Best Places in China for Solo Female Travelers
1, Yangshuo
Nestled in the heart of southern China's Guangxi region, Yangshuo boasts a picturesque fusion of majestic karst mountains, glistening rivers, and verdant fields. A must-visit destination, it's well-renowned for its enchanting natural landscape predominantly characterized by unique limestone hills, creating an otherworldly ambiance that attracts countless nature-lovers and adventurers alike. The town's vibrant atmosphere is enriched by a myriad of activities, including bamboo rafting on the Li River, hiking or rock climbing the mountains, cycling in the countryside, or exploring the ancient structures like the Moon Hill and Big Banyan Tree. With its captivating combination of spectacular nature, profound culture, and active sports, Yangshuo is a Chinese gem that will etch indelible marks on the hearts of every traveler.
2, Beijing
Beijing, the bustling capital city of China, located in the northeast of the country, is known for its rich history coupled with a modern cityscape. This vibrant city boasts a myriad of historical sites and landmarks such as the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China, the serene Summer Palace, the majestic Forbidden City, and the iconic Tiananmen Square. Beijing is also famed for its unique hutongs, which provide a glimpse into the city's cultural past. As a mix of ancient culture and thriving modernity, Beijing is a hub for art, cuisine, and technology, offering experiences from scrumptious Peking duck dinners to high-tech wonder at the National Center for Performing Arts. This enthralling blend makes Beijing an ideal travel destination for history enthusiasts and modern-day explorers alike.
3, Shanghai
Shanghai, an energetic international metropolis, located on the eastern coast of China at the mouth of the Yangtze River, is known globally for its fast-paced life, modernity, and audacious architecture. It serves as a jewel of Asian culture, bringing together the traditional and the futuristic, offering a stellar mix of culinary experiences from street-food vendors to glamorous rooftop bars. Key attractions include the iconic skyline of Pudong, with the 2,073-foot-tall Shanghai Tower standing out, the traditional architecture of Yu Garden in the old town, and the high-energy shopping Mecca of Nanjing Road. Renowned for its Lujiazui skyline, museums, and historic buildings, Shanghai beautifully marries the East's old-world charm with the West's modern vibrance.
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4, Chengdu
Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China, is a compelling fusion of ancient and modern influences, teeming with diverse attractions. Widely recognized as the panda capital of the world, Chengdu gives visitors a unique opportunity to get up close to China's beloved iconic pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Immerse yourself in the city's rich historical heritage at the 2000-year old Jinsha Site Museum, or the Wuhou Memorial Temple, a shrine for China's renowned historical figures. For an enchanting local experience, the bustling Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Ancient Street offer an array of Sichuan snacks, local crafts, tea houses, and traditional Chinese buildings. From its irresistible spicy cuisine and unique vibrant tea culture to lively artistic performances like the spellbinding Sichuan Opera, Chengdu distinctively celebrates its culture, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.
5, Shenzhen
Shenzhen, located in southern China's Guangdong Province and nestled directly north of Hong Kong, is a rising city known for its vibrant economy and fusion of cultures. Universally renowned as a hub for technology and innovation, Shenzhen is home to both start-ups and tech giants, including Huawei and Tencent. This modern city is also known for its unique attractions, such as the Window of the World - a remarkable theme park showcasing global landmarks, Splendid China Folk Village – offering a glimpse into Chinese culture, and the Dafen Oil Painting Village where countless artists showcase their talents. Add to this a myriad of beautiful beaches, the lush Lianhua Mountain Park, and a burgeoning food scene, and Shenzhen guarantees a versatile travel experience marked by modern technology, rich culture, and scenic beauty.
6, Guangzhou
Guangzhou, often referred to as the "South Gate of China," is a bustling metropolis nestled in the south of China, near the Pearl River. This city's allure lies in its fascinating blend of modernity and antiquity, offering a feast for the senses. Guangzhou is known for its iconic Canton Tower, one of the tallest structures globally, and its museums such as the Guangzhou Museum and the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King. A vibrant culinary scene thrives here, making the city a food lover's paradise and the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. Its stunning gardens, historical temples, and the world-famous Chimelong Tourist Resort capture the essence of Guangzhou’s rich history and captivating culture. The city's unique charm is further enhanced by its lively festivals, most notably the Canton Fair, China's biggest trade fair.
