A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Exploring China Safely

China, being a country with a rich history, beautiful terrains, and colourful culture, is a perfect place for a solo traveller. From the historical Great Wall to the modern cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, China holds a lot in store for those who travel alone to this country. Whether it is visiting temples that have been established thousands of years back, eating traditional foods, or touring round the historical sites, the country holds unique innovations for discovery. However, for first-time solo travellers, there are certain things that one needs to know about travelling in China, especially if you are not fluent in the Chinese language.

For those who seek to travel to this amazing nation, getting an organised China tour would be the best way to go round the country in an organised manner, and in addition to this, it is safe to travel in an organised tour. For a visitor from India, a China tour package could be of great help and use to make the lone trip more fun and as comfortable as possible. In this guide, we will discuss some important safety tips that would be useful when you are travelling to China alone so that you can travel independently with a lot of fun. Regardless of whether you are visiting cultural or natural sites in the country, the following tips will help you to have the best experience.

Why Choose China for Your Solo Trip?

China is a great place for a lone traveller because it is an amalgamation of the old and the new. There is the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, and the modern and dynamic cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. It does not matter whether you are interested in history, you enjoy tasting different kinds of food, or you are a nature lover; you will find everything in China. Also, the transportation system is well developed in China, and one can easily move from one place to the other whether one is a lone traveller or not.

Useful advice for a single traveler to China

1. Plan Your Itinerary in Advance

If you are planning to book your China tour package from India, then make sure you have a proper strategy in mind. You should learn about the places of interest you want to visit, like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, or the beautiful sceneries of Zhangjiajie National Forest. Make sure that you spend some part of the day doing sightseeing, sometime resting, and the remaining time enjoying the culture of the country. This will assist you in making the best out of your time in China and in avoiding as much stress as possible while touring.

2. Learn Basic Mandarin Phrases

Although more and more cities in China are being westernised, especially Beijing and Shanghai, it is advisable to learn a few words in Mandarin. Such basic phrases as “Ni hao” (Hello), “Xie xie” (Thank you), and “Zai jian” (Goodbye) can help a lot in establishing friendly interpersonal relationships. When you are planning for a China tour from India, you will realise that some of the tour companies may include Mandarin lessons or provide tour guides fluent in Indian languages.

3. The other precaution was to remain in safe and well-connected areas.

Regarding the accommodation, it is advisable to stay in hotels or hostels in central areas that have good access to transport. Most of the China tour packages will ensure that travellers are taken to safe and secure areas to book accommodation, but it is always advisable to do prior research. Some of the areas that are famous for shopping, which are Wangfujing in Beijing and The Bund in Shanghai, are safe, crowded, and very easy to get around. If you are going to be more secluded, it is advisable to read other solo travellers’ experiences to avoid dangerous situations.

4. Be Mindful of Your Belongings

In general, the crime rate in China is low; still, one should be cautious with personal belongings in crowded places, streets, and markets. Make sure to carry your valuables with you, and it is advisable to wear a money belt or a crossbody bag. It is also important to have photocopies of some documents, such as passports, visas, insurance documents, etc., kept in different locations.

5. Use Public Transportation with Caution

The public transport system in China is efficient, effective, and cheap, especially if one is a resident in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Subway systems are well developed; however, during rush hour they may be very crowded. In this regard, it is advisable for solo travellers to be very careful with what they are doing. In this regard, always ensure that you check the routes and do not travel at night if you are in an area that is not well populated. If you do not feel safe in public transport, there are apps such as DiDi that can be used to get safe rides.

6. Respect Local Customs and Etiquette

It is noteworthy that the Chinese culture values respect and politeness as important aspects of the society. A solo traveller must ensure that he or she has certain knowledge of the culture of the country he or she is visiting to avoid making a cultural blunder. For instance, one should always ensure that they greet other people and do not shout in public places and should not point at people. Knowledge of such basic etiquette will make you feel more comfortable while interacting with people in the foreign country you are visiting.

7. Explore Local Cuisine, But Be Careful

Chinese cuisine is famous throughout the world, and you will be able to taste such dishes as Peking duck, dumplings, hotpot, etc. However, if you are not used to the local food, then do not take a lot of street food. When it comes to trying out the local cuisine, it is advisable to begin with dishes from standard restaurants or those that you are advised by your tour guide to take to avoid cases of stomach upsets. To minimise the risks of foodborne disease, one should drink water from the bottled water and avoid foods that are raw.

8. Ensuring That You Stand Related to Your Friend or Loved One

This is because although China is modern, it has some of the toughest internet restrictions in the world. Some of the international applications, such as Google, Facebook, and some others, may be banned in the country. One should consider the use of a VPN in order to be able to communicate with friends and family back home. Also, it is advisable to let someone you trust know your travel plan so that they can know your whereabouts at a given time.

Conclusion:

If you want to plan your trip in a more organised manner, it is better to opt for a China tour package from India. These packages offer the element of having someone to show and explain the sights and having local guides and local lodgings, which makes for a much more comfortable and safe way to experience the beauty of China. Whether you are a backpacker, a flashpacker, or a luxury traveller, China can indeed be a dream for solo travellers if well planned for.