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 for female travelers?

Travel safety index

4.5 /5

based on 6 experiences from female travelers

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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How safe is Shanghai for women?

Local safety index

4.8 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Local crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

I have lived in Shanghai for over 20 years and have lived alone for more than 5 years. I think Shanghai is a safe city for women traveling alone. I have never been harassed, and it has generally been safe to go home late at night.

Posted: October 4, 2025
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Joke

Joke

I feel like China is one of the safest countries I’ve ever been to or lived, you can be drunk on your bike home at night or in a taxi and nothing will happen. Me and other girl friends have always felt super safe and have no bad experiences

Posted: September 24, 2025
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Sanja

Sanja

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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I feel very safe in Shanghai. I can tell that the locals feel the same. No one bothers anyone here. There are cameras almost everywhere and police presence at key spots. There are also security checks at metro stations. Even when I walk alone at night, I don’t feel afraid.

Posted: May 24, 2025
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Life is very safe in Shanghai: tangible and strictly enforced laws are in place to protect women in any and all settings. Culturally, misogyny and sexism are still present, but would rarely escalate into physical violence. Help lines and healthcare services are readily available.

Posted: May 19, 2025
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Safety in China