Searching for the best China tours for solo travelers? Are you a single traveler looking for China tour options? Or are you an experienced solo traveler who has China at the top of your ‘must visit’ list? It doesn’t matter what your motivation is, solo travelers – specifically, single travelers researching options for solo travel in China – need look no further. In this article, we provide all the insights needed to plan and book your China tour as a single.
For those traveling on their own, China is a surprisingly safe destination. As China has opened up to the world, there has been steadily increasing comfort with international visitors, including those who opt to travel on their own. In fact, if you are traveling on your own, you’re likely to experience even more hospitality from locals who want to make international travelers feel welcome in this fascinating country.
Notwithstanding the challenges presented by traveling, living, or studying in a country where the language and culture are not familiar, both expats and adventurers say that in China they are happy to head out at night and use public transport without concern for their personal safety. Security measures at travel facilities, like subway stations, airports, and bus transfer centers mean solo travelers need not worry about being left stranded without being able to access help if needed. This, coupled with a police presence in all major cities, and a strong culture of law and order – guns are banned – makes traveling solo or part of a small group tour a real option for holidaying on your own.
Is it possible to visit China on your own?
Even seasoned travelers may wonder about the possibility of visiting China if they are traveling solo. In response to the question ‘Is it possible to visit China on your own?’, you can be confident in the resounding yes that is the answer. Just because you do not have a travel buddy or prefer to travel on your own, does not mean you should miss out on all that China has to offer.
As a destination, China delivers so much. Rich in culture and history, it is a country that is also appreciated for its diverse and stunning landscapes. From the expansive outlook from the Great Wall to the mesmerizing order of the Longji rice terraces to the misty peaks of Zhangjiajie, there is quite literally a world of choice for China solo travelers if you are hungry for enriching travel experiences.
And of course, beyond landscapes there is plenty to entice even the greatest skeptic. Virtually every destination has its own must-visit historic sites, popular attractions, spectacular museums, ancient towns, local markets, unusual cultural and creative products, brilliant shows and performances, tasty Chinese food, as well as unique customs and traditions. Indeed, it is the unusual blend of experiences that has many ChinaTours.com guests commenting that not only has their understanding of China changed since visiting, they too have changed. We commonly hear that after their small group tour, which allows close interaction with bilingual guides who love their role as ambassadors, our guests often gain a deep appreciation of China and its people and culture. Others are captivated by the evident expansion of the super fast train network that brings cities closer to each other through rail travel exceeding 300 kilometers per hour. Foodies are taken in by the variety of cuisine to be found in every corner of the country, while night owls love to take advantage of the bustling ‘night time economy’ that caters to China’s giant population, which seems to love life after a day of work. Night time markets, along with a variety of cultural shows, sports, and exhibitions, mean that single travelers need not ever feel alone.
What hurdles could I face when traveling on my own in China?
Now while there is no end of choice for what to do in China if you are a solo traveler, it does pay to keep in mind certain things. Language of course can be a real barrier, and while many students have completed high school or graduate studies in English speaking countries, China is a big place, and in many locations, you may discover that very little – or even no English – is spoken. In thriving cities, this may not present a problem, but in more far flung locations, getting around on your own could be difficult; a fact which highlights the importance and value of a good guide. Keep in mind that signs for streets, addresses, bus stops, subway stations are mostly in Chinese and Pinyin resulting in many mistranslated ‘Chinglish signs’ that end up being very confusing for foreign visitors.
Language barriers are one thing, but by far and away the biggest headache for foreign visitors is sourcing tickets to just about anything. Think here of any attraction that comes to mind. While some attractions and sites permit walk-in visitors, the majority don’t, and herein lies the problem. Visitors – both domestic and international – must book and purchase tickets online using their personal details well in advance of the planned visit date. For the main attractions, like the Forbidden City for example, this is mostly completed through the social media platform WeChat (and even this process can be difficult!). Vendors that allow you to book this way have a custom integration whereby bookings are made and payments processed. Be aware though some vendors don’t even permit international travelers with foreign passports to book directly with them, making it extremely difficult to secure tickets. So if you’re planning to try your luck and make your own bookings, you must first download the WeChat app. If the vendor doesn’t have a purchase function for international visitors on WeChat, then you could try the vendor’s website. However, nine out of ten vendors will not have an English translation version, or they will have an ‘application process’, both of which present further barriers to ticket purchase. In short, your best bet to avoid disappointment if you plan to buy your own tickets to anything while traveling on your own is to engage the assistance of a bilingual guide. That way you won’t spend precious travel time sorting out arrangements that could create problems on your long awaited vacation.
What about booking tickets during peak season?
During any peak season, but particularly Chinese public holidays and school holidays, it is a safe bet you won’t be able to book and purchase tickets successfully. Tickets can sell out in minutes, mainly due to ticket numbers being limited. You may be able to secure train or air tickets by paying more for business class seats, but there is no chance at all for obtaining admission tickets to a tourist site or attraction. Many travelers to Beijing have already experienced the frustration and disappointment of not being able to visit the Forbidden City because they did not understand the best way to securely purchase entry tickets to this world famous historical site.
Similarly, many international travelers have had issues at train stations, where foreign passport holders must obtain their train tickets from the ticket office. Unfortunately, it really isn’t as simple as just showing up and buying a train ticket even if it has been purchased online.
What’s the best solution for solo travelers in China?
As China tour experts catering to international travelers, our very best recommendation for solo travelers is a small group tour that allows for time to explore on your own. There are many benefits to small group tours: Reduced costs, ease of arrangements (especially with ticket purchase and collection), guidance from an enthusiastic local who loves their city, your own room (no sharing on ChinaTours.com holidays), and personalized attention.
Our small group tours also provide ample opportunity to explore on your own. We do not include lunches or dinners in our tour fees, meaning there is plenty of time to take in all that a destination has to offer. We think it’s the perfect balance of guidance and ‘free time’ on tour.
And if connecting with like minded adventurers is high on your values, a small group tour is the perfect platform by which to make friends from around the world. With ChinaTours.com, you have the option to stay with the same group or merge with other groups as you move from one destination to the next. In the ChinaTours.com inspired world of creating beautiful travel memories, flexibility is the ticket to a truly special holiday.
What else should you know about ChinaTours.com small group tours? Here’s our list of benefits, if you need more convincing:
- Limited passenger numbers (maximum of 12 per tour)
- Scheduled departure and arrival dates
- Guaranteed departure even if there’s only one passenger
- Superior and luxury hotel accommodation choices
- Flexibility around meals (enjoy a hotel breakfast and choose your own lunch and dinner)
- Relaxed travel times (no early starts)
- Domestic flights and land transfers included
- Exceptional bilingual speaking guides who will introduce you to the culture, history, and food of every destination you visit.
What’s not to love?
Are you ready to travel solo to China and want to learn more about your options? Now could be the perfect time to get in touch.
Learn more about things to do in China here: https://www.chinatours.com/travel-guide/
Whether you’re a savvy solo traveler or a first time visitor to China looking for your options as a single traveler, doing your research is the best way to make the most of your vacation in this amazing country. Solo travel for international visitors is safe and fun in China. How do we know? We offer custom tours for people who don’t want their travel solo status to stop them from seeing all the very best China has to offer.
Our friendly team can provide all the information you need on travel costs, including hotels, tours, tickets, food, and experiences from people who truly care about your holiday. Talk to the ChinaTours.com team. We’re travelers too, and we’re committed to helping you create beautiful travel memories that endure long after you’ve arrived home. We welcome online enquiries via direct contact, with responses delivered within 24 hours.
