Solo Female Travel in China
 

I am wanting feedback on the safety and ease of a single female traveling throughout China in June. I am independent and prefer to avoid any "tours" that would lock me into both itinerary and people that may not be of my choosing. I have no problem hiring a personal guide if need be. I would like to integrate mountain biking and hiking along with the visuals and history. Thanks you in advance for feedback!

I'm female, and I spent seven weeks traveling alone in China two years ago - and I don't speak Mandarin. Can't help with the mountain biking or hiking, but I had no significant problems - certainly none related to being female. However, it was my third trip to China, and the first two times I went with tour groups (first Smithsonian and then Intrepid).

Thanks for the feedback thursdaysd. Which did you prefer- the tours or traveling alone?

The Smithsonian tour felt like I was in a bubble - very comfortable, excellent food, good study leader, but the tour manager kind of freaked when I suggested using the subway. The Intrepid tour was much like semi-independent travel, definitely budget level. I enjoyed the time I spent on my own most, but as I said, I'd had some experience in China by then. I did find that those Chinese who spoke some English would go out of their way to help, and if you get away from the main tourist sites, you'll find little English.

Thanks again for the feedback. My trepidation traveling China is gone. I have traveled other parts of the world solo before but this is my first trip to China. I am looking forward to the adventure! Thanks again.

Just don't need to suspect the safety when you travel in China. you will find Chinese are very friendly here.
The Great Wall is good choice if you would like to integrate mountain biking and hiking along with the visuals and history.

Thanks again for the feedback! The more I read about China, the more I am wondering if two weeks is sufficient while tacking on a trip to Angkor wat. What part of the wall to you recommend for biking? Is Simatai a good choice?

I traveled around china for two weeks on my own (female, 25) and it was totally fine. I walked most everywhere and took all forms of transportation. The one thing I will say is you may want to shell out more than usual to stay in nice hotels. Just adds that extra layer of safety which can be reassuring...

If I were young(ish) and travelling solo I'd seriously consider the hostel option for at least some destinations (private room, not dorms, though). Hostels make it easy to hook up with other travellers, exchange tips etc., and book good-value day tours. I must stress that I'm basing this on my son's experience in China rather han my own.

If you take sensible precautions as per any decent guide book, as you would anywhere, you should have no concerns about safety. The main danger is to your bank balance, if you accept any of the offers of taxis, assistance with baggage at airports, tea ceremonies etc. you'll be presented with. In general though you'll find ordinary Chinese people friendly and helpful.

If you use the search box above you'll find previous threads with useful advice about travelling in China.

Moniquesd- We are looking at an overnight trip to the wall. So far we have found three or four local groups with varying prices. It sounds like this would be something you would really enjoy. Most of the trips require about 15 miles of walking over the two days and they go to REALLY non-touristy areas.

lynclarke-That over night and hike sound good. I have read some on overnights on the wall and would
love to hear what organization you have in mind. The more adventure equals less numbers of tourist is my experience!
I have no problem spending more $$ if need be for safety-i was planning this trip to go solo- now my 25 year old daughter is joining me so the trepidation of traveling in China solo is abated. I appreciate the all the good feedback from fodors!