7, Sichuan
Located in the southwestern region of China, Sichuan Province is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. This vibrant province is known for being the natural habitat of adorable giant pandas, offering visitors an opportunity to get a close glimpse of these adorable creatures in Chengdu's Panda Breeding and Research Center. Sichuan is also widely recognized for its unique and slightly spicy cuisine, including its world-famous hotpot. It boasts stunning scenery as well, particularly in the Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of colorful lakes and snow-capped peaks. Further attractio include the grand Leshan Giant Buddha carved into a clif face, the picturesque Mount Emei, and bustling local markets in its capital, Chengdu.
8, Tongren
Tucked away in the northeastern part of Guizhou province, China is the fascinating city of Tongren. This city is famous for its rich mix of ethnic culture and scenic beauty, boasting a Chinese ethnic minorities’ homeland populated primarily by Tujia and Miao groups. Tongren is famed for its mystical Mount Fanjing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts hikers and spirituality seekers, offering breathtaking views and ancient Buddhist temples. It is also renowned for the Fanjing Mountain Nature Reserve, home to rare species and diverse biodiversity. Visitors also marvel at the striking carpentry of the ancient dwellings in the Phoenix Mountain and the spectacular Jingjiang Princes' City. Combining cultural immersion with adventure and tranquility, Tongren provides a genuine and varied travel experience.
9, Guiyang
Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province in Southwest China, serves as a unique and bustling hub of beautiful landscapes, bountiful wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The city is renowned for reputed national parks including Qianling Park, home to charismatic macaque monkeys, and the intriguing Huaxi Park. With its cooler mountain climate, it hosts an astonishing range of bio-diversities. Another famous element is its stunning ethnic diversity, including the Miao and Dong people, offering vibrant ethnic festivals and delicacies. Meticulously preserved old towns like Qingyan Ancient Town and the modern urban zone coexist harmoniously, signifying the fascinating blend of the old and the new. Guiyang's food also earns fame for its spicy yet sour flavor, with the renowned Guiyang noodles drawing food enthusiasts worldwide.
10, Dali
Situated in the Yunnan Province, southwestern China, Dali is a scenic city known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and profound Bai culture. Nestled between verdant Cangshan mountains and the idyllic Erhai Lake, Dali's abundant natural beauty is a treat for nature lovers. The city is famous for its well-preserved Dali Ancient Town with traditional Bai architectural homes, vibrant local markets and historic landmarks like the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. Its vibrant ethnic culture, mouthwatering local cuisine, colorful handicrafts, and serene ambiance make Dali a captivating experience for every traveler.
11, Tianjin
Located in Northern China, Tianjin is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and traditions. Known as the gateway to Beijing, Tianjin's location along the Grand Canal and the Bohai Gulf has shaped its exciting maritime history. It’s renowned for an array of attractions, from the ancient culture and architectural splendor of Five Avenues and Tianjin Ancient Culture Street to the stunning porcelain artworks in the Porcelain House. Its diverse culinary scene offers a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine, most notably the Tianjin Goubuli Baozi - a famous local dish. The remarkable blend of ancient history and modern architecture complements the city's bustling markets and tranquil water parks, making Tianjin a compelling travel destination.
12, Jiamusi
Situated in the far northeastern Heilongjiang Province of China, Jiamusi is a vibrant city imbued with a rich tapestry of history and culture. Its geographical location by the Songhua River has enriched it with breathtaking natural beauty that serves as an excellent backdrop for outdoor activities. Jiamusi is heralded for the prestigious Jiamusi University and medical school, which attracts students from around the globe. Its most notable attractions include Kashi Tsangmu National Forest Park, offering a serene retreat into a world of mystic trees, lakes, and wild animals, the Songhuajiang River Bridge showcases an architectural marvel amid panoramic views, and the Binjiang Square with its stunning night skyline is a hub of cultural performances and social gatherings. The welcoming nature of Jiamusi’s locals along with the city’s remarkable cuisine makes it a prime destination for exploring the unique aspects of northeastern Chinese culture.
13, Qiqihar
Located in the northeastern region of China, Qiqihar offers a mesmerizing blend of historic and natural attractions, rendering it an ideal destination for culture and adventure seekers. Renowned as a prominent hub for steel production, Qiqihar is the second-largest city in Heilongjiang Province. Endowed with rich flora and fauna, the city hosts Zhalong Nature Reserve, a sanctuary that is well-known worldwide, especially for its rare red-crowned cranes. Important historical sites gracing the city include the ancient architectural wonder of Longsha Park and the historic religious site, the Buddhist Temple of Beining. Qiqihar's rich culture, bustling city life, and natural elegance never fail to enchant its visitors.
