A solo holiday to China is a truly unique travel experience. From the magnificence of the Forbidden City and the vast Great Wall to the cities that never sleep and the tranquillity of The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan), there’s no end of places to explore on a solo trip to China. In this blog post, we guide you through the Land of Dragons with highlights to help you create a perfect experience and unforgettable solo holiday to China.
Prepare for your adventure of a lifetime
If you’re planning a holiday to China as a solo traveller, there are a couple of things to bear in mind.
Consider what time of year you want to visit China. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September and October) are the best times to travel as the climate is more comfortable. If you travel in the low season, you’ll benefit from fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, plus flights and tourist attractions are likely to be cheaper.
Make a list of the places you want to visit so you can plan your route accordingly. Alternatively, you can book a group tour that will take you on a journey through China’s most unmissable sights. Silver Travel Advisor offers an exclusive 11-day trip in partnership with Wendy Wu Tours. Starting in Beijing, you’ll travel to Xian before heading on to Chengdu and Shanghai. For more details, contact our Silver Travel Advisors who are on hand to provide more information. Call 0800 412 5678.
What to pack for the Dragon Land
Your packing list depends on what time of year you choose to travel to China. However, there are a few year-round essentials we’d recommend adding to your luggage:
- Travel adapters
- Passport copies
- Another form of ID, such as a driver’s licence
- Guidebook
- Debit/ credit cards
- Emergency cash
- Travel insurance documents
- Waterproof jacket
- One or two sweaters
- Lightweight layers
- Shorts or trousers
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
- Toiletries
Exploring the cities
Must-see attractions and activities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an.
Beijing
Immerse yourself in Beijing’s dizzying charm and mind-bending sights. Discover iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace. Explore traditional hutongs, savour Peking Duck, and find serenity in the tranquillity of a tea house. As night falls, immerse yourself in a vibrant ambience and indulge in baijiu, a sorghum wine that will awaken your senses. Beijing is the type of city that will leave you wanting more.
Shanghai
This bustling city is a perfect combination of the past and future. Here you’ll find traces of ancient China alongside modern innovations. Take in the grand display of 1920s architecture and indulge in the city’s sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars. Don’t miss the sci-fi neon-lit skyscrapers across the bay, a sight that is sure to amaze. For a taste of ancient China, take a trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town. To make the most of your solo trip, consider booking a Shanghai City Private Day Tour. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that blends the past and future of China.
Xi’an
No solo holiday to China as a solo traveller is complete without a visit to Xi’an. It’s the ultimate destination for solo travellers where you can explore ancient streets, where the Silk Road began and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Xi’an is a captivating city teeming with history. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, safeguarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb for 2,200 years and be sure to experience the lively Muslim Quarter, boasting atmospheric markets and culinary delights.
Follow the Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is the world’s longest man-made structure and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This site is not to be missed if you’re an adventurous solo traveller over 50. For the full experience, spend the night inside a guard tower and be transported back through history. You can also book a group tour of The Great Wall, which offers solo travellers a chance to meet other like-minded travellers.
Adventure through rural China
Hike up mountains and explore rural regions. Highlights include Zhangjiajie, which is defined by its remarkable scenery and gravity-defying jagged quartzite sandstone columns. Also worth a visit if you want to experience rural China is the Guangxi region. Here, you’ll find the breathtaking city of Gullin. Walk along the rice terraces and get a true taste of rural life by staying in a house on wooden stilts. Be sure to try the oil tea while you’re here too.
Enjoy mouth-watering dishes from all over China
China has eight types of regional cuisines, each with its own unique characteristics and flavour profiles. Fujian cuisine is influenced by its coastal position and mountainous terrain, so expect to find dishes with bamboo shoots, earthy mushrooms, shellfish and seafood. Cantonese cuisine is the most popular, which uses stir-frying and steaming as well as all sorts of meats including chicken and pork, plus if you are adventurous you could try some local delicacies such as chicken feet and even snake!
If you have any further questions about booking a holiday in China, we’re here to help. For a quote or booking enquiries, simply call our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678.
