Safest Cities in China for Women to Live
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, 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.
3, Qingdao
Qingdao, located on China's eastern Shandong Province, is a beautiful coastal city renowned for its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The city is famous for its azure sea vistas, reposeful beaches, and the iconic red-roofed and green-treed German architecture reflecting its colonial past. Known as the birthplace of Tsingtao Beer, Qingdao houses a large-scale beer brewery, and every August it celebrates an international beer festival, which attracts beer lovers worldwide. Boasting the picturesque Laoshan Mountain, ancient Taoist temples, and a thriving seafood scene, Qingdao is a unique fusion of old-world charm with modern urban sophistication that makes it a beloved travel destination.
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4, 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.
5, Chongqing
Chongqing, a sprawling municipality at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers in Southwestern China, is known for its traditional architecture and rich cultural history. Clinging to the steep hillsides, Chongqing is renowned for its hot springs, sprawling night markets, spicy hotpot dishes, elaborate bridges and the breathtaking skyline of skyscrapers. This misty city is also the gateway to the spectacular Three Gorges, the starting point of scenic boat trips along the Yangtze River. Its impressive urban landscape combined with rich historical attractions such as Dazu Rock Carvings and Ciqikou, an ancient porcelain village, make it a compelling destination for travelers.
6, Kunming
Kunming, often recognized as the "Spring City" due to its pleasant climate, is the capital and largest city of Yunnan Province in southwest China. Nestled in the heart of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Kunming serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia and is known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural diversity. The city is renowned for its splendid attractions such as the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, the Western Hills, and vibrant flower markets, reflecting its rich biodiversity. Its historical lure includes the Bamboo Temple and the Yunnan Nationalities Museum, offering a glimpse into China's profound cultural heritage. With fascinating ethnic diversity, picturesque natural beauty, and mild climate all year round, Kunming lures travelers who seek to unwind and explore Chinese culture and nature.
7, 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.
8, Nanjing
Nanjing, located in the eastern part of China, in Jiangsu province, is a city rich in history and culture. Known as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, Nanjing is a hub of education, research, transportation, and tourism. It's renowned for its well-preserved historical sites such as the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful Xuanwu Lake, and Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, a tribute to the founding father of Republic China. The city is also famous for its city wall, which showcases its ancient historical significance. Nanjing, symbolizing the old and the modern, gives a unique blend of fast-paced city life with tranquil escapes.
9, 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.
10, Nanning
Nanning, often referred to as the "Green City" due to its abundance of lush tropical foliage, is located in the southern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This city, known for its serene landscapes, is a gateway to Southeast Asia, serving as China's Southern Corridor of the Trans-Asian Railway. Nanning's most notable attractions include Mount Qingxiu, a scenic hill offering panoramic views of the city and the Guangxi Museum of Nationalities that displays the rich cultures and traditions of China's varied ethnic groups. The city is also renowned for its culinary delights, with exotic street food found around every corner, including unique cuisines of the Zhuang ethnic minority. Additionally, Nanning is the perfect place to witness the annual Water-splashing Festival, a grand event filled with bonfires, dragon boat races, and water fights that expresses the local people's passion for life.
11, Changsha
Changsha, nestled in the river valley region of Xiang near the center of Hunan Province, China, is a city rich in history and culture. As the capital city of Hunan Province, Changsha is known for its exquisitely preserved Han Dynasty tombs, the ancient Kaifu Temple, and the breath-taking Yuelu Mountain that offers stunning views of the cityscape and surrounding landscapes from its peak. A phenomenal blend of the old and the new, the city is also home to bustling shopping streets and state-of-the-art buildings like the strikingly contemporary Changsha Museum. Changsha's unique culinary scene captivates food-lovers, with its fiery spicy hot-pots and Stinky tofu, while the serene, leafy parks offer calm retreats from the urban hustle and bustle.
12, Lachen
Lachen, located in the awe-inspiring northeastern region of China, is a beautiful mountain town full of inimitable charm and natural splendor. It is known for its breathtaking landscape characterized by undulating mountains, verdant valleys, serene lakes, and gushing rivers. A haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts, Lachen boasts of popular tourist attractions like the Thangu Valley, perfect for trekking and other outdoor activities, and the Gorudongmar Lake, one of the highest and most scenic lakes in the world. Alongside these natural wonders, Lachen is also home to fascinating Tibetan Buddhist monasteries that richly exemplify the region's long-held spiritual traditions and practices. Its unique mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and spiritual heritage make Lachen an irresistibly captivating destination.
13, Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou is a mesmerizingly picturesque nature reserve situated in China's southwestern Sichuan province. It is globally recognized for its tranquil blend of forests, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and pristine, color-shifting lakes, which earned it a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Throughout the year, the area witnesses an enormous influx of tourists who flock here to behold its extraordinary biodiversity, including the endangered giant pandas and the Sichuan golden monkeys, and experience the distinct culture of the local Qiang and Tibetan communities. The mesmerizing beauty of the multifaceted "Nine Village Valley" is inconceivably resplendent, making it an unmissable destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
14, Suzhou
Suzhou, located in the Jiangsu province of Eastern China, is a mesmerizing city of cultural sophistication and enchanting natural beauty, renowned as the "Venice of the East." Nestled on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Lake Tai, this ancient city is famed for its exquisite classical gardens, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and intricate waterways crisscrossing the city. Its ancient town is studded with beautifully preserved pagodas and temples from the Song and Ming dynasties. Renowned for its silk production, Suzhou is home to the Silk Museum and many operating silk factories, offering a rich tapestry of heritage and modernity that continues to allure travelers from around the globe.
15, Dalian
Dalian, located in the Liaoning Province of Northeast China, is a vibrant coastal city known for its striking blend of modern advancements and historical charm. Overlooking the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, Dalian is famously known as the 'Pearl of Northern China', and is revered for its beautifully clean beaches, a unique array of European-style architectures, and its captivating natural scenery including the Dalian Forest Zoo and Bingyu Valley. This bustling metropolis also boasts a state-of-the-art business district, a famous seafood market, and is a significant hub for the country's trade sectors. With an added sprinkle of thriving nightlife and a friendly atmosphere, Dalian offers an exciting diversity that showcases the mesmerizing blend of Chinese tradition and contemporary flair.
16, The Bund
Located in the heart of Shanghai, China, The Bund is a prominent waterfront district that offers a mesmerizing blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Known for its spectacular skyline, it showcases a panorama of grand 19th-century colonial buildings on one side and modern skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower on the other, giving a glimpse of Shanghai's past and its leap towards the future. Visitors can stroll along the 1.5-kilometer-long promenade, indulge in high-end shopping, savour world-class cuisines, or participate in a vibrant night scene. With its stunning architectural designs and breathtaking views, especially at night, The Bund is indeed an iconic symbol that represents the pulsating spirit of Shanghai.
17, Wuzhen
Wuzhen is a picturesque water town located in the northern part of Zhejiang Province, China, and is a part of the city of Tongxiang. It is renowned for its ancient structures, including stone bridges, canals, and homes dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Visitors are also mesmerized by its unique cultural exhibitions such as the indigo fabric dye workshop, the rice wine distillery, and shadow puppet performances. The highlight of Wuzhen is its west and east scenic zones beautifully illuminated at night, creating a stunning reflection against its tranquil waterways. Wuzhen invites you to step back in time and revel in its alluring old-world charm.
18, Jiuzhaigou County
Nestled within the confines of Sichuan Province, China, Jiuzhaigou County is a mesmerizing paradise of shimmering, multicolored lakes, majestic snow-capped peaks, and dense, verdant forests. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its expansive Jiuzhaigou Valley Nature Reserve, a spectacle that showcases Mother Nature's glacial prowess with scattered lakes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including the adorable Giant Pandas. The region also serves as home to Tibetan villages, presenting a vibrant insight of the culture's traditions and lifestyles. Jiuzhaigou County, celebrated for its ethereal beauty, particularly in autumn, creates an ideal blend of scenic charm and cultural richness, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
19, Enshi
Enshi, a hidden gem located in the Hubei Province of central China, is a captivating destination for travelers seeking an extraordinary exploration. This city is notably famous for its breathtaking landscapes of karst hills, idyllic rivers, and lush green forests. Visitors are mesmerized by the stunning Enshi Grand Canyon, reminiscent of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, but with its own unique appeal of spellbinding aerial views, adventurous walkways, and a picturesque view of nature's curve. Moreover, Enshi boasts Tenglong Cave, one of the longest karst caves in the world, where tourists can witness a realm of enchanting stalactites, stalagmites, and subterranean streams. The region also glows with rich cultural heritage, especially of the Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities, offering a distinctive culinary journey as well as colorful textile artworks.
20, Aba
Located in the Southern part of the Gansu Province, China, the stunning region of Aba is well-known for its magnificent landscape and rich Tibetan culture. Aba is culturally diverse and fabled for its historical existence; speckled with Tibetan monasteries and a thriving nomadic community, it provides a true insight into the unadulterated Tibetan way of life. The region is also home to the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, famous for its enchanting waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Adventure enthusiasts can take pleasure from hiking missions towards the region's high-altitude pastoral landscapes and grasslands. This picturesque getaway is a veritable paradise that never fails to fascinate its visitors.
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