summer Palace

The thirteenth-day Beijing city sightseeing tour started from the historic Tiananmen Square located in the Beijing city center. The square contains the Mausoleum of the former chairman of the People’s Republic of China Mao Zedong or Mao Tse Tung, the National Museum of China, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Great Hall of the People.

Beijing Tiananmen Square

Forbidden City is the ancient imperial palace from Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. No one could enter the palace besides royal families and high officials, so the name is Forbidden City. Now Forbidden City is the most visited Palace Museum in China. More than one million art pieces are there for the visitors to explore at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Palace Museum of the Forbidden City in China

Then our tour guide took us to visit one Consultation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine to know all about Traditional Chinese Medicine. We got a free consultation with a foot massage.

After lunch, we visited the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, which represents ancient Chinese culture. This beautiful temple complex is the UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the dynasties of Ming and Qing for annual prayer ceremonies to Heaven for a good harvest.

Beautiful Temple of Heaven complex

We visited one Pearl House where showcases various products of original Pearl and jewelry. I bought one Pearl locket.

Then we visited the beautiful Summer Palace of the Qing Dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the former imperial garden and surrounded by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake.

Summer Palace is a scenic spot consists of lakes, gardens, pavilions, palaces, halls, temples, and bridges. The gorgeous 17-Arch Bridge in Kunming Lake is one of the top attractions of the Summer Palace.

Day 14: Beijing

National Stone Place, Minh Tombs, Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, Chinese Tea House

The fourteenth day morning left for a guided tour to visit first the Tombs of Ming in the Tianshou Mountain. On the way, we first stopped at one Jade Shop, a National Stone Place, to know the importance of the jade stone to the Chinese peoples. Jade is a stone of longevity for them, and interesting to see various crafts on the stone.

Tombs of Ming are a collection of thirteen tombs of the Ming Dynasty. There are burial chambers of thirteen emperors at the underground palace of the Ming Tombs. Mausoleums were built by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty for their ‘Heavenly Life.’ The site has also been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beijing tourist attraction Minh Tombs

After a delicious Chinese lunch, we finally visit the New Seven Wonders of the World Great Wall of China . This longest Great Wall became the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Beijing city sightseeing group tour

We explored the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. I took the cable car to go up and down. It is also possible to hike and reach the section. The view is fantastic, and I enjoyed walking up and down the stairs.

China tour is incomplete without taking a sip of Chinese tea, the national drink of China. The last stop was to visit one Tea House to learn about top must-try Tea in China . They showed us the process of tea making and gave us to taste. I also bought several types of Chinese Tea.

Must-Try Tea in China

At night I had some shopping from Dashilan Shopping Street, and it was my last day in China.

The following day left Beijing for Singapore by collecting all good memories from my 14 days solo trip to China.

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14 days in China tour itinerary

Any other top tips to add for a trip to China? Comment your China travel experiences below!

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Nafisa Habib

Nafisa Habib loves nature and often got fascinated by old beautiful architecture. Here she is with My Own Way To Travel to share her adventures on the road. To her nothing is so interesting than exploring new destinations around. And knowing a new culture and meeting new peoples on the road? Oh, yeah she just loves that too.

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  • Nov 14, 2023

How Safe is Solo Travel in China? A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: Nov 23, 2023

visit china alone

Welcome, fellow adventurer! By now you've probably figured out that I've lived in mainland China for several years and might be considering visiting the middle kingdom yourself. And if you're a solo traveler who is new to the region, you may also be wondering is it safe to travel China alone.

With its vast landscapes, rich culture, and diverse cities, China offers a unique experience for solo travelers. In this comprehensive guide, I'm going to explore the safety aspects of traveling alone in China. I'll discuss everything from the low crime rate to the language barrier, local laws, and practical safety tips to ensure your journey is not just safe but also incredibly rewarding. So, grab a cup of tea and let's get ready for this adventure together!

Is Solo Travel in China a Good Idea?

Call me biased, but the short answer is yes, traveling solo in China is a good idea! China is not only one of the safest countries for international tourists but also a country with a rich history, some of the most incredible landscapes you'll ever set your eyes on, and food so delicious you'll be dreaming of it for years to come. However, like any travel destination, it's important to be aware of potential safety concerns and take precautions to ensure a worry-free trip. In this guide, I'll delve into the nitty-gritty of solo travel safety in China.

China, like any other country, has its unique safety considerations. Let's break down the key factors you should keep in mind:

Low Crime Rate

China boasts a remarkably low crime rate. While small crimes like pickpocketing and general petty theft might occur in crowded areas, it is exceedingly rare and police are immensely helpful in helping identify the thief. If you have a general idea of where/when your items were stolen, you can head to the police station responsible for that area and they will scour the cameras in that area during the specified timeframe. I once had an incident where I dropped my backpack after a scooter crash (nothing serious, don't worry) and the police were able to identify the person who took it in less than 10 minutes. It was mind-blowing!

Due to the accuracy of high prominence of CCTV cameras literally everywhere (seriously, you'll even spot them out in the mountains!), violent crime is pretty much nonexistent. Though this may concern some in terms of privacy, I found it to be extremely reassuring, especially for solo travelers. After all, I had nothing to hide!

The crime rate is so low, cops don't even walk around with guns or really...any weapons. Being an American and seeing this was really eye opening for me - I never imagined that a large city could function without armed police.

visit china alone

Language Barrier

One of the primary challenges for international travelers is the language barrier. While you'll find many English speakers in major cities, it's still a good idea to have a translation app handy especially if it's your first time in the country and you're still finding your bearings. Learning a few basic Chinese characters can also be a great help in navigating your way through Chinese cities.

New York taught me always to be on top of my game when it comes to taking taxis. The first thing I learned how to say in Chinese was 打表(dǎ biǎo) "are you charging by the meter?" and it saved me with many taxi drivers who wanted to take advantage of the fact that I didn't know the local rates. Luckily, you can avoid this by using China's version of uber - Didi, but if for whatever reason the app fails you, make sure you know this one phrase!

Travel Insurance:

Before you embark on your solo adventure, make sure you invest in travel insurance. It is incredibly important to have health insurance when traveling anywhere. Ensure your policy covers the specific areas you plan to visit and the activities you intend to participate in. This is a good place to start when it comes to ensuring your safety abroad.

SafetyWing  is my pick for reliable coverage for a wide variety of activities. You can check out SafetyWing's different coverage options here . Trust me you don't want to be caught in a foreign country without health insurance in the case of a crazy freak accident. Always better to be safe than sorry. 

Visiting Xinjiang and Tibet

China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Tibet have experienced political unrest. As a result, some areas may be off-limits for foreign visitors, and the Chinese government has implemented strict travel restrictions in these regions. If you plan to visit, staying updated on the latest travel advisories and regulations is essential.

Pro Tip:  If you plan on going to China just for a visit and are in the midst of applying for a tourist visa, you will be required to disclose the cities you plan on visiting. If you disclose that you intend to visit Xinjiang and/or Tibet, there is a high probability that your visa will get rejected. I would suggest* getting your tourist visa first and then securing a Tibet or Xinjiang group tour afterwards (an organized tour is mandatory for Tibet, but not Xinjiang). 

*I am not qualified to give legal advice, this is merely my suggestion based on my experience with China as well as other travelers' anecdotes. 

Common Scams

Even though they're not really a threat to your safety, there are a few recurring scams in China that you should be wary of. These are usually petty crimes, but they can con you out of a significant chunk of change which might wind up being detrimental to your budget.

As mentioned above, taxi drivers may attempt to scam you by charging an arbitrary price instead of running the meter. However, this is not the only way they might try to take you for a ride (so to speak). Since this might be your first trip to mainland China, they might try to drive you around in circles to run up the meter. 

Again this is easily avoidable if you use the Didi app, but if you happen to be unlucky like me (Didi didn't work for me for nearly 2 years and I still have no idea why!) and have to hail a taxi, use a reliable map app like Apple maps or Gaode (搞得) to keep an eye on your route while you're on the way. This way you can spot any wrong turns or unnecessary detours. Do not  use google maps as it is extremely unreliable and inaccurate in China.

Another taxi scam commonly occurs at airports. Every major airport in China will have an official taxi line. Head here if you don't have Didi, but make sure you have the name of the place you need to go written out in Chinese because taxi drivers very rarely speak anything other than Mandarin. These official taxi lines are regulated by the government and have to use the official rates as well as run the meter, so they can't give an arbitrary price. 

You will often see people with a badge or nametag trying to tell you (in English!) that they are official taxi drivers and to follow them. They will not hurt you, but do not go with them unless you are familiar with the area and the prices or are traveling with someone who does - they will charge you an arm and a leg to get you where you need to go. If you do know the correct pricing, it's pretty easy to tell them you will only pay them that amount. They will take it and get you to where you need to go safely without the need for waiting on the taxi line (which isn't usually that long tbh).

Dating Scams

This one's (mostly) for the fellas. A lot of times swiping on tinder or bumble will find you matched with a super pretty girl who is ready to meet the next day or even the same night. They won't make too much conversation, but will tell you that they want to choose the location of the date (in Shanghai, this is usually somewhere in People's Square). If you try to suggest a spot, but they refuse, this is the first red flag you should watch out for.

The next red flag is if you choose to go on the date anyway (no shame in that - it might not be a scam!). You'll be taken to a relatively dingy looking spot with an average food and drink menu with items listed in English and no prices written.  This is your next red flag and when you should RUN. If you continue, your date will start to order you shots. A lot of shots. With the intent of getting you drunk and not paying attention. 

Then when the check comes, you'll find that it's thousands of dollars even though you maybe only had one dish and a few drinks. If you try to make a fuss, the manager who is very intimidating from what I've heard (5 separate guy friends of mine have had the same story, and acquaintances have also shared the same experience) and it might seem like you're going to get beat up if you don't follow through with the bill. The police can  help in this situation if you call them, but most people are too scared to. 

Your best bet in this scenario is to register the red flags and run from the start before you consume anything!

These days tea scams are much less common, but they are still something to be aware of. They usually occur around busy tourist attractions and happen when someone claiming to be a guide approaches you under the guise of being helpful. They will suggest you visit a local tea house and bring you to it, but just like in the dating scam where the date is in cahoots with the restaurant, your "guide" will be in cahoots with the tea house. They'll offer you tea and give the impression that it's free, but at the end of your visit you'll be hit with a hefty fee and that you have to pay in order to exit.

Practical Tips for Ensuring Your Safety

Now that we've covered the safety concerns, let's explore some practical tips to ensure your safety while traveling alone in China. Honestly most of these are a good rule of thumb for solo travel in general:

visit china alone

1. Plan Your China Trip Itinerary

Before you set off on your solo trip, have a well-detailed travel itinerary. Share this with someone you trust back home, and make sure it includes your accommodation details, contact numbers, and any planned activities. Of course, you can leave room for spontaneity, but the main idea here is to make sure that someone knows where you are in case of an emergency!

Check out some of these travel apps which help with all aspects of planning your travel from budgeting to directions. There are also a few safety apps handy on the list as well.

visit china alone

2. Travel Documents

Ensure that all your travel documents are in order. Your passport, visa, and any permits required for specific areas should be kept in a secure place. I usually keep everything in one clear folder that is easily accessible to me when at the airport. Make sure this stays in your personal item and not  your carry on, in case it has to be gate checked.

You can read up on China visa info here for employment and students if you're going to be living there long term and planning on solo traveling like I did.

Pro Tip:  Make sure to have copies of absolutely everything. Also if you're not sure whether or not you should bring a document - bring it! Better to be safe than sorry.

visit china alone

3. Consider a Local Guide or Tour Group

If you're planning to visit remote areas or places with a significant language barrier, consider hiring a local guide or joining a small group tour. They can provide valuable insights and enhance your experience. Additionally, you can rest assured knowing that the speak the language and know the area, so you won't get lost (in translation or just in general).

4. Hotel Safety

When booking a hotel room, opt for well-established, reputable places in safe areas. It's also good practice to choose a hotel with a 24/7 front desk and security.

5. Emergencies and Exit Plan

Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and have an exit plan in case you encounter unexpected situations. In China, calling 110 will get you the police, 119 the fire department, and 120 yields ambulance service. 

visit china alone

Final Thoughts on Traveling Alone in China

As a usually solo female traveler, I've found that China is a very safe country for travelers. Having explored 19 of the 34 provinces on my own, I can confirm that a solo trip here can be an incredible experience. The key is to stay informed, exercise common sense, and be aware of your surroundings. Whether you're exploring the vibrant culture of Beijing, the bustling streets of Shanghai, or the serene beauty of one of the many national parks, China offers something special for every kind of traveler.

Remember that safety concerns can exist anywhere in the world, even in your own home country. The most important thing is to step out of your comfort zone, learn about new cultures, and broaden your horizons. Traveling solo in China can be a life-changing experience!

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip and get on over to China ASAP! It is one of the safest countries for international tourists, and your solo adventure here will be an unforgettable journey.

  • Solo Travel

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Exploring the Hidden Gems: Top Solo Travel Destinations in China

Updated on: October 12, 2023

Exploring the Hidden Gems: Top Solo Travel Destinations in China

Are you a wanderlust-filled adventurer seeking to embark on a thrilling solo travel journey? Look no further, because we have unveiled the hidden treasures of China that are just waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers like you! From ancient temples nestled amidst towering mountains, to vibrant cities buzzing with captivating culture and history, join us as we delve into the top solo travel destinations in China. Get ready to immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, fuel your adventurous spirit, and let’s begin this extraordinary expedition together!

