Is Shanghai Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Shanghai is generally a safe city for solo female travelers with low levels of crime. The city has a 24-hour security system and police are readily accessible. However, like any major city, it is advised to be cautious especially at night in quiet areas and when using taxis. Pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded places such as markets and train stations, so it's recommended to keep your belongings secure at all times. Following general safety advice such as avoiding unlit or deserted areas at night and being mindful of your personal belongings can help you enjoy a trouble-free stay in Shanghai.

Safety rating

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How safe is Shanghai?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Shanghai, as one of the most developed cities in China, possesses a good safety record, especially for female travelers. Generally, the streets are well-lit and populated even late at night. The presence of police and security personnel is evident in most of the areas. However, there are certain places where muggings and petty thefts are reported, hence it is always recommended to stay alert and cautious in crowded places and avoid less-traveled areas at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Shanghai's public transportation system is relatively safe and reliable. The metro, buses, and ferries are frequently used by locals and tourists alike, and security measures are generally in place like security checks at metro stations. Taxis are also metered and regulated. However, do remember to avoid peak hours to make your travel less stressful and always keep an eye on your belongings. It's also wise to have your destination written in Chinese as most drivers do not speak English.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Shanghai, being one of China's most modern and cosmopolitan cities, generally exhibits low street harassment levels. The locals are accustomed to foreigners and usually maintain a respectful distance. Though unexpected incidents may occasionally occur, as in any other city worldwide, they aren't the norm. Public areas are well-patrolled, especially tourist-centric locations, making it safe for solo female travelers most of the time.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Shanghai is generally safe for solo female travelers with the risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching being comparatively low. However, these can happen primarily in crowded areas and on public transportation. Also, scams or tourist traps are prevalent so it's essential to stay alert and aware of surroundings, especially in busier tourist areas. While it is relatively safe, keeping the standard level of vigilance is advisable.

Is Shanghai worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 6 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Solo travel

Shanghai is overall safe. the night life is so fun and interesting. can’t recommend a hotel or restaurant, mostly stayed with a local friends. worth to visit just to meet new people and get the vibe of the city

Posted: January 24, 2025
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Josh

Josh

Germany

Solo travel

Its pretty safe traveling in Shanghai, or most big cities in China. In Shanghai, i went to see a football game, went to Disneyland, went to see an opera, and taste some traditional food, beer and coffee. They are all recommended. Shanghai is also known as coffee city in China, if you are interested in Coffee, you should definitely try some. I spent 1k CNY for the flights, 300 for 1 night hotel, the rest of nights I was couch surfing, 500 for Disney land, 300 for opera tickets, 200 for football ticket. 1k for eating and drinking. I get around mostly by shared bike. It’s really convenient, for most spots we can ride in several minutes.

Posted: November 15, 2024
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Group travel

It was an amazing experience and it’s really safe to travel as a lady . But make sure you have your translator with you if you can’t speak mandarin. The people are really friendly and easy going . I had countless gifts.

Posted: January 12, 2024
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Solo travel

A year ago, I visited Shanghai by myself. It seemed that there was an extraordinary lack of sexual harassment there, which made me feel extremely safe. China has its challenges (mainly language, taxis, and crowds), but public transport is amazing and easy. The food is worth the visit. It's a great place for a solo trip.

Posted: October 1, 2023
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Solo travel

I went to Shanghai alone and it was a wonderful, invigorating experience. I treated myself to a hotel instead of a hostel and essentially roamed Shanghai alone for three days according to my own schedule. When I had enough of the city, I did some research online, took a train to Anhui province and climbed a mountain (Huangshan). It was amazing. Sometimes it was frightening (I don't speak Mandarin at all), but I managed to understand it and people were very kind and helpful.

Posted: September 27, 2023
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Is Shanghai safe for women?

Safety index

4.6 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

Crime index

1 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

Danni

Danni

Shanghai is a very safe city. I’ve lived here for over 20 years. And I’m a jazz music fan, I would very often go jazz bar and go back home in midnight. I’m very sure that it’s very safe for a woman walking in midnight.

Posted: February 7, 2025
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It’s a modern big city. And people here are very nice and polite. You can go on the street at midnight.Because the security here is very good. Even you left your bag on the street, no one will steal it.

Posted: January 9, 2025
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Meet locals in Shanghai

Yvonne

Yvonne

About Me

Hi I’m Yvonne. Love traveling and meeting new friends on the journey: )

Speaking

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金宇涵

金宇涵

About Me

ENFP

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Shanghai

Sparrow

Sparrow

Shanghai

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey all! I’m Sparrow, an Asian American international student currently living in the vibrant city of Shanghai. I love traveling, making art, debate, speech, literature, chess, meeting new people, and exploring new places.

Speaking

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Sarie

Sarie

Shanghai

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi I'm an American voice actress living and working in Shanghai for 6 years. Once you get into Shanghai, you won't want to leave. It's an affordably, luxurious international city like you have never seen before! I'm hoping to rent out my apartment for July and August of this year. It's centrally located duplex lift with a balcony and river view. Full kitchen, 1 and a half baths and washer/dryer. Open to showing you around and helping you get set up for an amazing summer!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Shanghai

Pui

Pui

About Me

I am 27 years old and I live in Rotterdam. I like having deep conversations and find it very important to have a good time. If I had more time and more money, than I would have traveled a lot more to see new places.

Speaking

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Safety in China