Cheap Places in China for Solo Female Travel
1, 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.
2, 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.
3, 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.
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4, 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.
5, 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.
6, 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.
7, Tonghua
Tonghua, situated in the southeastern part of Jilin Province, China, is a captivating destination that charms visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This mesmerizing city is famous for its stunning mountainous landscapes which include the Changbai Mountains and the mighty Songhua River. At its heart and soul, Tonghua is a major wine production area renowned for its superb rice wine and grape wine. Visitors are enthralled by its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient Yanbian Chaoxianzu Prefecture, as well as its rich Korean culture. The city pays a beautiful tribute to its history with the General Yang Jingyu Martyrs Cemetery, which allows an intriguing insight into China’s past. Tonghua’s traditional cuisine, intriguing history, and vibrant ethnic cultures make it a must-visit for any travel enthusiast.
8, Benxi
Located in the scenic province of Liaoning in Northeast China, Benxi is a renowned travel destination bursting with captivating natural beauty and deep historical resonance. Known for its expansive montage of mineral resources, the city is often dubbed "the underground treasure house". Nevertheless, it's Benxi's enchanting water cave system — the longest in Asia, Benxi Shuidong — that draws visitors from around the globe. Extraordinary stalagmites and stalactites add to the allure of these fascinating boat tours. For history buffs, the city offers guided tours to the 1,000-year old Guanmen Mountain, with its ancient cliff inscriptions and tranquility, serving as a testament to the city’s enduring past. With its unique combination of natural charm and cultural richness in peaceful surroundings, Benxi serves as a hidden gem in the sprawling expanse of China.
9, Changchun
Located in the northeastern part of China, Changchun is the capital city of Jilin Province known for its unique charm and rich historical heritage. Often referred to as the country's "Automobile City", Changchun is a powerhouse of the automobile industry. It is also renowned for the World Sculpture Park, which showcases an interesting blend of local and international artistry, and the Changchun Film Studio - 'China's Hollywood', where classic Chinese films were produced. Furthermore, the city is famous for its historical sites, with the Puppet Emperor's Palace - the former residence of China's last emperor - offering an intriguing journey into the country's past. The city's alluring blend of beautiful parks, bustling city life, and cultural attractions make Changchun a memorable destination for any traveler in northeast China.
10, Panjin
Located in the Liaoning Province of northeastern China, Panjin is internationally renowned for its uniquely beautiful Red Beach. The city offers a profound natural spectacle as its coastal wetlands transform into a vibrant crimson hue resulting from the growth of the seepweed plant. Visitors are drawn to this mesmerizing sea of red, which offers a bird-watching paradise hosting over 260 species of birds including endangered species like the Red-crowned crane. Additionally, Panjin's enchanting maze of waterways, reeds, and unique wetland ecosystems present great opportunities for eco-oriented pursuits and exhilarating explorations. This charming city also hosts the annual Rice Festival and is recognized for its rich rice farming heritage, making Panjin a captivating blend of natural splendor and cultural richness.
11, Chengde
Chengde, situated in the northeast of Hebei Province of China, is a historically significant city admired for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. It's primarily known as the home of the Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites and represent a grand imperial experiment in architecture and landscaping. The city is nestled in breathtaking scenic mountains, embodying the harmonious blend of remarkable Manchu, Han, Mongolian, and Tibetan architectural styles. Besides its architectural splendors, Chengde is also renowned for its historical relevance, being the host for emperors' summer retreats during the Qing Dynasty, permitting one to journey into China's intriguing past. Visitors here can marvel at the intricate imperial gardens, enjoy the tranquility of the meticulous temples, explore the bustling streets, and sample the local delicious cuisine, offering a truly unique and immersive experience in this ancient city.
12, Chifeng
Chifeng, nestling in Eastern Inner Mongolia, China, encapsulates a perfect blend of nature's grandeur and intriguing historical relics. Often hailed as "Hongshan Culture Cradle," the city flaunts the prestigious honor of being home to succulent archaeological sites revealing major periods of Chinese prehistory. It is also renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery, where the greenery of grasslands collides with the charm of mountains, valleys, and rivers. The renowned Arshihaty Granite Forest, one of the world's four largest granite forests, stands tall here, bedazzling visitors with its unusual rock formations. Apart from its sweeping landscapes, Chifeng’s delightful cultural experiences, exemplified by traditional horseback riding and Mongolian folklore performances, promise an immersive travel journey into the heart of Inner Mongolia's vibrant heritage.