14, Harbin
Harbin, affectionately known as the "Ice City," is tucked away in China's far northeastern corner, Heilongjiang Province, closer to Russia than Beijing. This bustling metropolis is globally celebrated for two distinctive factors: the breathtakingly beautiful Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival — one of the largest of its kind worldwide, where exceptional ice sculptures transform the city into a magical winter wonderland — and the slightly eccentric blend of Chinese and Russian cultures. The influence of Russia is so apparent that exploring Harbin can sometimes feel more like wandering around a Siberian city than a Chinese one, especially when strolling down Zhongyang Street, with its exotic and distinctive Russian architectural culture, or visiting the magnificent St. Sophia Cathedral.
15, Manzhouli
Manzhouli, situated in the Inner Mongolia region of China, rests on the borders of China, Russia, and Mongolia, making it a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Known as the largest land port of trade between Russia and China, it boasts a distinct urban appeal in the midst of vast grasslands. The city is famous for its Russian architecture, especially its blindingly colorful matryoshka doll square, which hosts the world's largest Russian nesting doll and other 200 statues. Additionally, the city's Hulun Lake is a must-visit, offering serene and breathtaking views. Whether it's business, culture or natural beauty, Manzhouli has it all.
16, Yanbian
Situated in the northeastern part of China, the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, often referred to as Yanbian, straddles the border between China and North Korea. Known for its unique blend of Korean and Chinese culture, Yanbian offers travelers a rich array of experiences - from trying local Korean-Chinese hybrids of food, exploring the fascinating history in its numerous museums to indulging in nature with the beautiful Heaven Lake in the Changbai Mountain Range. Often touted as the 'home of wild ginseng', you can explore local markets filled with ginseng and other traditional herbs native to the region. Endowed with spectacular landscapes, Yanbian is also a treat for nature enthusiasts offering panoramic views of forests, rivers and mountains, making it an ideal location for hiking and sightseeing.
17, Jilin City
Located in the northeast of the People's Republic of China, Jilin City is a marvel of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Primarily known for its mesmerizing winter landscapes, the city is the home of the famous Rime Ice - one of the four natural wonders of China. In addition, Jilin City is also known for its intricate architectural beauty such as the Beishan Park, featuring ancient Buddhist sculptures, and the Wula Street Cultural Street, showcasing local arts and crafts. Tourists can also immerse themselves in the local history at the Jilin Provincial Museum or enjoy the stunning views of the Songhua River which gracefully winds around the city.
18, Liaoyuan
Located in the central part of the Northeast China's Jilin Province, Liaoyuan is a city renowned for its serene landscapes and rich cultural history. Liaoyuan, known as the 'Pearl of the Northeast', takes pride in its Shoushan National Forest Park—a sprawling sanctuary filled with rare, medicinal herbs, and abundant wildlife that is a haven for nature lovers. Additionally, Liaoyuan is famous as the cradle of the Manchu, Xibe, and Korean ethnic minority folk culture, offering a rich offering of traditional customs, architecture, and cuisine. With stunning natural landscapes, intriguing historical sites, and an engrossing ethnic diversity, Liaoyuan invites travelers to explore a captivating aspect of China’s diverse charm.
19, Siping
Siping, an urban hub in the hinterlands of Northeast China's Jilin Province, is widely recognized for four major battles fought during the Chinese Civil War. This city, serving as a primary junction for railway lines in Northeastern China, boasts of rich historical significance and vibrant culture. Its primary attractions include the 219 Park, which houses a museum with relics from the Chinese Civil War, and the impressive Guanyin Statue at the Nanshan Scenic area, showcasing the town's remarkable blend of modern and traditional culture. From visiting the battlefields and historic sites of the Siping War to relishing authentic Northeastern Chinese cuisine, this city offers its visitors a unique glimpse into China's past and present.
20, Baishan
Baishan, nestled in Jilin Province of Northeast China, is a city that exudes profound historical charm and rich natural landscapes. Famous for its prime location in the Changbai Mountains, Baishan has remarkably incorporation Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, internationally known for the breathtaking Heaven Lake and an impressive variety of plant and animal species. Earning its name which translates to 'White Mountain', it showcases pristine snowscapes during winter, making it a perfect winter recreation destination. Likewise, the Fusong County, a part of Baishan, is known as the "Home of Ginseng," offering unique cultural insights into the benefits of this medicinal herb. The blend of scenic allure and cultural richness make Baishan a must-visit travel spot in China.
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