Hi.. I'm planning to go to Beijing this coming March. I have a good friend who lives there, but he is working, so during the day I'll probably be by myself. I was wondering what you guys think? I am 24 years old (woman), and I have traveled alone before, but never to Asia. Will I be able to take advantage of my days there even alone, or is it dangerous? Will it be too complicated, not knowing the language to find my way around the city? Thanks for your advice!

I've been to Beijing twice on my own in the last year and felt perfectly safe walking around by myself. Since it's a big city with lots of international businesses, there are many people who speak at least a little English, especially in the tourist areas and hotels. My suggestion is to get a good map with locations listed in English, pinyin and Mandarin (in case you need to point to a place and ask for help)and make a list of the places you'd like to go. Hotels also have "taxi cards" that list the major attractions in English and Mandarin or you can have someone write it out for you. Your friend should be able to help you figure out the best way to get around though taxis are cheap and plentiful. Just remember to take the location of where you're staying so you can get back there! I didn't find Beijing to be a very good "walking city" because it's pretty spread out and the traffic is awful!

Why should it be dangerous? What makes you think it will be? How about your home city? Is that totally safe?

Re language - all folk are the same. And if you can't venture anywhere unless they speak your language then you are obviously not destined to explore just stay in the safety of what is known.

Beijing, and most of China, is very safe for tourist. However, it's not going to be very easy if you don't know the language - the Roman characters you see are often pinyin of the Chinese language sound, and not English. So, it'll take some patience to figure out where you're going.

Most locals also do not speak much, if any, English. Except in tourist areas.

Understand that, be patience, have someone write down in Chinese where you want to go, and your hotel/residence. Be patience, and you'll be okay.

As some must go places like the Great Wall, Summer Palace are some ways you should consider taking a day tour. You can check with you hotel on this. Takes out a lot of stress and reduces wastage of time.

I've traveled thruout many parts of Asia, including Beijing as a solo female and have never had any issues.
Beijing is a fascinating city, rich in culture and history.

We all approach travel differently, but my routine for visting a new city is...

Prior to traveling read about the areas on line at sites like Fodors, Frommers, etc to get an idea of what a particular city/area is like - sites, history, people, local customs, etc.

Buy a guidebook or two (lighter /smaller/more portable the better) with maps of the area.

On arrival - when i reach my hotel I am sure to pickup several cards that have the hotel name and location written on them in the local language so I can hand one to cab driver to "take me home" I also make sure I can find my temporary home on a decent local map so I can show that to the driver as well.

My first day in a new city, I often take a city tour. Beijing is an area that is pretty easy to get around on your own, many cities in Asia are and the larger cities tend to have good public transportation.

The tours are typically a bit rushed and you only spend a short time at a given attraction, however, for me (YMMV) this gives me a great chance to get a quick overview of sites and decide what to come back to while giving me a chance to ask questions of a guide who speaks my language.

I make it clear to the guide that I am looking for "local" information, not for tourist information...where would he/she shop personally, how would they use the buses/trains, etc.

You can do the same with your hotel concierge. Just remember that guides and hotel staff are trained to send you to the tourist places so you want to be clear that you are curious where they personally would go to find a lunch.

When in doubt, point, nod, smile (and if appropriate hold out a couple of small bills....I eat often in local noodle shops where the menus are not in english (my language). I look at the menu pictures and point and smile. It doesn't bother me if I don't know what something "is" per se.

I do not use tap water, ever. Even in "modern" hotels that say the water is potable, I only drink bottled water and even brush my teeth with it. I always carry a bottle of water with me when I am out and about.

I carry a few basic medical type supplies in my toiletries bag. It's just a "road warrior" habit of mine regardless of whether I am travelling at home or abroad. Cold meds, aspirin or similar, something for multi flu symptoms. I have very rarely gotten sick, but its really nice to have familiar products readily available to me if I do.

Specific to Bejing, I would note the following. These are not issues or concerns per se, just personal observations.

Public toilets - I always carry a pocket pack of kleenex. Public toilets can be anything from modern and western (in places like major hotels) to very basic. Many do not contain tissue. Note that used tissue goes in a provided basket (not in the toilet).

Personal space - different cultures have different concepts of personal space. In the US we give each other a lot of "space", that is not the case in Asia. People will stand pretty much on top of you. Again, not an issue or concern, just something to be aware of...so if you are lining up for something (and attraction or to get onto a bus of train), be prepared to push your way in the way the locals do.

Meals - chinese style dining is a lot more fun with several people so plan to hit simple fare (noodle shops, bakeries) during the day and look forward to evening meals with your friend.

Have a wonderful time and enjoy Beijing!