Table of Contents

Introduction to solo travel and its benefits

Introduction to Solo Travel and its Benefits Solo travel has gained immense popularity in recent years, with more and more people embracing the idea of exploring new destinations on their own. It involves traveling alone, without the company of friends or family members. While some may find the thought of solo travel daunting, it can actually be a highly rewarding experience. There are several benefits to embarking on a solo trip. First and foremost, it allows you to have complete control over your itinerary. You can choose where you want to go, what activities you want to do, and how long you want to spend at each destination. This level of freedom is often difficult to achieve when traveling with others as everyone may have different preferences and schedules. Moreover, solo travel also offers a sense of independence and self-discovery. When you’re alone in a new place, you are forced out of your comfort zone and have to rely on yourself for navigation, decision-making, and problem-solving. This not only helps build self-confidence but also allows for personal growth as you learn more about yourself. Another advantage of solo travel is that it provides ample opportunities for meeting new people from different cultures and backgrounds. When traveling with others, we tend to stick within our own group; however, when traveling alone, we are more likely to strike up conversations with strangers and make new connections along the way. Additionally, solo travel can also be seen as a form of self-care. Taking time away from our busy lives and responsibilities can be rejuvenating

Why China is a great destination for solo travelers

China, the world’s most populous country, has always been a popular destination for tourists. However, it is also an ideal place for solo travelers to explore. With its rich history, diverse culture, breathtaking landscapes and modern cities, China offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those traveling alone. Here are some reasons why China should be at the top of your list for solo travel destinations: 1. Safe and Welcoming Environment: One of the most important factors for solo travelers is safety. China has a low crime rate and strict laws that make it a safe destination for anyone traveling alone. The locals are known to be warm and welcoming towards foreigners, making it easy to navigate through the country without feeling intimidated or lonely. 2. Efficient Public Transportation: Navigating through a new country can be daunting, especially when you’re alone. However, in China, you don’t have to worry about this as the country has an efficient public transportation system that connects all major cities and towns. From high-speed trains to buses and subways, getting around in China is both effortless and affordable. 3. Affordable Accommodations: Solo travelers often have budget constraints which can limit their choices in terms of accommodation options. Luckily in China, there is no shortage of affordable accommodations such as hostels or guesthouses that cater specifically to solo travelers on a budget. These accommodations also provide opportunities to meet other like-minded travelers from around the world. 4. Endless Cultural Experiences: China boasts a rich cultural heritage with

Top hidden gems in China for solo travelers

China is a vast and diverse country, with a rich history and culture that dates back thousands of years. While popular tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, and the Great Wall are well-known to most travelers, there are many hidden gems in China that are perfect for solo travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. 1. Yangshuo: Located in the Guangxi region of southern China, Yangshuo is a picturesque town surrounded by karst mountains and rice paddies. It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Solo travelers can easily rent a bike and explore the countryside at their own pace or take part in organized group activities like bamboo rafting on the Li River. 2. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: This stunning national park in the Hunan province was famously featured in the movie ‘Avatar’ for its towering sandstone pillars covered in lush greenery. It’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and natural wonders like the Tianzi Mountains and Baofeng Lake. 3. Pingyao: For solo travelers interested in Chinese history, Pingyao is a must-visit destination. This ancient walled city has been remarkably preserved since its heyday as a bustling financial center during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking along its narrow streets lined with traditional courtyard homes gives visitors a glimpse into life during imperial times. 4. Jiuzhaigou Valley: Located in S

– Lijiang, Yunnan Province

Lijiang is a charming city located in the Yunnan Province of southwestern China. It is a popular destination for solo travelers, as it offers a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern amenities, making it an ideal place to explore on your own. Lijiang’s picturesque landscapes, rich history, and diverse ethnic communities make it one of the top hidden gems for solo travel in China. The city is best known for its well-preserved old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobbled streets and traditional architecture give visitors a glimpse into ancient China. As you wander through the narrow alleyways, you will come across beautifully decorated wooden houses adorned with colorful flowers. The old town also features numerous temples, museums, and shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. One of the must-visit attractions in Lijiang is the Black Dragon Pool Park. This scenic park boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains and features a tranquil lake with crystal clear water. It is also home to several ornate pavilions and bridges that are perfect for photo opportunities. For those interested in learning about Lijiang’s history and culture, a visit to the Mu Palace Museum is highly recommended. This former residence of the Naxi rulers offers insight into their way of life through its impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Nature lovers will also find plenty to do in Lijiang. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring some of Yunnan Province’s most

– Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province

Located in the Hunan Province of China, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered. With its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, this national park has become one of the top solo travel destinations in China. The landscape of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is like something out of a fairytale. It is home to over 3,000 towering sandstone pillars, which are said to have inspired the floating mountains in the popular movie ‘Avatar’. These pillars are covered in lush vegetation, creating a stunning contrast against the clear blue skies. This unique geological wonder has earned Zhangjiajie National Forest Park a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List and it’s not hard to see why. Aside from its natural beauty, this national park also offers a glimpse into China’s rich history and culture. The area is inhabited by several ethnic minority groups such as Tujia, Bai, Miao and Yao people who have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. Visitors can immerse themselves in these cultures by exploring local villages, trying traditional cuisine and participating in cultural activities. One of the best ways to experience Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is by taking a hike through its scenic trails. The most famous trail being the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Trail which takes you up Tianzi Mountain where you can witness panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For more adventurous travelers, there are also options for rock climbing and zip-lining through

– Yangshuo, Guangxi Province

Yangshuo, located in the breathtaking Guangxi Province of China, is a hidden gem that should not be missed by any solo traveler. Surrounded by stunning karst mountains and the tranquil Li River, this picturesque town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. One of the must-visit places in Yangshuo is West Street, also known as ‘Foreigner’s Street’. This bustling pedestrian street is lined with traditional buildings dating back to the Qing Dynasty, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich history. Here, you can find an array of local handicrafts, delicious street food, and lively bars where you can mingle with fellow travelers from all over the world. For nature lovers, Yangshuo offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. The Yulong River Bike Trail is a popular route that takes you through rice fields and quaint villages while offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can also take a bamboo rafting trip along the Li River to admire its crystal-clear waters and towering karst mountains up close. For those seeking a more serene experience, head to Moon Hill – an iconic landmark in Yangshuo named after its crescent-shaped hole in the middle. A hike up to this natural wonder rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another must-see attraction in Yangshuo is Xianggong Hill viewpoint. Located just outside of town, this spot offers arguably one of the best views in all of China. Watching the

Budget-friendly accommodation options for solo travelers

When embarking on a solo trip, budget-friendly accommodation options are essential for keeping your expenses in check. Luckily, China offers a wide range of affordable and comfortable places to stay for solo travelers. From hostels to homestays, here are some top budget-friendly accommodation options in China for solo adventurers. 1. Hostels: Hostels are the go-to option for backpackers and budget travelers. They offer dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, making them an excellent choice for solo travelers looking to socialize and meet other like-minded individuals. Hostels in China usually have English-speaking staff and organized activities such as city tours or group dinners, making it easier for solo travelers to make new friends. 2. Guesthouses: Guesthouses are small family-owned accommodations that offer private rooms at affordable prices. These guesthouses can be found all over China, from big cities to countryside villages. They provide a more intimate experience compared to hostels, as you get to interact with the local hosts and learn about their way of life. 3. Homestays: For a more immersive cultural experience, consider staying at a homestay during your solo trip in China. Similar to guesthouses, homestays offer private rooms in a local’s home, but they usually include meals cooked by the host family as well. This is an excellent opportunity to try authentic home-cooked Chinese cuisine while learning about the country’s culture firsthand. 4. Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing is another popular option among

Safety tips for traveling alone in China

Traveling alone can be a thrilling and empowering experience, especially in a country as diverse and fascinating as China. However, it is important to keep safety in mind while exploring this beautiful country on your own. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable solo trip in China: 1. Research the destination before your trip: Before embarking on your journey, make sure to research the destination thoroughly. This includes learning about the local customs, culture, laws, and potential safety concerns. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare better for any potential risks. 2. Share your itinerary with someone: Make sure to share your travel itinerary with a family member or friend back home. This way they will know where you will be at all times and can contact you if necessary. 3. Get travel insurance: Having travel insurance is always recommended when traveling anywhere, but it becomes even more crucial when traveling alone. Make sure to get comprehensive coverage that includes medical emergencies, theft/loss of belongings, and emergency evacuation. 4. Stay connected: It is important to keep yourself connected with friends and family back home while traveling alone in China. Purchase a local SIM card or download apps like WeChat or WhatsApp that work with an internet connection so you can easily communicate with loved ones. 5. Be aware of scams: Like any other popular tourist destination, there are scams aimed at tourists in China as well. Be cautious of people approaching you on the streets offering cheap tours or souvenirs that seem too good

How to navigate language and cultural barriers while traveling alone in China

Traveling alone in a foreign country can be an exhilarating experience, full of new sights, sounds, and adventures. However, it can also come with its own set of challenges, especially when faced with language and cultural barriers. China is a vast and diverse country with a rich history and unique culture that can sometimes be overwhelming for solo travelers. But fear not, with some preparation and the right approach, navigating these barriers can become part of the exciting adventure. Here are some tips on how to navigate language and cultural barriers while traveling alone in China: 1. Learn basic Mandarin phrases: While English is becoming more widely spoken in major cities in China, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Mandarin phrases before your trip. This will not only help you communicate better but will also show locals that you have made an effort to learn their language. Some essential phrases to start with include ‘hello’ (nǐ hǎo), ‘thank you’ (xiè xiè), ‘please’ (qǐng wèn), and ‘sorry’ (duì bù qǐ). 2. Download translation apps: In addition to learning key phrases, it’s also helpful to have translation apps on your phone such as Google Translate or Pleco that can translate written text or even live conversations using your camera. 3. Carry a map or use offline maps: Getting lost is part of the fun of solo traveling but having a map handy can save you from getting completely

Solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a chance for personal growth, self-discovery, and adventure. And what better place to embark on a solo journey than in the vast and diverse country of China? With its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery, China has so much to offer for those seeking a solo travel experience. However, before you pack your bags and head off to explore this beautiful country alone, there are some things that you must keep in mind. In this section, we will discuss the ‘musts’ of solo travel in China – essential tips and information that will help make your trip safe, enjoyable, and memorable. 1) Research the Culture Beforehand One of the most important aspects of traveling solo in China is understanding its culture. As a country with thousands of years of history and traditions deeply rooted in everyday life, it is crucial to have at least a basic knowledge of Chinese customs and etiquette. This not only shows respect for the local culture but can also prevent any potential misunderstandings or awkward situations. For example, knowing that it is customary to take off your shoes when entering someone’s home or being aware that loud public displays of affection are frowned upon can make a significant difference in how you are perceived by locals. 2) Plan Your Transportation Carefully China is known for its extensive transportation network, including high-speed trains that connect major cities within just hours. However, navigating these systems can be overwhelming for first-time travelers. It is crucial to

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I moved to the United States at the age of 15 for high school and later graduated from Cal State University. After working for a while, I decided to return to my homeland, China. Now, I live in northern China again with my family, rediscovering the place I call home.

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Exploring China: A Solo Traveler’s Guide

China is a vast and fascinating country, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. While many travelers choose to explore China with a group or a tour, there are plenty of reasons why solo traveling to China can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. From the stunning landscapes of Guilin to the bustling streets of Shanghai, China offers a diverse range of destinations and activities that can be enjoyed on your own terms.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the things you need to consider when planning your solo trip to China, as well as some of the top destinations to visit and tips for navigating the country.

Planning Your Trip: What to Consider Before You Go

Before embarking on a solo trip to China, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, be sure to obtain your visa well in advance. The application process can take some time, so plan accordingly. Additionally, it’s important to do your research and understand the local customs and etiquette. Chinese culture is different from what you may be used to, so it’s important to be respectful and aware of local customs and attitudes.

Another important consideration is language. While many people in China speak at least some English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Mandarin. This can help you communicate with locals and make your travels smoother. Finally, make sure to pack appropriately for your trip. China can have a wide range of climates and weather conditions, so be sure to pack accordingly.

Destinations to Explore: Top Places to Visit in China Alone

China is home to some truly awe-inspiring destinations that are perfect for solo travelers. The Great Wall of China is a must-see, and there are plenty of sections that are less crowded and offer stunning views. The city of Guilin is another top destination, with its picturesque landscapes of limestone karsts and winding rivers. Other cities that are worth visiting include Shanghai, with its towering skyline and vibrant nightlife, and Beijing, with its many historical sites and cultural attractions.

Another great way to explore China is by getting off the beaten path and visiting some of the lesser-known destinations. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, for example, is a stunning park with unique rock formations that inspired the landscape of the movie Avatar. The city of Chengdu is also worth a visit, with its famous Giant Panda Research Base and delicious Sichuan cuisine.

Navigating China: Tips for Solo Travelers in the Country

Navigating China can seem daunting at first, but with a bit of preparation and common sense, it can be a great experience. One of the best ways to get around is by using public transportation, such as buses and trains. These are generally safe and reliable, but be prepared for some crowding and long waits at peak times.

It’s also a good idea to have a map or GPS on hand, as street signs and directions can be confusing. Another important tip is to be aware of scams and pickpocketing. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be wary of anyone who seems overly friendly or pushy.

Finally, be open to new experiences and willing to try new things. China has a rich culture and history, and there are plenty of unique and fascinating things to see and do. Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path and explore on your own terms.

Exploring China as a solo traveler can be a truly unforgettable experience. From the stunning natural landscapes to the vibrant cities and rich culture, there is so much to see and do in this fascinating country. By planning ahead, staying aware of local customs and etiquette, and being open to new experiences, you can have an adventure that you’ll never forget. So why not take the leap and discover China for yourself?

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9 Tips If You’re Traveling to China Alone

Woman in Subway

Congratulations on making the intrepid decision to travel solo through China! The Middle Kingdom has endless style and stories to offer those who enter its borders, especially those who choose to go it alone. But because China is a big place for a lone person to be, there are a few things you should know before making the trip.

First and foremost, china is a safe country.

Though petty crimes prevail in tourist hotspots, China is overall a very safe country for travelers. You should still take the same precautions you would when traveling anywhere solo; however, there is no need to worry about your basic welfare. Being a foreigner also provides you a certain safety net, as few criminals are willing to risk the harsher sentences they would likely receive for hurting China’s international image.

