okay so here’s the tea!! China has been topping everyone’s travel wishlist lately, but we completely get that it can feel a little intimidating to plan. it was on our pinterest board for sooooo long before we launched our gals who travel china trip!! It’s big, it’s vibrant, and the digital world works a bit differently than what we’re used to back home. But is China safe for solo female travellers? Absolutely, yes! China is actually one of the safest, most welcoming, and stunning destinations you could ever visit as a woman.
Whether you’re dreaming of wandering through Beijing’s historic streets, being marvelled by the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie, or zooming across the country on high-speed bullet trains, we’re sharing our honest inside advice on how to navigate China safely, what apps to set up, and how to prep for the best trip EVER!
Is China actually safe for solo female travellers?
In our experience, yes! We felt incredibly safe in China. China has extremely low rates of violent crime, incredibly reliable public transport, and locals who are super helpful, even with the language barrier. You’ll notice CCTV and security checkpoints in most train stations and public spaces, which might feel different at first, but it makes city exploration super secure day or night.
The main thing to keep in mind as a solo woman is navigating the digital world and getting used to a few cultural differences. As long as you have your phone set up properly before landing, you’ll be able to explore freely with total peace of mind!
essential apps to download before visiting china 📱📱📱
China’s digital setup operates differently from normal destinations, so everyday apps like whatsapp, instagram, tiktok & google maps are limited or blocked on local Wi-Fi by 'the great firewall' but don't worry, we've got you covered! Here is your ultimate tech checklist to sort before boarding your flight
- eSIM & VPN: We’d recommend sorting an eSIM before you leave home, as it’s much harder to set up once you’re in china. For eSIMs, Airalo is amazing (use code GALS for a discount off your first purchase!), or Holafly, which comes with a VPN included! If buying separately, make sure to download ExpressVPN or NordVPN before arriving so you can keep in touch with family and use your socials!!
- wechat: It’s similar to whatsapp and used by everyone in china! It’s super handy to keep as a backup in case your VPN/eSIM acts up while trying to message back home.
- alipay: china is almost completely cashless! You can link your debit or credit card to alipay to pay for snacks, drinks, shopping, and street food via QR codes. It’s so easy and saves you carrying heaps of cash around.
- Amap: google maps doesn't work well locally, so amap is the absolute best way to get around! Use it during your free time to scout out cute vintage shops or the best local matcha spots
- DiDi: It’s China’s version of Uber! It’s super safe, tracks your route, and is really easy to use for getting around cities safely.
- translation app: itranslate or the google translate offline chinese package are lifesavers. english isn’t widely spoken in local shops or restaurants, so having quick offline translation on your phone makes ordering food and asking for directions seamless!
the best places to visit in china as a solo female traveller
beijing
The ultimate starting point! Beijing is rich in history, super walkable, and home to iconic sites like the forbidden city and the great wall of china. It’s an incredible city to soak in culture, try authentic dumplings, and kick off your adventure surrounded by history
zhangjiajie (the avatar mountains)
If you love nature and breathtaking landscapes, zhangjiajie is an absolute dream! picture towering green quartz-sandstone pillars, misty mountain views, and scenic walking trails. It’s super peaceful, safe, and easily one of the most magical places you’ll ever set eyes on.
xi'an & high-speed train routes
Xi'an is famous for its ancient city walls and the terracotta warriors. connecting cities via china's high-speed bullet trains is an experience in itself they are clean, incredibly punctual, safe, and comfortable for sit-back-and-relax travelling!
we visit all these places on our gals who travel china trip you can find here.
the weather & what to pack in china ☀️🗺️🧳
Summer in China can be super hot (averaging around 30°C+), with peak UV levels and occasional quick downpours, packing light and smart will make your trip so much smoother!
- flowy, breathable clothing: pack airy, comfortable outfits for hot days out exploring. For long 7-hour bullet train journeys, bring your comfiest loungewear to relax in!
- comfortable walking shoes: essential for active days walking the great wall or trekking the avatar mountains.
- ccc-certified power bank: super important! If you bring a power bank on flights or high-speed trains in china, make sure it has "ccc" (china compulsory certificate) printed on the back. non-ccc certified power banks will be confiscated at security checkpoints.
