Hefei, as a solo female traveler, is generally considered safe. The city's crime rate is low and people are usually friendly and helpful. However, it's always smart to stay cautious, especially during the night or in crowded places. Basic safety measures like not showing off expensive possessions or not walking alone in isolated areas at night are still recommended. Chinese people are typically respectful towards women, but it can be very helpful to have some basic Mandarin phrases on hand to facilitate communication.