Hard seats

You don’t really need to know Chinese to get by

Bilingual sign

Stay on the beaten path

China is a huge, diverse country full of everything from grasslands to skyscrapers. Luckily, most of it is easily traversed with any combination of train, plane, bus, boat, and car. As tempting as it is to hop on a bus to nowhere, it’s not recommended for solo travelers, especially those who are experiencing China for the first time . There remain some dangerous pockets of the country, particularly in the border regions , and other pockets that are so remote, you will be hard-pressed to get out. Plus, when the beaten path is so beautiful, there’s no reason to stray from it.

people cheering on a mountain

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Summer Palace, Beijing

Chinese apps are essential

Most of your favorite apps will work in China, especially if you have a VPN, but consider the Chinese alternatives , which typically run faster and smoother. Didi Chuxing, for example, is China’s Uber. The company even took over Uber’s China market a few years ago. So, your Uber app will work just fine, but you will really be hitching a ride with a Didi driver, many of whom prefer Didi customers over Uber ones.

Cell phone addicts

Plan everything and expect the worst

There are a lot of things that can go wrong in China, from the hotel you booked not being built yet (it can happen) to your smartphone being stolen. That’s why you must plan everything in advance but leave enough breathing room in the plan that if something does go wrong, you’re not SOL. Buy as many tickets—plane, train, entrance, and otherwise—online as you can, and always bring proof of purchase. Book hotels and hostels in advance, and triple check the reviews, paying particular attention to the locations, which, of course, you should print out in Chinese characters for every foreigner-deaf taxi driver.

Solo travel

Take the train

Not only is the train the best way to see the countryside, it is also the best combination of cheap, timely, and comfortable. To book a ticket, use Chinese travel site Ctrip . Educate yourself on the different classes of tickets as well. There are hard seats, soft seats, and sleeper seats; first class, second class, and third class cabins; and slow trains, fast trains, and bullet trains. Though the options may seem overwhelming, there aren’t really any wrong choices to be made as long as you get safely from point A to point B.

Train station

Carry toilet paper

Though much of China is in the first world, the bathrooms are stuck in the third. Outside of hotels, and sometimes even in them, you won’t get much better than squatty potties with no toilet paper or soap. Sometimes you’ll get lucky, especially in places like Shanghai , but it only takes one mad dash to the bathroom after too much Chongqing hotpot to make you wish you had followed this advice. Oh, and hand sanitizer is never a bad idea either.

Toilet

Don’t get scammed

As per item number one on this list, China is a safe country. That being said, there’s little that local scammers like more than lost puppy-dog tourists. Perhaps the most popular tourist-oriented scam is the “tea house.” The tea house is performed by an approachable-looking young person who will invite you for a traditional tea ceremony after making pleasant small talk with you on the street. After the ceremony, your “host” will disappear, saddling you with a suspiciously high bill, usually around RMB1000 ($156). This scam can be easily avoided by politely refusing any such offers from strangers.

Chinese currency

Ask for help

Strangers are bad when it comes to judiciously avoiding scams, but strangers are essential when it comes to getting around and making the most of your solo adventures. Most strangers are extremely helpful, and if you walk around in a constant state of confusion, chances are someone will offer to guide you. Some people are just happy to have someone to practice English with. Others are only taking pity on you. But whatever the case may be, don’t be afraid to ask locals for help, and don’t feel nervous about inviting them for a lunch afterwards as a way to say thank you.

Bicycle Beijing

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The highs and lows of travelling China without my husband

China tour solo travel cycling Yangshuo

I’m in my hotel room in Beijing, sobbing. I let the wave of grief wash over me. I’m missing Don, my husband of twenty years, so badly it feels the same as if he had died. A prelude, a sneak peak into how I’ll feel if he dies before me. I am broken-hearted.

Don and I got together later in life. I was 48 and he 56, and we’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since. From 2011, for six years, we lived a nomadic life travelling the world. We were together 24/7, and when you’re together all the time you become really close. I really didn’t want to travel solo. It came about by accident.

We’d ended our nomadic lifestyle because I had some medical issues, but we were not done with travelling. High on the list of places we wanted to visit were Japan and China, so as soon as I was well enough we started making plans to do an Intrepid tour in China preceded by some time in Japan.

China tour Great Wall

China had been on my bucket list for years

Right before having to commit to the tour Don developed a medical issue. It was not serious but without warning could become an emergency. He felt it was too risky to travel and we agreed that I should go ahead alone.

I was terrified. Travel without Don? It seemed unimaginable to be without his presence, his support, his love. And there was so much he always took care of – maps and logistics, currency and visas, all the details for accommodation and transport. Suddenly I was faced with having to be responsible for myself.

I arrive in Beijing after nearly three weeks travelling solo in Japan, having discovered that yes, I can do it alone, but I don’t like it very much. Finally the dam burst. The gaping hole left in my life by Don’s absence had built up over this time and I let the tears flow.

Now here I was about to join a group of fellow travellers on Intrepid’s 21-day  China Experience tour. I was looking forward to the company, to be travelling with others, to be with like-minded people, fellow explorers. Perhaps Don’s absence wouldn’t affect me quite so much when I had others to share the adventure with.

China tour Yangshuo cycling

Cycling near Yangshuo with new tour friends

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On the second day of the tour our group is gathered in the hotel in Beijing. There’s another tour group there and I overhear a conversation. Someone in our group says to someone in the other group what a great group we have and how well we all get on together. The person from the other group replies, in a lighthearted way, but perhaps not entirely joking, “Wait ‘til you’ve been together for three weeks”.

The thing is, after three weeks it’s still true, only better.

How lucky to land in a group of eight people, plus our incredible guide Peter, who are all kind, generous, fun, and willing to look out for each other. We range in age from 26 to 76, but it doesn’t seem to matter. Together we travel the length of China from Beijing to Hong Kong . We eat peking duck on our first dinner together, in a restaurant in one of the back streets of the Beijing hutongs. Some of the group have had it previously and show us newbies how to wrap the duck and other ingredients in the thin flavourful crepes. It’s just the beginning.

China tour solo travel dinner Beijing

Dinner in Beijing

READ MORE: A GUIDE TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE STREET FOOD

From the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing we travel by overnight train to Xi’an. Six of the eight of us, plus all our luggage, are crammed into a tiny six-berth cabin. Somehow we make it work, figuring out together where to stow the cases and backpacks so we can all be comfortable. I am allotted the top bunk not more than three feet from the ceiling. Yikes! Bhakti, the youngest in the group, is kind enough to swap her middle bunk with me. I’m not sure even Don would have done that!

In Xi’an we explore the Muslim Quarter, dating back to the days of the Silk Road, and the jaw-dropping Terracotta Warriors, which date back even further. Then we board the next train, from Xi’an to Emei Shan. It is an even longer journey: overnight and most of the next day.

It is at the many group meals and on these long train journeys that the group solidifies. We have nowhere to go but to be with each other. We spend our time reading, writing, gazing out the window, and chatting as a group or in twos and threes. Long, fun, relaxed conversations. We laugh a lot. It feels safe and easy. I miss Don less. Travelling “solo” with a group of like-minded people is really fun.

China tour solo travel sleeper train

Relaxing on the train with my Intrepid group

CHECK OUT INTREPID’S RANGE OF SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN CHINA

At Emei Shan we hike into one of the many monasteries that are scattered across the mountain’s sides. It’s a long hike, mostly upwards. We all do pretty well until the last 1200 steps. Yes you read that right 1200 steps. Up. I’m slower than the others. So are Thea and Mieke. Us three “old” ladies take our time. We don’t need to win the race. We just need to get there. We arrive after the others, but not by much. I have the support and company I need. Don who?

Peter gives us information in each town so we can find our way around during free time, but I don’t always pay attention. It’s the kind of thing I’d rely on Don for. One night some of us are getting street food for dinner and we need to find our own way back to the hotel. I stick with the others, for the company of course, but also because I haven’t a clue how to get home. Once again I have the help I need, even though I’m travelling alone. Though not alone at all. I have a whole new group of friends, and a fierce guide, who look out for me.

I also learn to pay attention. Near the end of the tour I know the way home and help one of the others.

China tour cycling Xi'an

Cycling on Xi’an’s City Wall

At our farewell dinner Peter says he wasn’t sure how the age range would work, but it is never an issue. Did I stop missing Don? Of course not, but being with all my new friends sure softened it. In between missing Don it was exciting and fun and a whole huge group adventure.

I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Ready to take the plunge and visit incredible China for yourself? Check out Intrepid’s range of small group tours.

(Image credits from top to bottom: Peter Wang, Intrepid Travel, Alison Armstrong x2, Peter Wang, Alison Armstrong. Read more of Alison’s stories and see more of her photography at alisonanddon.com)

Feeling inspired?

visit china alone

Alison Armstrong

Alison Armstrong was born in Australia and immigrated to Canada in her early thirties. She traveled extensively in her twenties, including two four-month overland trips through Africa and South America. Since 2011 she and her husband Don Read have been traveling continuously. They have been to 31 countries on six continents. You can read about their travels at alisonanddon.com

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Women On The Road

Solo Female Travel To China: An Independent Woman’s Guide

China is a beautiful country full of rich culture, amazing food, and friendly people. You truly never feel alone when traveling through the Land of Dragons, including solo female travel to China. 

Solo female travel in China - panda in Chengdu

I spent my first year of solo travel in Asia, and I felt so comfortable and welcome in China that I hardly noticed that I was on my own. This country is very diverse, full of fascinating history and wonderful landscapes, along with bustling cities and modern metropolises. You really get a taste of all types of travel.

Is China safe for solo women travellers? 

Violent crimes are extremely rare in China, and generally  it is a very safe country for solo female travelers . In fact, solo female travelers are treated with a lot of respect and dignity. Chinese people admire them for being so independent, brave and fearless to travel on their own. There is no discrimination. Just the opposite, they will take better care of a female solo traveler than a male because they find women more vulnerable. Going out at night is totally fine. I often go outside to run at 9-10 pm and I feel safe.

However, thievery and scams are common, especially in known tourist areas.  Basically, my advice is to use common sense. Don’t wave around large bills, be firm when saying no, always keep an eye on your drink if in a bar at night, and don’t be gullible. Read up on  travel forums  about popular scams in the areas you’re traveling to so you’re prepared in advance. 

A word of caution: do not pull out your wallet or purse in a busy area. Instead, keep some smaller bills in your pockets when shopping for easy payments. Better yet, carry an anti-theft purse to keep your cash safe.

5 Top sights for solo female travel to China

If I had to choose the top sights in this incredibly diverse country, I would recommend the following:

1. Experience Xi’an This ancient city located in central China is full of history, including the beautiful and intimidating Terracotta Army , the Wolong Temple, the Grand Mosque, and more. It’s the capital of Shaanxi Province and over the course of history served as a home to many powerful ruling dynasties. 

2. See The Great Wall You can’t come to China without seeing this ancient wonder of the world. It is truly an indescribable experience visiting the Wall, and you can a be near Beijing, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit this extraordinary city and its beautiful relics of imperial China.

3. Visit Tibet if you can Admittedly putting Tibet into the same story as China is complicated, but once you’ve made it to this part of the world, you should try to tour Tibet – the ‘roof of the world’. A visit there will be a memory for a lifetime – at least it was for me when I spent a week there a few years ago.

4. Wander through Avatar’s real-world counterpart The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was the inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains in the popular movie Avatar, and you will easily see why. These majestic stone mountains rise like pillars into the sky, and are often blanketed by a mysterious-looking mist. This is a must-do in Hunan Province. About 180 km down the road is the fantasy-like ancient town of Fenghuang, definitely worth a visit if you’d like to soak in its 300-year history and fantastical scenery.

5. Watch history being made in Hong Kong This modern city is a mixture of many different cultures so its attractions and sights are diverse and fascinating. It is a huge and crowded city, of course, but it also has beautiful natural sights on nearby islands such as Lantau.

Two other sights worth visiting are Wuzhen Water Town , a peaceful escape from the madness of Shanghai, and Guilin , one of the most beautiful cities in China.

Solo female travel in China - Hong Kong

Do you need a visa for China?  Cl ick here  to find out!

China is home to over 50 ethnic minorities, each with its own particular culture, style and food, and so on. Getting to know these minorities is a great way to really dig deeper into the culture of China.

One of my favorite places is the beautiful province of Xinjiang , home of the Uyghur people. Located in far West China, this largely rural area is full of fascinating culture and stunning landscapes.  Here you’ll find vast deserts, Muslim culture and red rock cliffs. You can visit the beautiful cities of Kashgar or Dunhuang or travel into the vast wild hinterland by bicycle or with a tour company to see its incredible landscapes. (Ed. Note: Xinjiang has also been the site of extreme human rights abuses against the Uyghur people and much as I would love to visit, I don’t feel this is the time.)

Another favorite is Yunnan, with more than 25 ethnic groups within its borders. It is a land of ancient but preserved villages and unique festivals – like the Torch Festival of the Yi people or the Spring Festival of the Dai.

Clothing and things – What to pack for China

China’s climate is radically different depending on the area. The South tends to be hot and humid while the North tends to be cold and dry, so dress according to the temperature and the season.

Typically  the Chinese dress more conservatively  than do people in western countries. To avoid offending anyone, consider staying away from revealing clothing such as tank tops, blouses with low necklines or very short skirts or shorts. Long pants, long skirts, and short sleeve blouses are all perfectly acceptable.

Jeans are not commonly worn, so they will make you stand out as a tourist, but don’t worry, your face will make you stand out even more.

Solo female travel in China - Beijing

And here are a few things you should bring with you…

  • Cash  – many restaurants or stores do not accept credit cards (especially the foreign ones).
  • Toiletries  such as deodorant, hand sanitizer and earplugs for use while sleeping. These are sometimes hard to come by in China.
  • Small gifts  such as stickers or postcards are great ways to start conversations and make friends with local people (especially the young ones). People in rural areas are especially hospitable, so you might want to have some gifts from your home country to thank them for their help, or a dinner (it’s very common to get invited).

Above all, I recommend packing as lightly as possible! Especially since you may decide to do a bit of shopping… because you’ll find everything from street markets to department stores.

What to buy in China

You’ll find ‘brand name’ clothing is cheaper than in western countries, but don’t be surprised if the items are knock-offs. 