- aerosol sizes: train station security works just like airport security! keep any aerosol sprays (like deodorant or sunscreen) under 150ml so you don't run into issues at security gates.
- sun protection & waterproofs: high uv means pack plenty of suncream! a lightweight rain jacket or handy poncho is ideal for sudden summer rain showers.
- travel adaptor: most hotels accept type a, type c, or type I adaptors
- tissues & hand sanitiser: a pack of tissues and antibac in your daypack goes a long way, as some public toilets along travel routes may not provide toilet paper.
Things to know before you go 📍
visiting china is such a rewarding experience, but being prepared for cultural norms will help you feel grounded and confident when travelling!!
busy tourist spots & personal space: peak travel season means bustling markets and popular sights! cultural norms around personal space, queuing, or pushing can feel a bit direct compared to home, but it’s completely normal locally.
photos with locals: locals or domestic tourists might occasionally ask to take a photo with you. It’s almost always harmless curiosity, but if you ever feel uncomfortable, a firm "no thank you" with a smile is completely fine
some useful phrases to know before we go!! Get practising..🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳
nǐ hǎo – Hello – nee how
xiè xie – thank you – shyeh shyeh
bú kè qi – you're welcome – boo kuh-chee
duì bu qǐ – sorry – dway boo-chee
bù hǎo yì si – Excuse me – boo how ee-suh
duō shǎo qián? – how much? – dwoh shwoh chyen
wǒ tīng bù dǒng – I don't understand – wuh ting boo-dong
bú yào là – Not spicy, please – boo yow lay
hǎo chī! – Delicious! – how chee
China Solo Travel FAQs
Is China safe for solo female travellers in 2026?
Yes, absolutely! China is consistently rated as one of the safest destinations worldwide for women travelling alone. around 90% of our gals who book on gals who travel trips come solo so the best way to see china is a group tour so you can enjoy the solo adventure but have everything sorted for you!!
What are the safest areas in China for solo women?
If it's your first time in China, we'd recommend Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu.
Beijing is our personal favourite for first-timers thanks to its rich history, walkability, and endless opportunities to meet other women travelling, shanghai is ideal if you love social vibes, modern skylines, and cute cafés, while chengdu offers a slightly calmer vibe surrounded by panda sanctuaries and incredible food culture!
Is China good for first-time solo travellers?
Honestly? We think it's one of the most rewarding places for a solo trip but it does come with it's challenges. if you've backpacked south east asia or south america you may already have the confidence to travel but china is a different ball game!! if you follow all the steps above and prepare well you'll be great for your solo trip!!
Where should I avoid in China as a solo woman?
China is generally very very safe, but we'd recommend being extra cautious in crowded nightlife districts late at night. As with anywhere, our general advice is to be aware of your surroundings, take reputable transport, tell your friends where you're heading, and watch your drinks on nights out.
Is China safe at night?
Yes, particularly in major cities like beijing, shanghai, and chengdu. Streets are well-lit and CCTV coverage is high, but we'd usually recommend booking a DiDi rather than walking back late alone just for extra peace of mind!! It's cheap, easy, and super reliable.
What apps do I need before traveling to China?
Before you board your flight, make sure to download an eSIM app (like Airalo or Holafly), a reliable VPN (ExpressVPN or NordVPN), Alipay for mobile payments, Amap for map navigation, DiDi for taxis, and WeChat as a backup messaging tool.
How do I pay for things in China as a tourist?
China is virtually cashless. The easiest way to pay for everything from high-end dining to street food stalls is by downloading the Alipay app and linking your international debit or credit card before you arrive.
Is language a big barrier for solo women in china?
English isn’t widely spoken outside major hotel chains or primary tourist hubs, but it shouldn't hold you back. using translation apps with offline chinese downloaded makes communicating with locals, ordering food, and getting around super easy.
If China has been sitting on your tiktok fyp, your pinterest board or all over your instagram reels, consider this your sign!!
Book the flight.
Take the trip.
Trust yourself.
The Great Wall will give you butterflies. But it might also give you memories, confidence, and friendships that last a lifetime. And if you'd rather not do it completely alone? We'll see you at the welcome dinner! 💕✨
