Is it Safe to Travel in China Alone? A Solo Traveler's Experience from St. Louis, Missouri

My name is Darrius Greaves, and I am from St. Louis, Missouri. Traveling alone has always been something I considered both thrilling and challenging, and last year, I decided to embark on a journey that many Americans might find intimidating—I went to China by myself. Before my trip, I constantly asked myself: Is it safe to travel in China alone? Now that I have experienced it firsthand, I want to share my story, my observations, and some practical advice for fellow solo travelers.

First Impressions: Arrival in Beijing

The moment I stepped out of Beijing Capital International Airport, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. After checking online, I found that Beijing Capital International Airport is the closest to the city center. Since this was my first time visiting a completely unfamiliar place, I chose it as my preferred arrival airport. Although Beijing Daxing International Airport offered bigger discounts when I was searching for tickets, after landing and seeing the situation for myself, I realized that either airport works fine—there’s no “must-choose” option; both are perfectly viable.

The airport was enormous and efficient, with clear signs in both Chinese and English, which immediately eased some of my anxiety. Taking a taxi to my hotel was my first real test. I had heard stories about tourists being overcharged, so I made sure to take a licensed taxi and confirmed the fare before setting off. To my surprise, the ride was smooth, safe, and reasonably priced. During the ride, the driver tried to communicate something to me in broken English—basically, that you can pay for taxis via WeChat or Alipay, and the transactions on these platforms are generally legitimate, so there’s no need to worry about being scammed. I roughly understood what he meant and decided to try it after checking into the hotel. Before coming, I had done some basic research and knew that these two apps are the main payment methods widely used in China today.

Here is my full experience registering and using WeChat Pay. I used my Samsung phone to search for “WeChat” on Google Play, downloaded and installed the app, then opened it and clicked “Sign Up.” I selected my country/region, entered my phone number, received the SMS verification code, and completed the basic verification.

However, what gave me a bit of a headache—and I have to admit, I was a little frustrated with—was that WeChat registration requires assistance from another person. Luckily, I contacted the hotel manager, and he helped me complete the verification, allowing me to successfully register the account. Once registered, I could log in to WeChat and use it for chatting and browsing, but if I wanted to make payments, I had to proceed to the next step.

Next, I went to Me → Services → Wallet, and selected “Add Bank Card.” I followed the prompts to fill in my passport information, completed identity verification, and then linked my Visa credit card. Finally, I set up a payment password, and WeChat Pay was successfully activated. The first time I used WeChat Pay, I bought a beverage.

From this experience, I realized that although the initial registration process was a bit cumbersome, the convenience of WeChat Pay is truly impressive. While traveling alone in China, having a fully functional WeChat account can solve nearly all daily transportation and spending needs.

Beijing, as I discovered, is a bustling metropolis, full of history and culture. Walking around alone at night did not feel unsafe. There were plenty of people on the streets, and police officers were visible in many areas. I quickly realized that the level of public safety here was higher than I had expected, and the city felt remarkably orderly, especially considering its size.

Navigating Language Barriers

One of my biggest concerns before traveling alone was the language barrier. I speak only basic Mandarin phrases, and I had worried that communicating in restaurants, on the subway, or in stores would be difficult. In reality, I found that technology was my best friend. Translation apps, like Google Translate, worked remarkably well. Many signs and menus in major cities also included English, and younger people especially were eager to help when I asked questions.

One memorable moment was when I got lost in a side street in Shanghai. I asked a shopkeeper for directions, and not only did she help me, but she even walked me to the nearest subway station. Moments like these made me realize how hospitable people in China are, and how traveling alone doesn’t mean being isolated.

Transportation and Convenience

China’s transportation system exceeded all my expectations. I had read about its high-speed trains and extensive metro networks, but experiencing them was a different story. I took a bullet train from Beijing to Xi’an, which was not only fast and comfortable but also incredibly punctual. The stations were clean, safe, and organized. Solo travelers like me could easily navigate them, thanks to clear signage and helpful staff.

Subway systems in cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou were equally impressive. The rides were safe, efficient, and extremely convenient for solo travelers. I even found that ride-hailing apps like DiDi worked perfectly for short trips, and the drivers were professional and courteous. The availability of mobile payment options such as Alipay and WeChat Pay made every transaction seamless, even though I was nervous about using digital wallets at first.

Solo Dining and Social Experiences

Eating alone in a foreign country can be intimidating, but in China, it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Street food markets and small local restaurants were my favorites. I remember sitting at a tiny noodle shop in Chengdu, savoring the spicy Sichuan noodles, while locals chatted around me. Nobody judged me for dining alone; in fact, many were curious and sometimes even offered advice on what to try.

Solo travel also allowed me to join group tours and meet fellow travelers from around the world. In Xi’an, I joined a small guided tour of the Terracotta Army. Traveling alone made me more open to interactions, and I often found myself sharing stories with locals and other tourists alike.

Safety Considerations

While my experience was overwhelmingly positive, I also practiced caution. I avoided poorly lit alleys late at night, kept my belongings secure, and stayed aware of my surroundings, just as I would anywhere in the world. I carried a copy of my passport and hotel information, which gave me extra peace of mind.

China has a relatively low crime rate, particularly for violent crimes, which I quickly noticed. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas, so I used a cross-body bag and kept my valuables close. The general sense of safety in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu allowed me to enjoy walking around alone without constant worry.

Cultural Respect and Etiquette

One aspect of traveling alone that I appreciated was learning to respect local customs. For example, I quickly noticed that queuing properly, speaking softly in public places, and showing politeness went a long way in earning goodwill. Attempting to understand and adapt to local culture not only enhanced my experience but also made interactions with locals smoother and more enjoyable.

Unexpected Adventures

Some of the most memorable moments of my solo trip happened spontaneously. I accidentally boarded the wrong train in a small town near Guilin, and while I was initially worried, a friendly elderly man helped me find the right platform. Experiences like this showed me that traveling alone doesn’t mean facing challenges alone—people in China are generally willing to help.

Another highlight was hiking in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. I joined a small group tour that accommodated solo travelers. The stunning scenery and the safety measures in place, such as well-marked paths and staffed checkpoints, made the adventure exhilarating and worry-free.

Reflections on Solo Travel

By the end of my trip, I realized that traveling alone in China is not only safe but also incredibly rewarding. Solo travel gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace, meet new people, and immerse myself in the culture more fully. I returned to St. Louis with a deep appreciation for the hospitality, efficiency, and security I experienced across the country.

For anyone considering traveling alone to China, my advice is simple: prepare adequately, stay aware, and embrace the experience. Use technology to overcome language barriers, respect local customs, and remain mindful of personal safety. With these measures, China is a fantastic destination for solo travelers seeking adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Conclusion

Traveling alone can be daunting, but my journey across China proved that fears often give way to incredible opportunities. From the bustling streets of Beijing to the serene landscapes of Zhangjiajie, every moment taught me that China is not only safe but welcoming for solo travelers. As someone from St. Louis, Missouri, I can confidently say: yes, it is safe to travel in China alone, and the experience is more than worth it.