If you’re looking for an authentic Chinese purchase , search for things like jade or porcelain pieces, or the lovely fabrics in local markets. Each area of China has its own local ethnic culture and handicrafts, so do some research beforehand on the area you’re planning to visit to see what is typical there. Also, keep in mind that some relics or antiques cannot be legally exported from the country.

A word about food

While food is an integral part of Chinese culture, there is no such thing as Chinese food: it’s Cantonese, Yunnan, Hunan and so on. Each province has its own specialities and some are as different as one national cuisine from another.

One thing that I really love is Baozi, or Chinese dumplings. They are normally steamed or fried, and filled with meat and vegetables. This  typical breakfast food  is one of my favorite ways to start the day.

Solo female travel in China - baozi dumplings

A final word about visiting China…

The language barrier in China

I wish I’d known how few people speak English. You can get by in the bigger cities, but once you move away from Shanghai or Beijing you’ll find it difficult to communicate unless you try to learn at least a little Chinese. 

Knowing this beforehand is good because it gives you the opportunity to start learning Chinese before you get to China, or at the very least to purchase a reliable phrasebook .

China travel resources

  • The book Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang is a beautiful memoir that chronicles the real life experiences of three generations of women. Follow them along China’s 20th century history and through the Cultural Revolution. 
  • Not enough for you? Have a look at China’s biggest cities . 
  • Here’s a quick roundup of China’s eight regional cuisines .
  • To find a hotel in China, compare prices on booking.com .

Guest Contribution by Agness Walewinder . Agness is a world traveler and blogger without a permanent home. Her blog, eTramping.com , has taken her throughout China and the rest of Asia. She taught English in China for two-and-a-half years and still visits regularly. All photos by eTramping.com unless otherwise noted.

And please – don’t forget your travel insurance before you go! I recommend  SafetyWing  if you’re 69 and under. If that birthday has come and gone,  click here  for travel insurance that covers you at any age.

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Beijing Solo Travel Guide

Beijing Forbidden City

Planning a solo trip to Beijing ? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

  • Capital of China and one the world’s most populous cities, with over 21.3 million residents. 
  • With a rich 3000-year history, Beijing is one of the oldest cities in the world.
  • Has been the political and cultural center of China for more than 700 years .
  • Host city of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
  • Nicknames: the Celestial City, the Northern Capital, The Center of the World.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  • Currency:  Chinese Yuan   Renminbi  (CNY).
  • Spoken languages:   primarily   Mandarin . Sizable English speaking community.
  • Best time to visit: from  September  to  November (cool, relatively humid), and from March  to  May  (although dust storms are common in the spring).
  • Arriving via airport: hail a taxi from the taxi stand, and make sure the driver turns the meter on (~ 130-200 Yuan from Terminal 3 to downtown), take the Airport Bus, or the Airport Express subway line to the city (a one-way ticket is 25 Yuan ).

WHERE TO STAY

  • Best Beijing hostel for solo travelers: Peking Youth Hostel . Clean and cozy, in a great location for exploring the city (6 minute walk from Nanluo metro station), with friendly staff who can help you organize your trip in China. Bonus: it’s located on a main Hutong street, so you get a bit of the old-school charm that’s quickly disappearing from the city.
  • Stay in the city center to be close to all the major sights, attractions, and the best food options.
  • Many of the major international hotel chains (e.g. Grand Metropark, Hilton) are conveniently located.
  • For budget options, look for mid-range chains (e.g. Home Inn, Days Inn).

GETTING AROUND

  • The Beijing subway is  2 RMB for all lines and destinations (except Airport Express).
  • Taxi is 12 RMB (13 RMB at night) for first 3 km, 2 RMB (2.4 RMB at night) per additional km, 3 RMB (3.4 RMB at night) from 15 km and above. Taxis can be called at 96103 .

BEIJING NIGHTLIFE

  • Drinking age is officially 18 (not enforced at all), and there is no last call (many restaurants and bars stay open all night).
  • Bar scene: There are many nice cafes and bars along the Tian Qiao Shi’chang Byway , including unique tea shops and wine houses.
  • Clubbing scene: There are many bars and restaurants located along the W Da Zhan’lan Street and the Tie’shu Byway .
  • Trendy scene: Another popular urban spot is the Qian Hai Bei’yan and the Hou Hai Nan’yan roads, full of bars and wine bars with great views of the sea.
  • Great bars to start your night: The Swan with Two Necks (Yuyang Road), School (punk bar – 53 Wudaoying Hu Tong), Modernista (44 Baochao Hu Tong), and The Tiki Bungalow.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

  • Note: there is a great variety of landmarks in Beijing, ranging from ancient Chinese temples and pagodas all the way to modern amusement parks and gardens.
  • The four temples of Beijing (Heaven, Sun, Moon, Earth) are religious buildings where the Emperors would pray and make offerings to heaven.
  • The Tian’an Men (the Gate of Heavenly Peace) is the third largest city square in the world (at 440,000 sq. meters), known worldwide as the setting for numerous historic events.
  • The  Forbidden City  encompasses the Imperial palaces and temples – witness where the Emperors lived.
  • The World Park is a theme park featuring scale models of unique world landmarks, including the Sphinx, Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and many more.
  • The Ba Da Ling Great Wall is the entrance to one of the world’s wonders – the Great Wall of China.
  • The “Bird’s Nest” and the Beijing National Aquatics Center , where the Summer Olympic Games of 2008 were held.

INTERESTING WALKS

  • Note : Contrary to popular belief, taking a stroll on the Great Wall is not that pleasant – the paths are steep and can actually be tiring (and somewhat dangerous). Additionally, only a small part of the Great Wall in Beijing is actually a tourist site – people rarely venture beyond the designated visitor zone.
  • There are many interesting villages and temples in Beijing where you can experience local architecture and music first-hand. Among the nicest parks to visit are the Beihai Park , the Jingshan Park , the Houhai Park, and the Zhongshan Park .
  • Go for a walk through the Forbidden City , where there are many museums, statues, and great restaurants.

LOCAL WISDOM

  • Don’t be surprised if people you meet don’t speak any English. Although Beijing is extremely open to foreigners, this doesn’t mean everyone will understand you! Be prepared – bring maps with English along as you travel, make use of road signs, and jot down certain names of landmarks in Mandarin. Consider bringing a pocket Chinese dictionary .
  • While China is known for its fascinating culture and history, you may encounter some unpleasant local habits . Don’t be surprised if you see people litter, smoke in public, or spit on the ground. Just be sure to watch where you walk!
  • Where to find good cheap eats : almost everywhere in Beijing! Visit a local Chinese park and try out some of the local specialties . Warning : avoid eating food from  street vendors . They are known for using cheap/poor ingredients, and the food could give you  food poisoning and/or an upset stomach.
  • Dangerous areas : Beijing is generally very safe. Exercise common sense. A word on taxis : while hailing taxis at night, only enter official ones (with signs on the roof), as others might not be as safe and trustworthy.

Recommended trip duration:  4-5 days

  • Shanghai, China
  • Tianjin, China
  • Hangzhou, China
  • Hong Kong, China
  • Taipei, Taiwan
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Seoul, South Korea

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Are There China Travel Restrictions? Travel to China From USA

Posted on Last updated: January 5, 2024

If you want to travel to China from USA , you might be wondering if there are China travel restrictions to be aware of. Solo travel to China does have challenges and can be complicated, but there are plenty of fun things to do in China alone. Is it safe to travel to China? Yes! China is generally considered a safe destination for solo travelers, and this solo China travel guide will help you plan an epic adventure.

I have a lot of experience planning travel to China and handling China travel restrictions—let’s jump into this travel China guide to help you arrange a trip without using a China travel agency.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet? The Insurance companies I recommend are  Hey Mondo and Safety Wing Hey Mondo  is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing  is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. Read my full  travel insurance post  here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Solo China Travel Guide

From enjoying the Forbidden City to seeing the futuristic Bund in Shanghai, there are so many fun things to include when you travel to China from USA . All the activities in this travel China guide can be done solo, and I’ll show you how.

Walk Along the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and probably the nation’s most popular attraction. It spans 21,196 kilometers across Northern China, although the most popular starting point is from Beijing. The Great Wall is ideal for solo travelers, as many tours leave from Beijing and visit less touristy destinations. When I traveled solo in China, I did a camping tour with China hiking!

Visit the Forbidden City

Are There China Travel Restrictions? Travel to China From USA

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.  Best China Tours :  Click here to check out the top China tours Best China Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in China Best China Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in China

The Forbidden City is probably the best attraction in Beijing, near Tiananmen Square and several fun, offbeat activities in Beijing. If you’re staying in a Beijing hostel, it’s easy to find a travel pal for the day as people always head to the Forbidden City. You can also visit alone by getting a metro to Tiananmen West Station and purchasing a ticket there, though you must have your passport to buy a ticket.

Pro Tip: Google Maps won’t work in China, and even if you have a VPN, it can be inaccurate. I recommend downloading Maps.me and using the offline maps. If you have an Android phone, you’ll need to download the map before entering the country.

Climb the Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Are There China Travel Restrictions? Travel to China From USA

Ascending Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl TV Tower isn’t the cheapest attraction in China, but it’s a must-do when you travel to China.

The good news is it’s easy to get to, thanks to the nearby metro stop, and it isn’t more expensive to visit solo. Chinese people love photos, so if you want some pictures at the top, they’ll be happy to help. You can also visit the Shanghai History Museum in the tower’s basement, which I highly recommend.

See the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an

Are There China Travel Restrictions? Travel to China From USA

Xi’an might be my favorite Chinese city because it has a mix of cultures due to its Westerly position, which is reflected in its worship places and cuisine.

However, the most famous attraction in Xi’an is the Terracotta Warriors . These are easy to visit independently by public transport (the X bus goes directly from the North Bus Station), but guided tours are also available.

Walk Around the Hangzhou West Lake

Hangzhou isn’t as famous as other places in this China travel guide , but it’s worth a trip. Beautiful West Lake is famous for its postcard-perfect scenes, and staying in a hostel nearby lets you easily visit and walk around.

Marvel at the River Li

Are There China Travel Restrictions? Travel to China From USA

Considered one of the most beautiful places in China, you may recognize the River Li from the 10 Yuan note. You can take a bus from Guilin (the nearest big city with a station and an airport) to Yangshou, a fantastic city with a small yet fun backpacker scene. Alternatively, there are many day tours to the River Li from Guilin, which is a great jumping-off point for the nearby Longsheng Rice Terraces .

Go Hiking in Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou has to be the most beautiful place I’ve visited in China, though it’s one of the most challenging to get to. All the more adventurous for solo travelers! There are many amazing things to do in Jiuzhaigou National Park , including waterfall hikes, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and a friendly, unique local culture.

Tourists can fly to Jiuzhaigou from various cities, including Chengdu and Xi’an. Another way to get to Jiuzhaigou is by taking a 10-hour bus from Chengdu toward the Tibetan plateau.

Purchasing tickets if you don’t speak Chinese can be challenging. Still, it’s not impossible—buy tickets in Chengdu by going to the Xinnanmen Bus Station or Chadianzi Bus Station the day before your trip. You could also ask someone at your hotel or hostel to write your request down so you can show it to the ticket attendant. Once in Jiuzhaigou, you’ll find hostels, cheap street food, and endless hiking in the park.

Be Amazed by the Avatar Mountains

Are There China Travel Restrictions? Travel to China From USA

Another national park that’s slightly more accessible than Jiuzhaigou is Zhangjiajie, which inspired the scenery in the “Avatar” movies. You can get a direct train to Zhangjiajie and explore the famous glass bridges, then transfer to Wulingmen, where most of the national park is. Plan your Zhangjiajie itinerary before you go, as there’s a lot of ground to cover here.

As with most Chinese national parks, entry is quite pricey, but it’s no more expensive for solo travelers .

Eat Spicy Hotpot in Chengdu

Are There China Travel Restrictions? Travel to China From USA

You can’t travel to China from USA without sampling some of the delicious local cuisine. Unfortunately for solo travelers, most restaurants are primarily geared to groups. Spicy hotpot is no exception—it typically consists of broth prepared in a big pan in the middle of a table with various add-ins. However, Chengdu’s street food scene is a good compromise where you can select skewers of vegetables and meats to be cooked in a communal pot. This is also very cheap, as a meal costs slightly over $1.

China Travel Guide: Nightlife in China

China won’t top the list of worldwide party destinations any time soon. While there are nightclubs in China’s major cities of China, I wouldn’t recommend visiting them alone. That said, I have made friends in China hostels and gone clubbing with them.

KTV (karaoke) is big in China, but you need a group of people to go with. If you’re staying at a hostel, you’ll probably be able to rally some backpackers into going. You could also use Couch Surfing to meet locals, many of whom would gladly show you their KTV traditions!

If you’re alone and don’t fancy going to KTV or a club with a group of new people, many craft beer bars are springing up in Beijing and Shanghai, which are great for solo travelers . I also stumbled upon a comedy night in Shanghai , which was great for meeting people, as everyone was friendly.

In Beijing, Shanghai, and other big cities, there are plenty of things to do at night that don’t involve going drinking. You could check out the Beijing Opera, Xian’s Street Market, or a River Cruise on the Huangpu River in Shanghai.

How to Get From the Airport to the City Center

You’ll probably arrive in Beijing or Shanghai, and getting a train to downtown from both is easy. There’s an airport link in Beijing, which I figured out the first time I arrived in China. Shanghai boasts the fastest train in the world, connecting the airport and the city in just eight minutes. People who work for the airport rail links are used to tourists and typically speak basic English.

You can use taxis, but they will be expensive—all major cities in China have a metro network that’s easy for tourists to use, as it operates in Chinese and English. Generally, I recommend solo travelers use these options as a safe, cheap alternative.

There’s no Uber or Grab in China, but there is DiDi, a Chinese ride-hailing app. I’ve never gotten the app to work on my phone—I thought it couldn’t be downloaded on foreign phones, but I’ve found people who did successfully download it. If you want to use DiDi while in China, try downloading it before you arrive.