13, Zhangjiakou
Zhangjiakou is a captivating city located in the Hebei province of North China, only 200 km northwest of the nation's bustling capital, Beijing. This city is fondly known for its immense historical significance as it once served as an essential defense outpost in the Great Wall’s inner line during the Ming dynasty. Today, Zhangjiakou stands as a vibrant, dynamic city famous for its picturesque landscapes, including grasslands, mountains, forests, and lakes that offer a multitude of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and bird-watching. It is also set to serve as a co-host for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, attracting the attention of the global sports community. The region’s unique culinary experience, with its hearty dumplings and lamb-based dishes, is a worthy addition to any visitor’s agenda.
14, Weihai
Weihai, situated on the eastern tip of the Shandong province in China, is a stunning coastal city known for its lush landscapes, compelling culture, and picturesque sea views. Renowned as a summer health resort by the British during the Qing Dynasty, Weihai boasts a rich maritime heritage, reflected in the grandeur of the Weihai Pavilion and Sino-Japanese War Museum. Its scenic beauty is matched with outstanding amenities including stunning beach areas, refreshing hot springs, and tranquil hills. The city is also a hub of activity, where visitors can enjoy sailing, fishing, and exploring the region's abundant marine wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for anyone curious about China's profound history and breath-taking coastal beauty.
15, Yantai
Yantai, nestled on the coast of the Yellow Sea in China's Shandong Province, is a picturesque city renowned for its enchanting natural beauty and rich history. Bounded by misty mountains, serene beaches, and lush vineyards, this port city is one of China's most prominent wine producing regions, heartily celebrated for its internationally acclaimed Changyu Wine. Notable attractions include the ancient Penglai Pavilion, a historical site that beautifully exemplifies classic Chinese architecture, and Yantai Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the city. A stroll down the coastline, a wine tasting at a local vineyard, or seafood dining experience on the bustling food street is sure to provide travelers with unforgettable memories. The city's pleasant climate, pristine beaches, and award-winning wines make Yantai an excellent destination for both adventure seekers and tranquility lovers.
16, Rizhao
Rizhao, located in the southeastern part of Shandong Province, stands as a waterfront city renowned across China for its azure skies and golden beaches. Known as the "City of Sunshine," Rizhao's geographical position makes it a radiant harbor where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. The city is perhaps most notable for its environmental consciousness, winning a United Nations Habitat Scroll of Honor Award as a result of being China's first city to achieve the "Blue Sky, Clean Water" standard. As Rizhao is a coastal city, it bestows upon its visitors bountiful seaside attractions like Wanpingkou Beach and Lunan Street, which are epitomes of enjoying sand, sea, and surf. Furthermore, the city is an amalgamation of history and culture with attractions such as the Shandong Rizhao Ancient Shell Museum and the ruins of the ancient city of Linzi.
17, Huai'an
Huai'an, located in the Jiangsu Province of East China, serves as an appealing tourist destination that brims with historical charm and natural beauty. Infused with the rich aura of the Grand Canal, the city is known as the birthplace of Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China. Besides, it's celebrated for its invigorating cultural heritage encompassing traditional Jiangsu architecture, antique theaters, and the exquisite Huaiyang cuisine. A visitor's delight, Huai'an offers attractions such as Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall, Bochi Mountain, and the Huai’an China Tower, promising diverse insights into unseen China. The city's Qingyan Garden and Tieshan Temple are other windows into its serene spirituality and picturesque allure.
18, 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.
19, Zibo
Zibo, a captivating city in Shandong Province, Eastern China, is renowned as the ancient capital of the Qi Kingdom and holds a prominent place in the history of Chinese civilization. Steeped in cultural heritage, it boasts of its deep roots in ceramics that date back to over 5000 years ago, giving it the honorific title of the 'Ceramic Capital of China'. Visitors are enticed by the city's diverse cultural attractions including the Zhoucun Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved old commercial buildings, and the Qi State Cultural Relics Park, a display of archaeological sites and ancient temples. Zibo is also notable for its natural beauty - its enchanting landscapes marked by the serene Tai Mountain and the sparkling Zibo South Lake Park, making it an appealing blend of historical charm and natural allure for any traveler.
20, Wutaishan
Wutaishan, located in Shanxi Province, Northern China, is renowned for its sacred Buddhist significance and enthralling natural beauty. Wrapped in myth and spiritual significance, it is considered one of the four sacred mountains in Chinese Buddhism, enriched with a rich collection of temples - roughly 53 are recognized, the oldest dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Aside from its spiritual allure, Wutaishan boasts enchanting natural landscapes, from undulating hills and lush forests to exquisite streams and waterfalls. This destination provides a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and natural charm, offering visitors an array of experiences, including temple visits, tranquil mountain hikes, and tranquil contemplation amidst serene surroundings.
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