For the solo traveler, China offers an adventure like no other. But where do you start? How do you navigate the language barrier and cultural differences?
With a bit of planning and an open mind, solo travel in China can be safe, affordable, and endlessly rewarding. This guide will walk you through the essentials, from finding budget-friendly accommodation to uncovering hidden gems off the beaten path.
Why China is Perfect for Solo Travelers?
- Modern AmenitiesMajor cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer world-class public transportation, accommodation, and dining options, making solo travel in China convenient and comfortable.
- AffordabilityWith a range of budget-friendly hostels, hotels, and dining options, China is an affordable destination for solo travelers. You can experience the best of the country without breaking the bank.
Where to Stay in China?
Here are some budget-friendly accommodation options perfect for solo travelers in China:
Hanting Hotel Guangzhou Zhongshanba Metro Station
- Address: No. 118, Zhongshanba Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
- Contact: +86 20 8123 8888
- Description: Located just steps from the Zhongshanba Metro Station, this clean and comfortable hotel offers easy access to Guangzhou’s top attractions at an affordable price.
Guangzhou Hotel
- Address: 2 Qiyi Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
- Contact: +86 20 8188 8388
- Description: Situated in the heart of Guangzhou, this hotel provides cozy rooms with stunning views of the Pearl River. Its central location makes it a great base for solo travelers looking to explore the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife.
Vienna Hotel Guangzhou Shaheding Metro Station
- Address: No. 16, Shaheding Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
- Contact: +86 20 8523 8888
- Description: This stylish hotel offers a touch of European elegance at a budget-friendly price. Conveniently located near shopping centers and popular tourist spots, it’s an ideal choice for solo travel in China.
Art Hotel Beijing
- Address: No. 7, Donghuangchenggen North Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Contact: +86 10 6526 8888
- Description: Known for its unique capsule hotel experience, Art Hotel Beijing is a must-try for adventurous solo travelers. The cozy pods provide a comfortable and affordable place to rest in the heart of Beijing.
Must-Visit Spots for Solo Travelers
From iconic landmarks to immersive cultural experiences, China offers a wealth of must-visit spots for the solo traveler. Here are some highlights to add to your itinerary:
Iconic Landmarks
The Forbidden City
Step back in time to the Forbidden City, the sprawling imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about China’s rich history.
- Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Address: No. 4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Nearest Town: Beijing
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
- How to Reach: Take the subway to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stations and walk north.
The Terracotta Army
Discovered by farmers in 1974, the Terracotta Army is one of China’s most incredible archaeological finds. Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers stand guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor.
- Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Address: Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
- Nearest Town: Xi’an
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
- How to Reach: Take bus number 5 or 307 from Xi’an city center to the Terracotta Warriors museum complex.
The Great Wall of China
No solo trip to China is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. This ancient fortification stretches over 13,000 miles and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
- Timings: Varies by section, generally 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Address: Mutianyu Section, Huairou County, Beijing
- Nearest Town: Beijing
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
- How to Reach: Take bus number 916 from Dongzhimen Bus Station or hire a taxi from central Beijing. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Cultural Experiences
798 Art District
Once a sprawling factory complex, Beijing’s 798 Art District is now a thriving hub of contemporary art galleries, studios, and cafes. It’s the perfect place for solo travelers to experience China’s vibrant art scene.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Address: No. 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- Nearest Town: Beijing
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- How to Reach: Take the subway to Wangjing South Station and walk east for about 15 minutes.
Calligraphy Classes at the Confucius Temple
Learn the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy at the Confucius Temple in Beijing. Classes are available for all skill levels and provide a unique insight into Chinese culture.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Address: No. 13 Guozijian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Nearest Town: Beijing
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- How to Reach: Take the subway to Yonghegong Lama Temple station and walk north for about 10 minutes.