Traveling Around China

Traveling by train is safe, cheap, and easy in China. Book your trains on Bookaway or 12go.asia before you travel to China. They range from high-speed bullet trains covering 300 kilometers per hour to slow sleeper trains with beds. I’ve taken dozens of sleeper trains across China and have always felt safe, but I suggest solo female travelers book second-class sleepers, which are open cabins. Neither my Chinese family nor I have heard of cabin incidents, but it’s more of a precaution to make solo female travelers comfortable.

Are There China Travel Restrictions? Travel to China From USA

Some trains depart at night, and the metro systems are generally safe until closure. I haven’t had issues walking to the station in any of the cities I’ve visited, as Chinese cities are usually safe. However, get a taxi if you feel uneasy.

You can also take buses between the cities, which are fine but typically slower and not as comfortable. The roads are more dangerous than the railway, but I haven’t experienced safety issues taking buses throughout China.

Taxis are usually safe, but working out prices with the language barrier can be difficult, so I always opt for the metro.

China Accommodations

Are There China Travel Restrictions? Travel to China From USA

China hostels are great for solo travelers, though the quality and prices depend on where you are. In some cities, the hostels consist of bunk beds in a small apartment—cozy but often lacking in atmosphere. More touristy areas often have hostels with cafes, bars, activities, and luxury pod-style dorms. WiFi in hostels can be intermittent, but I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my trips over the last few years.

Where to Stay When You Travel to China: Green Hostel & Sunny Guesthouse Yi’s Hostel Traveling With Hostel in Xi’an : This has pod-style beds, a large bar, and a restaurant. Mix Hostel in Chengdu : There’s a great restaurant, bar, and courtyard area, and many travel activities are led in English by the staff.

There are also mid-range and luxury accommodation options that are relatively affordable outside of Beijing and Shanghai. Solo travelers may find them isolating—I recommend staying in a combination of hostels (most have private rooms) and hotels if you’re introverted or want a luxury stay but still want to meet people.

Of course, you could also stay in hotels or Airbnbs and meet people on day tours and Couch Surfing meetups.

Is it Safe to Travel to China?

China is generally a safe country with virtually no violent crime. I suggest those who travel to China from USA check with the locals, but I’ve had no issues walking alone at night in any of the cities I visited. In popular touristy areas, tourism has led to more petty thefts and pickpocketing in crowded places, so keep an eye on your possessions.

Some scams, mainly in Beijing and Shanghai, involve someone taking you to a tea house and presenting a massive bill at the end of the tour. However, most are locals who want to chat with tourists and suggest different tea blends. Your guesthouse or hostel should have advice for spotting a scam artist.

With a population of over 1.4 billion people, the traffic in China can be a little nerve-wracking. You’ll be told constantly that you don’t need your seatbelt, but you definitely do! While I did use buses and taxis in China, I usually chose the metro and train first for safety reasons.

Warsaw Travel Guide Planning

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m traveling?

I strongly recommend using  Bookaway . You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫  Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours?

I recommend either  Viator  or  GetYour Guide . They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using  Heymondo  for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out  SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance  here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay  offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise  Skyscanner  or  Expedia  are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read  here . I personally use  GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub  or  Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are  Booking.com ,  Hotels.com , and  Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅  Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list  here . I’m currently traveling with  this suitcase  and  this backpack. 

The Solo Guide to China

Final Thoughts on Travel to China From USA

My top tip for navigating China travel restrictions and planning travel to China from USA is to learn several key phrases in Mandarin. You can also ask someone at your hostel or hotel to write these phrases down.

If there’s one thing to take away from this China travel guide , you should manage your expectations and be flexible. Things often won’t happen as you expect, but that’s part of the fun! You don’t need to use a China travel agency to have an unforgettable time.

The Solo Guide to China,china travel restrictions,travel to china

Claire Martin is a British travel blogger and freelance writer.

She blogs about eco-travel and overland adventures on her blog Claire’s Footsteps ;  she has driven around the entirety of Australia, traveled from Bali to London without flying, and has spent a lot of time living in Mexico.

Claire Summers

Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

ChinaWhisper

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20 Best Places in China to Travel Alone

As one of the largest, oldest and most diverse countries in the world, China attracts millions of visitors each year. According to Index.mundi , China is the fourth most visited country in the world, behind France, US and Spain, with 55 million arrivals in 2014.

China’s rich culture, diverse landscape, ranging from huge deserts in the western part of the country and mountain valleys and plateaus in Tibet to warm tropical regions in the south, represents a magnet for adventurers, travel writers and culture explorers.

china-1177009

5,000 years of history mean that China has to offer hundreds of historical sites which are always worth visiting. It is impossible to list them all, however, so we’ve picked only some of the most important ones.

China’s major cities and historical sites have often overshadowed natural landmarks. It would be a huge mistake however, to neglect the natural wonders of China. Due to the richness and diversity of China, we can list only a handful of them here.

The focus of our article will be places in China which are best to experience when you travel alone to find your peace and happiness .

Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses

  • The Terracotta Army

The capital of Shaanxi Province in central areas of China. Xi’an is a major historical site. Former capital of China, Xi’an was previously known under the name of Chang’an, and it is one of the oldest cities in China. It is also the oldest of the four historical Chinese capitals. You certainly won’t regret visiting Xi’an, as its most famous sites include:

  • The Tomb of the First Emperor
  • Shaanxi History Museum

Longmen Grottoes

The Longman Grottoes

A city in central China, Luoyang has to offer many interesting historical sites, such as The Longman Grottoes, White Horse Temple and The Old Town District.

Confucius Temple Nanjing

Confucius Temple Nanjing

Nanjing is one of the most important cities in Chinese history, from the ancient to modern days. Among its many historical sites are The Temple of Confucius and Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang’s Tomb.

Potala Palace

Potala Palace

Once the capital of Tibetan Kingdom, Lhasa is now the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. Located in a valley of the Himalaya Mountains, Lhasa is the seat of Tibetan Buddhism, with many famous historical sites of breathtaking beauty, including the Potala Palace and many Buddhist Monasteries scattered across the valley.

Suzhou Grand Canal

Suzhou Grand Canal

Suzhou is located west of Shanghai. For centuries, it served as a resort for Chinese Emperors and it is renowned for its Imperial gardens. Suzhou is an ideal place to explore Chinese culture, art and history.

The Senado Square, Macau

The Senado Square, Macau

A major port and China’s opening to the world. It the seat of Portuguese trade with China and is unique because of its European influences.

The Bund, Shanghai

The Bund, Shanghai

The largest and most developed Chinese city, Shanghai is a bustling metropolis. Among its many landmarks, the most famous are The Bund (Wai Tan), Shanghai Circus World, Shanghai World Financial Center and Longhua Temple.

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

China’s capital, the seat of government and the center of its cultural and educational systems, Beijing is almost obligatory to include on your travel list. Landmarks such as The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Beihai Park are visited by millions of tourists every year.

Guangzhou TV tower

Guangzhou TV tower

Located in Southeast China in the estuary of the Pearl River, Guangzhou is the seat of manufacturing industry and the symbol of Chinese economic miracle.

Chengdu City

Chengdu City

Chengdu is primarily known as a hometown of widely famous giant pandas, one of the symbols of China. Despite the fact you can see giant pandas in other locations in China, Chengdu offers you a unique opportunity to see them in their natural habitat.

Hong Kong

This unique part of China has a long and interesting history. Hong Kong is an economically most developed region of China. Some of the attractions which can be found in Hong Kong include Lantau Island, Tian Tan Buddha, Clock Tower and Hong Kong Wetland Park.

 Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie or ‘Precipitous Pillars’ are located in south-central China, in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Famous for its tower-like peaks, forested rock pillars and deep valleys.

Mount Huangshan

Huangshan Mountain

Huangshan Mountain

Called the ‘Yellow Mountain’, Mount Huangshan is located in Anhui province. It is one of the most beautiful places in China, the evidence of which is has been included in the list of World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites.

Zhangye’s Danxia Landscape

Zhangye's Danxia Landscape

Known under the name of ‘Rainbow Mountains’ it is one of the lesser known places in China. Vivid mountains peaks colored in red are certain to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

The Li River & Yangshuo

Guilin Li River

Guilin Li River

This site of stunning beauty is located in southern China, famous for its hills and rivers. The Li River carved its way between colorful hills surrounding it, has inspired artists worldwide.

Yuanyang Terraced Fields

YuanYang Terraces

YuanYang-Terraces

At the southern extremity of China, in southern Yunnan province, are uniquely shaped rice fields, and a dream of every professional photographer. Land sculptures build for centuries by Hani ethnic minority are included on UNESCO’s list of Natural and World Heritage Sites.

Tibet

Undoubtedly, Tibet has captivated travelers for centuries. Whether you visit magnificent and mysterious Buddhist monasteries and temples, or simply stride across its mountain valleys, crystal clean rivers or wondrous Changtang Grasslands, you surely won’t be disappointed.

 The Forbidden City, Beijing

Forbidden City

Forbidden City

Once the seat of Imperial China, the Forbidden City is the expression of the might of Chinese Emperors and an architectural wonder. The place where Chinese culture and history meet to create an irresistible atmosphere which will leave you breathless.

The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China

Famous writers, travelers, poets and photographers have all been captivated by the beauty, power and sheer magnificence of The Great Wall. An inevitable site where you can capture the spirit of Chinese history and culture.

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden

One of the most beautiful expressions of traditional Chinese garden architecture, Yuyuan Garden is located in Huangpu District of Shanghai. Built in the Ming Dynasty, the garden is one of the most picturesque sites in Shanghai.

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Traveling Alone as a Woman in China

Girls Who Travel | traveling alone as a woman in china

Traveling alone as a woman in China was a dynamic experience. I have gon e on to visit this vast, ancient country three times, all in different places. And let’s just say, it exceeded all my expectations and my journey was beyond compare. It is such a mysterious and exotic land, steeped in history, culture, and stunning natural views such as West Lake, one of the prettiest lakes in the world . Within it, the bustling modern cities and technology envelopes its people. My many travels proved that China is one of a kind, different from any other place.

Girls Who Travel | traveling alone as a woman in china

The Republic of China is relatively safe. No different than any big countries and crowded cities. I will even say that I felt safer in China than I did in some of the countries I’ve lived in. Yes, I had a preconceived notion of what to expect and guaranteed, I was a little bit intimidated to be traveling alone as a woman in a massive nation but all of that vanished once I stepped foot in The Middle Kingdom.

Compared to other big nations, I felt more relaxed in China because there is a large presence of police, security services, and private guards. Like any other place, petty crimes are, of course, present but in the three times I’ve gone to visit China — all in different cities — I have not been able to experience this despite looking like an obvious foreigner which is said to be the target of petty crimes according to tourists boards that I have read before my travels.

China is a hub for businesses and trades. There is a significant number of expats in the country and their family is often brought with them. This is an insight as to how accommodating the country is to foreigners. So, as a solo female traveller , as long as I practiced common sense, China is the perfect destination. I made sure I was never disoriented and everything else fell into place.

Girls Who Travel | traveling alone as a woman in china

My personal take is to always stay on the beaten path. In all of the times I ventured on to China, I was traveling alone as a woman. That simple fact alone is enough to raise red flags with my friends and family but I didn’t let that daunt me. I armed myself with knowledge and courage. So, unless I was travelling in a group and accompanied by a trusted local tour company, there was no way I was going to veer away to the unknown parts of the country.

China is humongous. I can keep saying that, but unless you truly understand the concept of how big the country is, there is really no possible way to fully grasp the notion of just how gigantic the country is. China’s population currently stands at 1.402 billion. One would think that they are all cramped in all places, but one would be wrong. From the moment I landed, to my tours around the country, down to my mundane walks along the narrow streets, there was always ample space available and not many people lounging about. This just goes to show that despite the number of people in the country, the land mass is so large that it provides more-than-enough space for everybody plus tourists.

I went during winter and spring time. Both were alike in terms of crowd density. Enough space to move around and lots of space to breathe in. I can’t personally say the same for summer, though. I would assume there’d be more people out and about during this season as they bask in the sun as it can get very cold during winter. A friend who is a constant traveller to China said, if possible, avoid travelling in China and going to waterparks because it can get extremely crowded. This would make sense, though, as it is the same for any other place in the world. Except, of course, they have a billion people.

Northern China

I went to Beijing in December during the dead of winter. It was cold. So cold. The kind of cold I have not experienced in Europe. It was the burning kind of cold. I saw loads of locals wearing masks and this was pre-pandemic era. I asked my Chinese friend and he said it is to protect the face because it gets freezing during winter. And so it was!

The Great Wall of China

Girls Who Travel | traveling alone as a woman in china

I had gone on to visit The Great Wall during this time. There are two sections that visitors could climb. The Badaling or the Mutianyu. I chose the Mutianyu path. There were perhaps just fifteen people in total who hiked that section towards the Great Wall including me. I quickly realised why. There were more tourists in Badaling because it is much less steeper and easier to hike. As we ascended the Great Wall, the air was getting thinner but it was also getting so much colder. At one point, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to make it. The hike up was getting too steep. I could feel my pulses palpitating and my heart was beating like never before. I was genuinely terrified that I would suffer a heart attack whilst hiking my way up. But I saw other people pushing on and so I did, too. I do not recommend this section to people with lung problems and weak hearts.

As I reached the mid point, I was given the option to take the cable car ride all the way to the top or continue hiking. I already knew my knees were going to give up and my breathing could only do so much at this point. I liked cable car rides, anyway, so I took that route. And boy was I in for a treat! The cable car brought me slowly to the top, showed me the area where the Great Wall was built, amongst other natural beauty that surrounded me. I was all alone in that cable car and the astonishing views made me feel some type of way. It was exhilarating. Words are not enough to describe the stunning views up there.

I got off the cable car and finally went my way to the Great Wall. It was huge! The stairs were so, very tiny. This is where I got a knee injury that up until now, have not recovered from. I’m not exactly sure what happened but the stairs were so puny, it looked like they were made for children. It was so easy to miss a step that I almost did and panicked, my whole leg landed on a step without my knees bending, and it screwed up my knee. Forever. It’s a minor injury, though, compared to the other people who probably experienced worse. Like I said, the Great Wall isn’t for the weak.

