I just returned from a two week solo-ish trip to China and wanted to share my experience and planning details since I was very nervous before going. My usual travel style is spontaneous, but I realized I needed more structure for this trip. Overall, it ended up being an amazing and life changing experience. The country felt welcoming, efficient, and surprisingly easy to navigate once I adapted to the local systems.
I spent time independently in Beijing and Chengdu, and then joined a group tour to visit places like Leshan, Mount Emei, Yangshuo, and Shanghai. Cities were very straightforward to explore, while rural areas required more logistical planning, though even tourist sites had good signage and accessibility.
Before traveling, I obtained a long-term visa, set up mobile connectivity using eSIM and my existing carrier, and prepared tools like Alipay and various translation apps. Payment systems worked well overall, though some places still required cash when foreign cards were not accepted. Public transport and ride-hailing services were easy to use through mobile apps once set up properly.
As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe throughout the trip, including while using public transport at night and exploring alone. Language barriers existed but were manageable with translation tools and helpful locals.
In conclusion, the trip exceeded my expectations. The infrastructure, food, and overall experience made it easy to travel independently, and I would gladly return in the future.
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