Is China Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

China is generally considered a safe country for solo female travelers. Cities are often busy, significantly reducing risks of getting attacked or harassed, and public transportation is reliable and widely used. Chinese people are generally friendly and helpful to foreigners. However, like anywhere else, it's important to take normal precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night in secluded places and being aware of scams targeted at tourists.

Safety rating

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How safe is China?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

China is relatively safe at night, especially in the major cities, where streets are well-lit and often bustling with people. Public safety officers patrol frequently, and CCTV cameras are common. It's advisable for solo female travelers to always be cautious and retain common sense such safety measures like keeping personal belongings close, avoiding alleys or dim-lit areas, and not accepting unsolicited offers from strangers. However, overall, many solo female travelers report feeling safe walking around Chinese cities at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in China is generally safe and efficient. With an extensive network of buses, subways, and taxis, one can travel through the cities with relative ease. As a solo female traveler, normal precautions still apply. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded subway cars, avoid traveling alone during late night hours and always keep a close eye on your belongings. Though instances of harassment are relatively low, it's still advisable to always be attentive about one's surroundings.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

China generally has a safe environment for female solo travellers. Street harassment is relatively low, although it can vary based on cities or regions. Most locals are respectful and helpful to foreigners. However, staring or curiosity might be mistaken as harassment, but it's usually due to the language barrier or cultural differences. Stricter laws are also in place to protect women's rights. Therefore, one can feel relatively safe while journeying through this culturally rich country.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching or smartphone theft do occur in China, mainly in crowded tourist areas or public transportation. However, the overall incidence is relatively low compared to other countries. As with any travel, individual vigilance and keeping your belongings secure can usually deter such incidents. The Chinese authorities also maintain a strong law enforcement presence, which further dissuades petty criminals.

Is China worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 48 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

China, Group travel

China was a very good country I really liked the food there and the people. It was not much expensive and everything was accessible. But you do feel a little disconnected to the world since you can’t have access to social media

Posted: August 23, 2025
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Laura

Laura

Italy

China, Couple travel

It was a really safe trip. There were police almost everywhere. It was quite difficult understanding them and their maps of the different cities but all the landscapes and attractions were amazing. Also, the food was okay, a bit too spicy sometimes

Posted: July 24, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Chengdu, Solo travel

Overall a great choice for women, even as a foreign women people will not take pictures or bother you like in other Chinese cities where unfelt very uncomfortable. Chengdu is safe, affordable and a good time

Posted: July 5, 2025
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Rebecca

Rebecca

China

China, Solo travel

I have been travelling around China for the last 10 years both on my own and with friends. As long as you have internet and the apps you will be fine. Most place don’t speak a lot of English but they are set up for tourists especially the main tourist attractions. Public transport is easy and safe.

Posted: July 4, 2025
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Pudong, Solo travel

Shanghai was amazing! I stayed for 5 days but wish I stayed longer. Everything was so cheap and the transport system (metro) made it so that you could anywhere very quickly since there's metros stops everywhere connected in a grid. The food is very cheap too but lots of overpriced tourist traps. Overall I felt safe but being a non-aisan women will definitely get you a lot of looks from men. People also spat on the street which was very shocking. The people are very friendly, especially students. Customer service is strange, not that friendly but still helpful.

Posted: July 2, 2025Experienced: May, 2025
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Is China safe for women?

Safety index

4.8 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

Sanja

Sanja

Shanghai

Great public transport, clean and safe city especially for women or solo travelers. Language barrier can be an issue but a lot of apps available, translating instantly. Definitely need WeChat and AliPay to get around.

Posted: August 25, 2025
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Safety in China