Girls Who Travel | traveling alone as a woman in china

Being on the wall was so surreal. I couldn’t believe I was there. It felt like magic. There were almost no other people when I was there. It was crazy! It felt like I had a private party and the whole Wall to myself with the exception of a couple of people. There is a random gazebo that serves as a shade during summer time and I got to write my name on the cloths. It’s not a must-do but it’s nice to think that my name and my existence will forever be marked in the Wall!

Because I was in Beijing, where the most scenic sections of the Great Wall are located, I was practically along the ridgeline of the Yanshan mountains, which means every where I looked, I had the most incredible views. It was truly epic and a memory I will never forget.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a palace complex in Beijing. It’s at the center of the Imperial City of Beijing and surrounded by numerous opulent imperial gardens and temples. The palace exemplifies the opulence of the residences of the Chinese emperor and the traditional Chinese palatial architecture. It’s listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The Forbidden City’s market value has been estimated at 70 billion USD, making it both the world’s most valuable palace and the most valuable piece of real estate anywhere in the world. My only tip would be to avoid tourist peak days to truly enjoy the ancient beauty of the place. The weekends and Chinese public holidays are the busiest times of the year.

Girls Who Travel | traveling alone as a woman in china

China has many temples. I went to the Yonghe Temple in Beijing. Some people also call it the Lama Temple because it is the biggest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. It’s a popular worship place for locals. It was actually originally a royal palace that has since been converted to a temple where members of the public can pray. I’ve always found the religion of Buddhism to be interesting and beautiful.

During my visit, there were very few people there, so it was very quiet and comforting. I took time to pray to the Buddha in front of me. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was doing, but I just spoke in my head and felt a sense of comfort, peace, and contentment. I could feel my inner self being just there, standing still. I was happy and overall overwhelmed by the tranquility.

South China

I travelled Guangzhou in March. This place is where I had the courage to go for walks alone. Even at night. It is less populous than Shanghai and Beijing. Here, they speak Cantonese as opposed to Mandarin, which is spoken in Beijing. What attracted me to this city was its numerous religious sights and old architecture that gave me an insight into China’s historical development.

Canton Tower

The tower is the fourth tallest freestanding structure in the world and the tallest structure in all of China. Naturally, the tourists come flocking to see it. It symbolises Guangzhou’s place in China’s modern age with its nightly show of colourful lights and astonishing architectural design. At the very top, the observatory deck is available for visitors to take in the spectacular 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding areas of the country. In the main observation area, there is a glass skywalk tucked away inside the tower edges. I would say people with shaky knees should avoid this, but it truly is one for the books!

On the first night of travelling alone as a woman in Guangzhou, I took a leap of faith and went on a walk in one of the local areas at night. I found myself walking towards a busy street en route to one of the many shopping malls. Malls in China stay open till late and thus many people are still around during dark. I got to see the beautiful architectural sites in the city and it felt like walking in my home town except everything is in Chinese! I always brought a printout of my hotel address in Mandarin/Cantonese so I could show a taxi the location in case I got lost. Luckily, this has never happened to me. The metro can get really busy and crammed, this is the point to really watch my belongings. But nothing like I hadn’t done in London or in Manila .

China’s Pandas

Girls Who Travel | traveling alone as a woman in china

It was also in March that I sojourned in Chengdu. Because it’s in the South, the weather was just plain humid. Aircon is a must! Chengdu is the home to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a conservation centre where visitors can view endangered giant pandas in a natural habitat .

The pandas in Chengdu seem to be the most quintessential experience when visiting Sichuan. This is because the Giant Panda is only found in the wild in Sichuan. The conservation centre proves to be an important hallmark of China, specifically Chengdu. Here, the locals not only look after the breeding pandas but also focus on providing interactive activities that teach visitors about these gentle beasts and their protection. It’s important to know that pandas like cool weather. During cooler months, the pandas will play outside. But in scorching weather, the pandas are likely to stay indoors to avoid the heat.

Girls Who Travel | traveling alone as a woman in china

Chinese cuisine is prevalent worldwide. Every corner I look into, no matter which part of the world I am in, there will be a Chinese takeaway somewhere. China’s food is barely an acquired taste, it’s actually delicious no matter which cultural food you may be used to. From rice dishes, to noodles, to all kinds of meat stews, down to pastries and dumplings, there won’t be a food that I haven’t tried yet in my life. I’m lucky enough to not be picky about my food, and even luckier that I have always been a fan of Chinese food. I didn’t need much research as to what I was willing to try when I got there and what not to try. There are multiple eateries and restaurants all over the cities and towns.

I met a local friend whom I had gotten in touch with prior to my first trip. He spoke English well, although not fluently, and was very kind to show me around Beijing. He brought me to a local restaurant that served traditional Chinese food. I had braised beef noodle soup and sizzling hot tofu plate. Both noodles and tofu are a staple in China. It was already the kind of food I would eat on a regular basis back home, anyway. But, for some reason, the taste and aroma completely wowed me. It was different. It was hearty. It was heart warming. And best of all, it was as authentic as it can get. Not to mention, cheap too.

Apart from eating outside, I loved ordering room service from my hotel in Guangzhou. Since Guangzhou is in South China and is a port-city, they had more fresh seafood, which I loved. Of course, I didn’t pass on my favourite beef brisket noodles, but I had an earthier rice meal and a scrumptious stir-fried squid. It was very rich in flavour and tasted like mum’s cooking.

Finally, Chengdu is located in the Sichuan province. And Sichuan is home to the famous Sichuan pepper. The foods here have bold flavours and are pungent & spicy. Just the way I like it! My ultimate favourite dish hails from Sichuan – Kung Pao chicken. My oh my, I have never had a better version of Kung Pao than the one I had in Chengdu. Of course, it is the original Kung Pao.

I found the people in China to be kind in general. Specifically in Guangzhou, people were nice and helpful. When I arrived in Guangzhou’s airport, my power bank died and my phone was on its last breath. I had an adaptor with me, but my cable had snapped off. And I was waiting for my driver to drive me to my hotel. It was totally not a good start to the day! But a stranger literally saw me struggling in the corner and approached me. She handed me her power bank and said I could use it until I needed to. She barely spoke English, but it didn’t matter. I was so grateful for her.

Another experience was on the day of my check out in Guangzhou. My flight was around 6 AM, and so I needed to leave the hotel before that. That meant I would miss the breakfast at the hotel. One of the hotel staff was kind enough to run after me and give me a free packed breakfast. It was the nicest thing an accommodation had done for me.

I personally think it is vital to remember that China is a collectivist society, which means that they are more comfortable with tight spaces than what visitors may be used to back home. The Chinese’s culture have also been shaped largely by deep philosophies and religions like Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Many of the values they follow include harmony, fortune, and community. Understanding these roots is the key to making sense of how these values have influenced modern Chinese people’s way of life.

Overall, my stays in China have proven to be meaningful, as it was a great vacation for me. Each visit provided a different experience but ultimately the same warm welcome at its core. I always look forward to coming back after every trip ends because the country has made its remarkable mark in my heart.

Girls Who Travel

Rachel is an intrepid world traveller, lifestyle connoisseuse, and Girls Who Travel’s resident beauty advisor. She is a lover of the ocean, flowers, movies, journalism, and has a penchant for medium-sized tattoos. When she is not busy with life, she writes stories of her globetrots as well as tips & tricks on how to make the best out of travelling.

Rachel Galvan

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Is It Safe in China?

visit china alone

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It's extremely rare for travelers to come into any problems with physical safety in China. Safety issues while traveling in China usually end up being petty thievery, like pick-pocketing, and maybe some issues with travel sickness.

Regardless of China's safe reputation, travelers should still be appropriately careful, especially female travelers. If you can learn a bit of Chinese before you go or while you travel, it will probably be useful if you get into a pinch. But otherwise, as long as you keep your personal belongings safe and you use general good sense, including being careful about water and food safety , you will have a successful and safe trip to China.

Travel Advisories

  • As of November 24, 2020, the U.S. State Department warns travelers to "Reconsider Travel" to mainland China and Hong Kong due to COVID restrictions and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.  
  • The U.S. State Department warns visitors that the Chinese government arbitrarily uses detentions and exit bans to detain both Chinese nationals and international visitors, with limited legal recourse if you are caught up.

Is China Dangerous?

If you're wondering if China is dangerous in terms of robberies or violent crime, then the answer is no, not really. The crime rates in China are some of the lowest in the world, even lower than countries like Spain, Germany, and New Zealand (and much lower than the U.S.).   Crime still exists, of course, and you should always take the basic precautions. But, in general, you can explore freely in China without having to worry about being robbed or assaulted.

That's not to say there aren't other safety concerns, with one of the main ones being the Chinese government itself. The national government does not take well to criticism, and even a private text message disparaging the leading Communist Party could be considered too offensive. Foreign visitors have been detained without a clear reason or access to a lawyer, so it's best to refrain from sharing your opinions until after you've left the country.

Is China Safe for Solo Travelers?

Whether you're sticking to big cities like Shanghai and Beijing or exploring the rich countryside, traveling solo around China is perfectly safe. If you don't speak the language, it isn't always easy to communicate and there may be difficulties trying to navigate, but that's all part of the adventure. Consider buying a SIM card to use with your phone when you arrive so you have access to the internet wherever you are and can easily pull up a map or an online translator.

One area that solo travelers especially need to be wary of is protests. Any type of manifestation against the government is not taken lightly, and police officers or even soldiers are likely to show up and respond with violence. As a lone foreigner, you're even more likely to stand out. It's best to avoid protests completely if you don't want to run the risk of being detained.

Is China Safe for Female Travelers?

Local Chinese people you meet might think it's odd that you would elect to travel by yourself as a woman, but this perception will be more in terms of their questions about where your friends are and why you don’t have a boyfriend or husband along with you. If you are younger, other questions might arise about why your parents would allow you to travel on your own if you don't have to.

Keep in mind that these questions arise because people are curious about you and why you're in China. It is safe to say that most of the time, these questions are meant with no ill will so try not to take offense, even if you find the questions slightly intrusive.

Generally, you do not have to fear for your physical safety when traveling alone in China. It would even be pretty unusual for you to experience catcalling.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

LGBTQ+ rights in China are complicated. While same-sex activity and choosing your gender identity are both permitted under the law and tacitly accepted, LGBTQ+ rights are by no means "celebrated" in the country. Events such as Pride are routinely canceled, and a law passed in 2015 prohibits the depiction of "abnormal sexual behaviors" in all visual and audio content, which includes gay relationships.

Despite the repression, China is still a relatively safe place to visit for LGBTQ+ travelers. Locals may ask single travelers if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend, and it's up to you to feel the situation out and decide whether or not to respond truthfully. Public displays of affection are looked down upon for all couples, straight or gay, and not recommended.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

China's general safety applies to BIPOC travelers as well, although foreigners are still a novelty to many local residents and non-Chinese visitors are likely to attract attention, even in cosmopolitan cities like Shanghai. Travelers of color, and Black travelers, in particular, are likely to receive stares and even have their picture taken by strangers. It's not uncommon for parents to hand you their babies to get a photo together. The attention may seem quirky at first, but it can also grow tiresome. If you don't feel like being approached, just remember that it's a cultural difference and comes from a place of sincerity. The best response is to smile and say, " bu yao, xiexie, " or "no, thank you."

Safety Tips

  • Pedestrians in China do not have the right of way. Always look both ways before crossing a street, even if there's a crosswalk or a stoplight giving you permission.
  • Taxis are generally safe to use in China, but make sure you flag an officially designated cab and that the driver turns the meter on once they start driving.
  • Keep your valuables secure in your front pocket or a closed-bag to deter pickpockets, especially when visiting touristy areas.
  • Air quality can reach noxious levels around big cities or industrial areas, so keep an eye on daily pollution levels through newspapers or online. Use a face mask and, on particularly smoggy days, consider staying inside, especially if you're asthmatic.

U.S. State Department. "China Travel Advisory." September 14, 2020.

Numbeo. " Crime Index by Country. " 2020.

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9 Tips If You’re Traveling to China Alone

Don't freestyle your solo trip to china. instead, plan out every detail, from toilet paper to train tickets..

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Congratulations on making the intrepid decision to travel solo through China! The Middle Kingdom has endless style and stories to offer those who enter its borders, especially those who choose to go it alone. But because China is a big place for a lone person to be, there are a few things you should know before making the trip.

Though petty crimes prevail in tourist hotspots, China is overall a very safe country for travelers. You should still take the same precautions you would when traveling anywhere solo; however, there is no need to worry about your basic welfare. Being a foreigner also provides you a certain safety net, as few criminals are willing to risk the harsher sentences they would likely receive for hurting China’s international image.

Learning a few basic words from a guidebook certainly can’t hurt, but many people in the big cities—especially those directly involved with the tourism industry—speak at least a little English. Trying to communicate in Chinese can show respect for the local language and culture, but if you’re unsure of your pronunciation, speaking broken Chinese will create more frustration than anything else.

China is a huge, diverse country full of everything from grasslands to skyscrapers. Luckily, most of it is easily traversed with any combination of train, plane, bus, boat, and car. As tempting as it is to hop on a bus to nowhere, it’s not recommended for solo travelers, especially those who are experiencing China for the first time . There remain some dangerous pockets of the country, particularly in the border regions , and other pockets that are so remote, you will be hard-pressed to get out. Plus, when the beaten path is so beautiful, there’s no reason to stray from it.

Most of your favorite apps will work in China, especially if you have a VPN, but consider the Chinese alternatives , which typically run faster and smoother. Didi Chuxing, for example, is China’s Uber. The company even took over Uber’s China market a few years ago. So, your Uber app will work just fine, but you will really be hitching a ride with a Didi driver, many of whom prefer Didi customers over Uber ones.

There are a lot of things that can go wrong in China, from the hotel you booked not being built yet (it can happen) to your smartphone being stolen. That’s why you must plan everything in advance but leave enough breathing room in the plan that if something does go wrong, you’re not SOL. Buy as many tickets—plane, train, entrance, and otherwise—online as you can, and always bring proof of purchase. Book hotels and hostels in advance, and triple check the reviews, paying particular attention to the locations, which, of course, you should print out in Chinese characters for every foreigner-deaf taxi driver.

