With over a billion people and over forty World Heritage Sites, China is a country that has both inspired and intimidated solo travelers for decades. The language is well known for being one of the most challenging and difficult to learn in the world, with a variety of dialects spoken and the written Chinese having a large number of characters that are difficult to identify for the casual visitor.
The country has a diverse and interesting culture that has not only seen its cuisine exported around the world, but also makes China an amazing and fascinating destination for the solo tourist.
Learn The Basics Of Chinese
Chinese is a language that has a range of dialects, including Mandarin and Cantonese, so depending on the area of the country you intend to visit then the type of Chinese to learn may vary. There are very few English signs that are to be found in China, and being able to know the basics such as numbers, directions and how to order food can really help you to survive those first few days in China. Even people who have lived in the country all their lives can struggle to understand the dialect used by residents of other parts of the country, so don't be embarrassed that you will only understand a little of the conversation.
Get Ready For The Culture Shock
The culture in China is very different to what most people will have encountered in the rest of the world, so it is well worth bracing yourself for the change that you will experience.
The first experience that most people will have in the country will be in one of the major cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, and the bustle of people going about their business throughout the day can be truly bewildering. Many cities do suffer from smog and pollution, while the traffic, yelling and car horns all contribute to the soundtrack of the country.
Traveling On Trains In China
The country has one of the largest rail networks in the world, and from ultra fast services linking the major cities to smaller local lines, there is a practical option for exploring most of the country. One of the first things to know is that you can't just turn up and jump straight on the train, as there are security checks, which for international visitors will include an X-ray of your luggage and a passport check, so get there well in advance. There is a range of accommodation available on most routes, and those traveling on a budget often find that the hard sleeper is ideal, as it is an inexpensive cabin with four or six bunks that is shared with others.
Looking After Your Money In China
Keeping an eye on your money in China is very important, as there are a wide variety of different scams that are often used to fleece visitors of their cash. Always make sure that you have an emergency fund that you can access in case anything happens, and consider using a money belt or an inside pocket to store your money. It is also worth being aware of different schemes that can be used to overcharge visitors, from flirty Chinese girls wanting to practice their English over a cup of tea that will cost a fortune through to simple overcharging on the assumption that you won't be able to read the bill.
Chinese Massage
While enjoying a traditional massage in China is a very good way of relaxing and of getting away from the organized chaos of its cities, make sure that you use a reputable massage parlor. Like many countries, massage can often be synonymous with prostitution, so if the girls offering the massage are in short skirts and are hawking for your business, it is usually best to steer clear. Blind people are often the most talented masseurs, and will often offer a great massage for an inexpensive price, so try to ask for recommendations from your hotel or look online for reviews of a genuine massage parlor.