Martial Arts Workshops in Shaolin Temple
Study the ancient martial art of Kung Fu at the legendary Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. Workshops are available for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
- Timings: Varies by workshop, generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Address: Songshan Mountain, Dengfeng City, Henan Province
- Nearest Town: Dengfeng
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
- How to Reach: Take a high-speed train from Beijing or Xi’an to Zhengzhou East Railway Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the Shaolin Temple. The journey takes about 3-4 hours.
Relaxation Zones
West Lake in Hangzhou
Surrounded by lush gardens and ancient temples, West Lake is a serene oasis in the heart of Hangzhou. Take a leisurely boat ride or stroll along the picturesque shoreline.
- Timings: Open all day
- Address: Xixi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
- Nearest Town: Hangzhou
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
- How to Reach: Take bus number 1 or 6 from Hangzhou city center to the Xixi National Wetland Park entrance.
Lijiang Old Town
Step back in time in Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and serene waterways. It’s the perfect place for solo travelers to unwind and soak up the local culture.
- Timings: Open all day
- Address: Dayan Town, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
- Nearest Town: Lijiang
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
- How to Reach: Take a flight or overnight train from major cities like Beijing or Shanghai to Lijiang Sanyi Airport or Railway Station, then take a bus or taxi to the Old Town.
Dining Solo in China
One of the joys of solo travel in China is the chance to sample the country’s diverse and delicious cuisine. From casual street eats to upscale restaurants, here are some top picks for dining solo:
Casual Eats
Jia Jia Tang Bao
Timings:
- 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Weekdays)
- 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Weekends)
Recommended dishes:
- Soup Dumplings
- Pork Buns
- Vegetable Dumplings
- Fried Noodles
- Steamed Buns
- Wonton Soup
- Braised Pork Belly
- Fried Rice
Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant
Timings:
- 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Weekdays)
- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Weekends)
Recommended dishes:
- Peking Roast Duck
- Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Fried Rice
- Wonton Soup
- Braised Pork Belly
- Steamed Dumplings
- Sichuan Hot Pot
Fancy Options
X’ian Famous Foods
Timings:
- 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Weekdays)
- 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM (Weekends)
Recommended dishes:
- Liang Pi (Cold Skin Noodles)
- Spicy Cumin Lamb Burgers
- Hand Pulled Noodles
- Vegetarian Dumplings
- Braised Pork Belly
- Sichuan Hot Pot
- Fried Rice
Jin Ding Xuan
Timings:
- 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Weekdays)
- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Weekends)
Recommended dishes:
- Dim Sum
- Steamed Fish
- Roast Goose
- Wonton Soup
- Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Braised Pork Belly
- Fried Noodles
Hutong Pizza
Timings:
- 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Weekdays)
- 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM (Weekends)
Recommended dishes:
- Wood-Fired Pizzas
- Salads
- Pasta
- Burgers
- Fried Chicken
- Vegetarian Quiche
- Desserts
Budget Eats
Wangfujing Snack Street
Timings:
- 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Weekdays)
- 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Weekends)
Recommended dishes:
- Street Food
- Fried Insects
- Grilled Meat Skewers
- Fried Dumplings
- Steamed Buns
- Wonton Soup
- Braised Pork Belly
Jia Jia Tang Bao
Timings: Open from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (weekdays and weekends).
Recommended Dishes:
- Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings)
- Pork Dumplings
- Hot Ginger Tea
- Steamed Buns
- Fried Noodles
- Boiled Fish in Chili Oil
- Braised Pork Belly
Cafes for Work and Relaxation
Cafe OnAir
Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday-Friday), 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Saturday-Sunday).
Recommended Items:
- Espresso
- Cappuccino
- Latte
- Tea
- Toasted Sandwiches
- Cakes
- Breads
- Quiche
Seesaw Coffee
Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (weekdays and weekends).
Recommended Items:
- Filter Coffee
- Espresso
- Latte
- Mocha
- Tea
- Pastries (muffins, scones)
- Light Meals (salads, sandwiches)
Activities Perfect for Solo Travelers
China offers a wealth of exciting activities and experiences tailored for solo adventurers.