Not only is the train the best way to see the countryside, it is also the best combination of cheap, timely, and comfortable. To book a ticket, use Chinese travel site Ctrip . Educate yourself on the different classes of tickets as well. There are hard seats, soft seats, and sleeper seats; first class, second class, and third class cabins; and slow trains, fast trains, and bullet trains. Though the options may seem overwhelming, there aren’t really any wrong choices to be made as long as you get safely from point A to point B.

Though much of China is in the first world, the bathrooms are stuck in the third. Outside of hotels, and sometimes even in them, you won’t get much better than squatty potties with no toilet paper or soap. Sometimes you’ll get lucky, especially in places like Shanghai , but it only takes one mad dash to the bathroom after too much Chongqing hotpot to make you wish you had followed this advice. Oh, and hand sanitizer is never a bad idea either.

As per item number one on this list, China is a safe country. That being said, there’s little that local scammers like more than lost puppy-dog tourists. Perhaps the most popular tourist-oriented scam is the “tea house.” The tea house is performed by an approachable-looking young person who will invite you for a traditional tea ceremony after making pleasant small talk with you on the street. After the ceremony, your “host” will disappear, saddling you with a suspiciously high bill, usually around RMB1000 ($156). This scam can be easily avoided by politely refusing any such offers from strangers.

Strangers are bad when it comes to judiciously avoiding scams, but strangers are essential when it comes to getting around and making the most of your solo adventures. Most strangers are extremely helpful, and if you walk around in a constant state of confusion, chances are someone will offer to guide you. Some people are just happy to have someone to practice English with. Others are only taking pity on you. But whatever the case may be, don’t be afraid to ask locals for help, and don’t feel nervous about inviting them for a lunch afterwards as a way to say thank you.

Going solo in Shanghai: 8 of the best activities for lone travellers

Caterina Hrysomallis

Nov 18, 2019 • 8 min read

visit china alone

Shanghai could be the perfect place to fall in love with travelling solo. There’s always something new to eat, a new show to catch, a new skyscraper to head up for sunset drinks. Plus, there are so many people around (over 26 million) you need not fret about anyone staring at you on your lonesome.

Many people find themselves in Shanghai due to a layover or work and, for this reason, the metropolis often serves as the setting for many travellers’ first taste of travelling alone (whether reluctantly or willingly).

With this in mind, here are our recommendations for things to do (and places to eat) in Shanghai for solo travellers; a selection of memorable experiences where nobody will bat an eyelid if you arrive unaccompanied.

An aerial view of the city of Shanghai showing the buildings and skyscrapers along the river, including The Bund boulevard.

1. Start with a stroll along The Bund

German etymology yes, but quintessentially Shanghai – The Bund is the city’s beloved waterfront boulevard. Heritage buildings elegantly set its backdrop, giving an insight into the city’s past prior to the Chinese Civil War (1927-1949). A look towards the other side of the Huangpu River, by contrast, showcases the Shanghai of the future, where soaring skyscrapers of different shapes, sizes and designs unite to make up the city’s economic zone.

The Bund is well worth multiple visits. In the mornings it’s bustling from the get-go, with locals ballroom dancing, or practising tai chi and qi gong, while at night the spectacle comes from the surrounding illuminated buildings – each one a different colour, reflecting a neon rainbow in the river’s waters.

2. Weave the laneways of Tianzifang and Xintiandi

Once a residential district, the Tianzifang  is a quirky labyrinth of laneways whose old red brick residences are now a series of galleries, eateries and boutiques. Stores sell the likes of teas, leather goods and vintage photographs of the city. Xintiandi is a similar precinct, though feels more modern – a little more built up, not as quaint, and the offerings geared towards more affluent patrons. Nonetheless, both areas are great for spending an afternoon milling around the stalls and moving as one with the large crowds.

Pairs of dancers in a long line strut their stuff on a concrete section of Fuxing Park. The path is surrounded by trees and other people sit on the steps to watch.

3. Visit one Shanghai’s epic public parks 

It’s in the city’s parks where you’ll realise how important exercise and social interaction is to Shanghai’s seniors and, in fact, throughout China .

Fuxing Park is a popular senior hotspot. You’ll find groups of people playing mahjong, others writing poetry with calligraphy brushes, some painting, inspired by the foliage of the garden, and a vast number dancing harmoniously. It’s a place to respectfully observe daily life; but look too hard and someone may pull you in for a dance. Huaihai Park offers something similar but on a smaller scale. The park is sprinkled with gym equipment and here you’ll witness 80-year-olds get the heart racing with speedy push ups, strained pull ups and full-blown gymnastics routines on the bar, putting the young ‘uns, with their heads in their smartphones, to shame.

4. Hear some live jazz at the Fairmont Peace Hotel

This is by far one of the best things solo travellers can do in Shanghai. Gracing the corner of The Bund boulevard and Nanjing East Road is the iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel , built in 1929. The hotel’s original jazz bar still stands, where every night from 6.30pm Shanghai’s oldest jazz band proudly play old classics.

The band has six veteran musicians with an average age of 82. Some members played together back in 1947, in what was the city’s first ever all-Chinese jazz band. Order your poison of choice, take in the tunes and be transported back in time.

A traditionally styled bridge spans across a pond in Yuyuan Gardens in Shanghai. On the far edge of the pond stands a Chinese temple, surrounded by shrubbery.

5. Find retreat with a side of history in the Yuyuan Gardens

For scenes of the way ancient China is typically depicted in movies, head to the Yuyuan Gardens . It's one of the few large Chinese heritage sites in Shanghai, built back in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. Alongside fish-filled ponds, bamboo groves, pagodas and beautiful rockeries is the Exquisite Jade Rock – a 5-tonne boulder that was purportedly heading for the imperial palace in Beijing before the boat carrying it sank near Shanghai.

The rock is a display of filial piety – being good to one’s parents is an extremely important value in historical and modern China. Then governor of  Sichuan, Pan Yunduan, who hailed from Shanghai, built the Yuyuan Gardens for his parents, translating as the ‘garden of peace and comfort’ to make their old age more enjoyable.

6. Slurp up Shanghai’s iconic dumpling soup

Xiaolongbao , the much celebrated soup dumplings of Shanghai, are so delicious and iconic that they are a highlight of the city in their own right. What’s more, they’re a great meal for one, and there’s an endless number of places to enjoy them; chances are if you ask three different locals where to eat them you’re likely to get three different answers.

Here are three to get you started: Jia Jia Tang Bao is not only adored by locals but also celebrity chef Rick Stein. There are 12 varieties of soup dumplings here, including the classic pork version, pork and mushroom, and pork and crab roe. Nanxiang Mantou is another firm favourite close to the Yu Gardens if you find yourself near there, but lines at peak times can be long for the dumplings – both to dine in and takeaway. For more inventive and upmarket xiaolongbao , there is Sui Tang Li , where variants   with   Spanish ham, vegetable and black truffle, and hairy crab are on offer.

A view of the Shanghai World Financial Centre, a skyscraper with a square 'window' through the centre of it, which gives it the nickname of the bottle opener. Beyond the skyscraper the river and buildings of Shanghai are visible.

7. Hit up some of the best bars in the world

The city’s drinking landscape never ceases to rest, a mix of jazz bars, humble boozers, speakeasies and upscale bars. By upscale, we’re talking 91 storeys high, like 100 Century Avenue at the Shanghai World Financial Centre (affectionately known as the bottle opener). Another high roller, the Park Hyatt’s bar is ideal for lone travellers, with many people on work trips also enjoying a drink in their own company, along with the amazing evening views of Shanghai’s Pudong district.

A little more down to earth (both literally and financially), Daga Brewpub specialises in local Chinese craft beers from the country, many of which you’ll find hard to track down at other bars. You can sample before you buy, drink at the bar (a great way to meet fellow revellers ) and, if you get the munchies, order a sandwich, pizza or some fried snacks.

8. Take in Shanghai at night at Lujiazui

Lujiazui is an area in Shanghai’s financial district, defined by an elevated circular walkway that lights up at night. The walkway is an impressive structure, five metres above ground and able to fit 15 people standing side by side.

At night, it’s a stunning spot to merely stand still and soak in the energy of Pudong, with otherworldly skyscrapers overlooking you and residents out and about, enjoying Shanghai by star – or, more realistically, neon – light.

A vendor cooks food in a wok over an open flame on the darkened evening streets of Shanghai. The vendor is in sharp focus while the background is blurred.

Where to eat alone in Shanghai

Though a source of anxiety for many travellers, dining out alone is part of Shanghai life. One of the best things about dining solo is that you can eat exactly what you want, when you want (the next best thing is being able to react candidly if you really don’t like something), and Shanghai is inundated with options to satisfy every craving.

Traditional Shanghainese cuisine itself is a little sweeter than the rest of China’s. Get your pincers on some dazhaxie (steamed crab), hong shao rou (braised red pork) and jiaohua ji (beggar’s chicken cooked in lotus leaves over flames). For fearless diners (or those feeling momentarily adventurous) consider the delicacy that is jia xiang ji – chicken and duck blood soup.

Five restaurants that are perfect for solo travellers:

Wèixiāng Zhāi  For solo diners, a hearty bowl of noodles is a wise way to go in Shanghai. At Wèixiāng Zhāi , the strenuously hand-pulled noodles are iconically topped with sesame paste, and cost from ¥10 to ¥20. This one is ideal for a visit after Fuxing Park, a mere 10-minute walk away.

Da Fu Dong  Eating in a shopping centre food court is generally considered a no-no when it comes to dining recommendations. But Reel Mall often pulls a line of diners in peak times, and for good reason. Within the food court is Da Fu Dong, serving up Asian-style grilled meats on rice from China and beyond. You're in a shopping centre, who cares if you're alone? Hot tip, the sake-flavoured soft serve is a hit here.

A number of white xiaolongbao (dumplings) cooling in a brown wicker basket on a tabletop.

Hao Jiu Hao Cai Chicken Company Chicken pot is aptly the signature dish at the Hao Jie Hao Cai Chicken Company, taking form as a Cantonese-cross-Sichuan-style casserole which is made to serve individual diners. Think soybean paste, oyster sauce and soy sauce combined, paired with ginger and Sichuan peppercorn, before the likes of beef balls, tofu and vegetables are added into the mix.

Lost Heaven Bar Just off The Bund, Lost Heaven Bar is a popular spot with travellers hunting down a drink, snacks and/or dinner. Some even make friends over authentic Yunnan food, one of China's most vibrant cuisines. Head to the rooftop terrace for for unforgettable views.

Tops at the Banyan Tree  When it comes to dining out in the open, this rooftop spot is hard to top (geddit?). The elevated terrace affords unobstructed views of the city skyline, with plenty of small tables for one; perfect for enjoying a sunset. Creative cocktails and tapas are the order of the day here.

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Adventures and smiles

Travelling alone in China

Travelling alone in China will seem like a daunting prospect to most. If you’ve never been to China before, there’s nothing that can prepare you for the experiences you’re about to have. It’s an incredible place but it’s very different. For this reason, being by yourself rather than with pals might seem like a difficult or inappropriate thing to do. This is not the case.

So what can you expect?

Getting around: transport in China

Trains can be as long as 25 hours, which is a long time to go without talking to another human being. You’re going to need films, books, lots of water and a killer picnic!

Accommodation: Chinese hostels

Hostels in China have been as sociable and quirky as anywhere else I’ve been in the world but with added Chinese hospitality. Just make sure you choose one that has reviews online and that isn’t a massive chain. The chains are soulless and rarely have westerners. Also be sure to make sure that the reviews you read are recent; businesses shut down and reopen quite frequently in China.

Because of the language barrier, we can sometimes have a rather segregationist approach to China but you really should try and chat to the Chinese people in your hostel too. They might be a bit shy with foreigners but don’t be afraid to make the first move.

Another top hostel tip is that if your hostel proves to be a bit dead, just hangout in another one. So long as you’re buying beer they will not discriminate!

Travelling alone as a girl

If you’re a girl travelling solo in China- good on you! I have found China to be generally safe – it’s just private taxis where there have been issues.

Always get a proper taxi and not a private one. Try not to be drunk and alone in the taxi. Sometimes a way of telling whether the driver is a stand-up guy or not is if he’s putting it on the meter. That is not to say that every driver who gives you a set price is going to assault you but the normal procedure is to put any journey on the meter, no matter how long it is.

If you’re not comfortable getting a taxi, the Chinese bus system is very good and, because it’s so public, it’s often the safest way to travel.

Despite a seeming lack of appreciation for personal space, the Chinese are very respectful of one another. I found that sharing dorms with Chinese people was a clean and private affair – they’ll happily chat with you if you engage but they do keep themselves to themselves. To be honest, it’s other westerners to be wary of in hostels!

Chinese food: what to eat

If you’re not comfortable going for a sit-down meal, nearly every town will have its local street food market where you can pick up delicious snacks and just walk and eat. You don’t need to worry about making a mess of yourself as you eat in China because that’s part of the etiquette – slurp and dribble as much as you want!

Nightlife: drinking in China

Going out and drinking alone is a tough one; it’s a fab way to meet people but, in certain parts of China, girls should not drink in public. Boys, you will have no trouble in a bar with a pint by yourself. Girls, just clock the situation; sometimes you’ll be fine by yourself with a drink (these will probably be more western establishments), sometimes you’ll be fine by yourself  with a softie and sometimes you’re better off steering clear.

Your hostel will nearly always be a friendly environment to have a beer though so you always have that option.

Keeping busy: activities in China

If you’ve opted to travel around China alone, the chances are you’re a seasoned traveler with enough nous to visit attractions yourself without paying for an organised tour. I appreciate the satisfaction of having spent £10 while others have spent £40 as much as the next person but tours can be a great way to interact with other tourists. Even if you don’t actually make friends with the people you meet, it could be the only English you speak all day. Tours often comprise of a coach that goes around the local hotels and hostels, picking up those who have signed up for that day. Not all of them are tacky tours where you have to wear a panda hat and follow the leader! I would warn you however that the ‘English speaking tour guides’ in China are sometimes impossible to understand.

