Solo Travel

Question

I’m flying into Shanghai in May for 12 days and wanted to ask for ideas and recommendations for a solo traveller (M60). I’d also like to travel to Beijing by train as part of the trip, are there any organised groups I could consider or is it easy to navigate on my own? TIA

Answer

Visiting Shanghai as a solo traveler in May for 12 days gives you plenty of time to explore both the city and make a side trip to Beijing. Shanghai is very navigable for foreigners, especially if you are comfortable with English and using translation apps. Public transport is extensive, including metro lines, buses, and taxis, making solo travel fairly convenient.

For the Shanghai portion of your trip, consider the following:

Explore iconic districts like The Bund, Nanjing Road, and French Concession for a mix of history, shopping, and culture.
Visit museums such as the Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Exhibition Center, and the China Art Museum.
Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao or other water towns to experience traditional canals and architecture.
Enjoy modern attractions like Shanghai Tower or the Lujiazui skyline for panoramic views.
Consider joining day tours or small group activities in Shanghai to meet other travelers if you prefer social interaction.

For traveling to Beijing by train:

High-speed trains from Shanghai to Beijing take around 4.5–6 hours depending on the service (G or D trains). Booking in advance through Ctrip or the official 12306.cn website is recommended.
Beijing’s major sites like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace are easy to navigate independently with English signage in major tourist areas.
For the Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling), you can either hire a private driver, join a small group tour, or use public transport plus shuttle services. Many tours cater to solo travelers.
If you prefer organized experiences, there are reputable local operators and platforms like Klook, Ctrip, or Viator offering guided day tours or multi-day packages from Shanghai or Beijing.

Additional tips for solo travel in China:

Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app, as English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas.
Carry cash and WeChat Pay/Alipay if possible, as some smaller establishments do not accept international cards.
Stay in centrally located hotels or hostels to simplify sightseeing and transportation logistics.
Check travel advisories and train/bus schedules in advance for smooth intercity travel.

Overall, solo travel in China is very feasible, especially if you plan ahead. Mixing independent exploration with a few guided tours or day trips is often the most enjoyable approach for solo travelers.

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