Adventure and Thrill
Hiking in Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
- Address: Anhui Province, China
- Contact: Local tour operators or park administration
- Email: Varies by tour operator
- Best time: Spring and autumn for optimal weather
- Price Range: Approx Rs. 1500-3000 for park entrance, plus tour costs
- Recommended Tour: China Highlights
Rock Climbing in Yangshuo
- Address: Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi Province
- Contact: Local climbing schools or tour operators
- Email: Varies by tour operator
- Best time: Year-round, but best in spring and autumn
- Price Range: Approx Rs. 5000-10,000 for a day’s climbing
- Recommended Tour: Yangshuo Climbing
Indoor Adventures
Museums in Shanghai
- Address: Various locations (Shanghai Museum, China Art Museum, etc)
- Contact: Museum administration
- Email: Varies by museum
- Best time: Weekdays for fewer crowds
- Price Range: Free or approx Rs. 200-500 per person
- Recommended: Shanghai Museum
Escape Rooms in Shanghai
- Address: Various locations (Escape Hunt Shanghai, etc)
- Contact: Escape room operators
- Email: Varies by operator
- Best time: Weekends or evenings for group fun
- Price Range: Approx Rs. 2000-4000 per person
- Recommended: Escape Hunt Shanghai
Social Experiences
Join a Food Tour in Beijing
- Address: Various starting points in central Beijing
- Contact: UnTour Food Tours and other operators
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: Evenings for night market experiences
- Price Range: Approx Rs. 5000-8000 per person
- Recommended: UnTour Food Tours
Attend a Traditional Tea House in Shanghai
- Address: Various locations (Huxinting Teahouse, etc)
- Contact: Teahouse administration
- Email: Varies by teahouse
- Best time: Afternoons for a relaxing experience
- Price Range: Approx Rs. 500-1000 per person
- Recommended: Huxinting Teahouse
Luxury Escapes
Take a Luxury Cruise on the Yangtze River
- Address: Starting points in Chongqing, Yichang, etc
- Contact: Victoria Cruises and other operators
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: Spring and autumn for optimal weather
- Price Range: Approx Rs. 50,000-100,000 for multi-day cruises
- Recommended: Victoria Cruises
Experience a High-End Spa in Beijing
- Address: Various luxury spas (The Spa at Four Seasons, etc)
- Contact: Spa administration
- Email: Varies by spa
- Best time: Afternoons for relaxation
- Price Range: Approx Rs. 10,000-30,000 per treatment
- Recommended: The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
Solo Travel Safety: Emergency Numbers
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Fire Department: 119
- General Emergency: 112
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FAQs
Why is China Mall famous?
China Mall, referring to large shopping centers like Beijing’s China World Mall or Shanghai’s IAPM Mall, is renowned for its vast array of shops, dining, and entertainment options. These malls provide an all-in-one experience for shopping, food, and leisure, making them hugely popular with both locals and tourists.
Is China a good place to travel alone?
Yes, China is generally safe and hospitable for solo travel. With its fascinating history, breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage, China provides a unique and rewarding experience for adventurous Indian travelers. However, it’s always wise to be mindful of local customs and safety tips for solo travelers in China.
Can a single girl travel to China?
Absolutely, single women can travel safely in China. While it’s prudent to take standard safety precautions, China has a low crime rate against tourists. Being aware of local norms and staying informed can ensure a smooth and enjoyable solo travel experience in China.
Is China cheap or expensive?
Costs in China range from quite affordable to reasonably pricey, varying by location and type of experience. Big cities like Shanghai and Beijing are more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas can be very budget-friendly. Wise budgeting and advanced research can help plan a solo trip to China effectively.
How can I enjoy the nightlife in China?
China boasts a lively nightlife, especially in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. You can explore bars, clubs, live music venues, and traditional tea houses. Joining local tours or using apps to discover the best spots can enhance your nighttime adventures as a solo traveler in China.