Another option is to ask for advice at the reception of your hostel. In doing so, you can inquire as to whether they know if anybody else in the hostel is doing the same trip as you on the same day. People always welcome an extra person because it usually means cheaper taxis.

China is an incredible place to travel alone; it’s still fairly undiscovered as far as young backpackers are concerned (in comparison with South East Asia, at least) so you really feel like a pioneer on an adventure. Having said that, the Chinese travel their own country a lot so the infrastructure and information for tourists is very much present and easy to access. The Chinese love their culture but are equally as intrigued by foreigners, which makes for very hospitable people who go out of their way to share their culture.

I highly recommend travelling in China; it’s big and it’s mad but it is, without doubt, an incredible country.

For more posts on China, visit:

  • Xi’an
  • Hangzhou: another faulty map
  • A weekend in Guilin
  • China: first impressions

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Solo traveling basics: Expert advice for your first trip

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Boarding the plane to head to another country alone is often an emotional experience – there’s the excitement, the anxiety, the anticipation.

It can also be totally nerve-wracking.

When Angie Orth made the bold choice to leave her job and embark on a solo yearlong journey around the world in 2011, her friends and family cautioned her about safety concerns. “Everyone was horrified,” the Florida native told USA TODAY. “The fear was all I heard.”

The then New York City-based Orth kicked off her 12-country solo trip in Fiji before making her way to New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Then she trekked through Europe, including Greece, Spain and England, and stopped in Turkey and Egypt before ending in Kenya and South Africa.

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It wasn’t always smooth traveling. At times, Orth said she survived “by the skin of my teeth.” Orth was in Egypt during the Arab Spring , got unbelievably sick in Thailand, and had a bike accident in Bali. She was also robbed of 400 euros. “I was in Greece for a half an hour and had already been pickpocketed,” she said. 

Still, to Orth, the solo journey was invaluable. “It’s a confidence that I don't think there’s any other way to get that confidence than by solo travel,” she said, referring to the problem-solving that inherently comes with navigating travel on your own. Then there’s also the compassion you gain from meeting and experiencing other cultures. 

Now more than ever, more people are deciding to forgo travel companions and embark on their trips alone. Solo vacation package searches on Google shot up by more than 200% over the past 90 days as of Feb. 2.

Increased connectivity on our phones makes it easier to feel secure and social media shows more people – especially women – traveling the world alone. 

“Women are not waiting for permission or their 401(k) to mature. If my husband doesn’t want to go, fine. Women are having more confidence,” said Orth, who is also the author of the upcoming book “Flirting with Disaster,” which chronicles her yearlong solo trip. 

Here’s everything you need to know about solo travel. 

How to safely travel alone

Safety is always top of mind when traveling, and it’s especially important for solo travelers who have to look out for themselves. 

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“Isn’t it fun to meet a person in a hostel and say yes, let’s go hiking right now? That’s fun, but it’s risky,” Orth said. “It’s about balancing it out and researching ridiculously.” 

◾ Start your research by heading to the State Department website to see if there are any travel advisories for the destination you’re interested in. These advisories are based on changing conditions and also inform you about the specific region you’re visiting.

For the most direct updates, enroll in the agency’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that sends you the most up-to-date information on the destination. It can also help connect you to the nearest U.S. embassy and consulate if traveling and something happens.

◾ One thing Orth always searches for is “the destination plus scams” to see what she has to look out for when in that place. Many European cities are notorious for petty theft, like pickpocketing in popular tourist hotspots like the Trevi Fountain or public transportation.  

When doing research, it may feel like an information overload. "There is so much information now, you could read 1,000 reviews and get so many sources of conflicting information," Orth added. "It’s hard to wade through all that and find trusted sources."

◾ To help sift through everything, Orth recommends reaching out to others who have traveled to your ideal destination. She also recommended cleaning out your feed and only following travel content creators who “give you the good and the bad.”

“You don’t want the glossy, glossy, oh, it’s so magical because travel isn’t always so magical,” she said. 

◾ At your destination, you’ll also need at least a basic understanding of the language used there. “Translation plays a big role in safety, just being aware of your surroundings,” said Craig Ewer, Google Communications Manager for Search. 

Besides direct translation between 133 languages, the Google Translate app offers pronunciation help – “such a lifesaver,” according to Rose Yao, vice president of product management at Google. You can also snap a picture of a menu and have it translated in real time. 

The Google app also has a feature called Lens that allows users to search using a picture of something like a sign. “You’d be surprised at what you can Lens: menus, what is that building or what is that statue,” Yao said. You can also capture a screenshot of your social media feed and then search for it on Google to incorporate it into your travel plans.

Staying healthy on your travels

◾ To safeguard yourself and others against preventable illnesses while exploring new places, look up any recommended vaccinations for the countries you plan on visiting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is a good starting point, with in-depth travel health notices and recommended vaccines and medicines posted. 

The CDC website also offers travel advice on managing nonpreventable illnesses, like preventing bug bites to reduce the risk of contracting diseases like dengue or Zika.

◾ Typically, you’d want to give yourself at least a month before departing on your trip to get everything you need from your doctor. And if you don’t know who to go to, the CDC can help you find a clinic as well. 

Orth recommends having a doctor help you put together a medical kit with some necessities and medications, such as for food poisoning. “It’s helpful to have some things on hand so you’re not scrambling on a remote island and no one knows what you’re talking about,” she said. 

◾ As you’re making the big purchases for your trip, don’t forget about travel insurance for the unexpected. Orth said she never travels without this layer of protection. Travel insurance not only helped with her medical costs from her bike collision but also replaced her camera, which was smashed in the accident. She also recommends a service called  MedJet , which offers worldwide security crisis and medical transportation assistance for its members.

What are the most popular solo travel destinations?

According to Google, the top-searched destinations for American solo travelers are: 

◾ Puerto Rico

Tips for solo travelers

◾ The Google app’s generative AI search allows you to “ask really detailed questions like you would ask a friend,” Yao said. “Ask what’s off the beaten path, what’s not crowded. What’s a great time to visit the Louvre that’s not super crowded?” 

◾ For your first trip alone, it’s OK to start small and dip your toes in the solo travel pool. “Start in an easier destination, something more familiar where you speak the language or you don't have to fly far away,” Orth said. “A lot of folks see ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and travel content creators trekking in Borneo for it to count but it doesn’t.” 

◾ It won’t always be rainbows and butterflies, despite what you see on social media. Expect decision fatigue from having to make many micro-decisions, like if this taxi driver seems safe. “I think this probably hits women a lot harder than it hits men because we are never not thinking about our safety, and that’s if we’re going to Target in our hometown or hopping on a plane to a remote island,” Orth said. 

◾ Make an itinerary for yourself with at least one thing planned every day, so you don’t feel aimless but still have space for flexibility, said Madison Pietrowski, U.S. brand director at GetYourGuide, a marketplace for travel experiences, where each company listed is thoroughly vetted. It can be as casual as wanting to eat at a certain restaurant for dinner or more intensive like a whole-day tour. (On that note, make sure to read the fine print and be aware of cancellation policies for your excursions.)  

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Exclusive-Russia's Putin to Visit China in May, Sources Say

Exclusive-Russia's Putin to Visit China in May, Sources Say

Reuters

FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, October 18, 2023. Sputnik/Sergei Guneev/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

By Laurie Chen, Yew Lun Tian and Guy Faulconbridge

BEIJING/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to China in May for talks with Xi Jinping, in what could be the Kremlin chief's first overseas trip of his new presidential term, according to five sources familiar with the matter.

Western governments on Monday condemned Putin's re-election as unfair and undemocratic. But China, India and North Korea congratulated the veteran leader on extending his rule by a further six years, highlighting geopolitical fault lines that have widened since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

"Putin will visit China," one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. The details were independently confirmed by four other sources, who also spoke on condition of anonymity.

Another of the sources said Putin's trip to China would probably take place in the second half of May. Two of the sources said the Putin visit would come before Xi's planned trip to Europe.

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The Kremlin, when asked about the Reuters report, said information on Putin's visits would be released closer to the date.

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"Several presidential visits and several high-level contacts are being prepared at the moment," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We will inform you as we get closer."

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China and Russia declared a "no limits" partnership in February 2022 when Putin visited Beijing just days before he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, triggering the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two.

The United States casts China as its biggest competitor and Russia as its biggest nation-state threat while U.S. President Joe Biden argues that this century will be defined by an existential contest between democracies and autocracies.

Putin and Xi share a broad world view, which sees the West as decadent and in decline just as China challenges U.S. supremacy in everything from quantum computing and synthetic biology to espionage and hard military power.

PUTIN AND XI

China has strengthened its trade and military ties with Russia in recent years as the United States and its allies imposed sanctions against both countries, particularly Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign diplomats and observers said they expected Putin to make China his first stop after being re-elected. Putin's formal presidential inauguration is due to take place around May 7.

Putin told reporters on Sunday that Russia and China shared a similar global outlook and enjoyed resilient relations in part due to his good personal relations with Xi, and that Moscow and Beijing would develop ties further in coming years.

Xi visited Russia in his first post-pandemic overseas trip in March last year, shortly after commencing his precedent-breaking third term as Chinese president.

The two leaders have often touted their close personal friendship and have met over 40 times, most recently in October when Putin was the guest of honour at China's Belt and Road summit in Beijing.

China-Russia trade hit $218.2 billion during January-November, according to Chinese customs data, exceeding a goal to increase bilateral trade to over $200 billion by 2024 that was set by the two countries.

Xi, in a call with Putin last month, said both sides should resolutely oppose interference in domestic affairs by external forces, indicating the U.S.

Chinese vice foreign minister Sun Weidong said bilateral ties were "at their best in history" when meeting his Russian counterpart in Moscow last month, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout.

China is considering taking part in a peace conference aimed at ending the war in Ukraine to be hosted by neutral Switzerland in the coming months, its ambassador to Bern told local media on Monday.

Beijing launched a 12-point Ukraine "peace" plan last year but so far has not taken significant steps to resolve the conflict besides attending Western-led peace talks in Jeddah last summer.

China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs Li Hui met officials in five European capitals including Moscow and Kyiv earlier this month.

(Reporting by Laurie Chen and Yew Lun Tian in Beijing and Guy Faulconbridge in Moscow; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Chinese, Angolan presidents hold talks, elevating bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2024. Xi held talks with Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2024. Xi held talks with Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday.

The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Noting that China and Angola jointly celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, Xi said relations between the two countries have stood the test of international vicissitudes and benefitted the two peoples.

China-Angola cooperation is South-South cooperation and cooperation between developing countries, which is about mutual help between good friends, reciprocity and win-win cooperation, Xi said.

In a world that is undergoing both transformation and upheaval, the two sides should continue their traditional friendship, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, firmly support each other, and achieve common development, Xi noted.

China supports Angola in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, exploring a modernization path suited to its national conditions, and realizing national development and revitalization, he said.

China is also willing to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Angola, upgrade bilateral strategic relations, and jointly promote the modernization process of each country, Xi noted.

He stressed that cooperation between China and Angola enjoys a sound foundation, large scale and high complementarity, endowing huge potential and bright prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides should advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, synergize their development strategies, and improve the quality and effectiveness of their pragmatic cooperation.

China is ready to work with the Angolan side to implement key infrastructure projects, support competent Chinese enterprises to carry out various forms of cooperation in Angola, and help the country advance agricultural modernization, industrialization and economic diversification, Xi said.

It is hoped that Angola will take more effective measures to ensure the legitimate rights, interests and safety of Chinese citizens and enterprises, Xi said, adding that Angola is welcome to introduce more quality products to China through platforms such as the China International Import Expo and China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. China will continue to send medical teams to Angola and implement other projects, provide scholarships to Angolan students, and enhance people-to-people exchanges and friendship, he said.

Noting that at present, the collective rise of developing countries is unstoppable, Xi said the Global South must not be absent from global governance, or development and prosperity. "China is a reliable friend and sincere partner for African countries in their efforts to safeguard independence, and promote development and revitalization."

Xi said China supports African countries and the African Union in solving African issues in the African way, and safeguarding regional peace and stability. China stands ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with Angola and other African countries to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.

Lourenco said that China was the first country to provide valuable support both when Angola was reeling from its civil war and struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

"China's support and cooperation have greatly promoted Angola's infrastructure construction and economic and social development, setting a good example of mutually beneficial cooperation," Lourenco added.

The Angolan side welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Angola to help its national development and revitalization, the president said. Angola firmly adheres to the one-China principle and holds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, he added.

Angola highly appreciates China's consistent commitment to promoting world peace and progress, and safeguarding international fairness and justice. Angola is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as well as important norms governing international relations, he said.

Lourenco also expressed the willingness to work with China to achieve more results in bilateral relations.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents regarding the Belt and Road cooperation plan, economy and trade, agriculture, green development and other fields.

The two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Angola.

Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Lourenco at the Great Hall of the People. In the evening, Xi held a banquet for Lourenco.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2024. Xi held talks with Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2024. Xi held talks with Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2024. Xi held talks with Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2024. Xi held talks with Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

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China, Australia Face Tricky Diplomatic Road After Trade Row

  • Final major tariffs could be removed within weeks by Beijing
  • Top diplomat Wang Yi to hold meetings in Canberra on Wednesday

&nbsp; &nbsp;

   

The likely lifting of the final major tariffs on Australian products by China in coming weeks will conclude a bitter three-year trade war. That alone is unlikely to usher in a new era in relations between the two countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi ’s first trip to Australia in seven years to meet with his counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra on Wednesday is the latest sign of a tentative improvement in ties. During his trip, Wang will attend the Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue, which was postponed for years during a diplomatic deep freeze.

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  29. Chinese, Angolan presidents hold talks, elevating bilateral ties to

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  30. China, Australia Face Difficult Diplomatic Road After Trade Spat

    The likely lifting of the final major tariffs on Australian products by China in coming weeks will conclude a bitter three-year trade war. That alone is unlikely to usher in a new era in relations ...