Women Travel Safety in Hangzhou: Solo Female Travel Tips

Hangzhou is generally very safe for women travelers, including those traveling alone. Violent crime is rare, and the city is well-lit and busy in central areas. However, solo female travelers should still take sensible precautions. This guide offers practical advice for women visiting Hangzhou.

Overall Safety for Women

Hangzhou ranks as one of China’s safest major cities. Harassment of foreign women is uncommon but not impossible. Most issues are limited to overcharging, unwanted attention or petty scams.

Solo Female Travel Tips

• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable, leave.
• Avoid accepting invitations to teahouses or bars from strangers.
• Use Didi or official taxis at night.
• Keep your hotel address in Chinese on your phone.
• Share your itinerary with someone back home.
• Stay in well-reviewed accommodation in central areas.

Safe Areas to Stay

• West Lake area
• Wulin Square
• Qingchun Road
• Qianjiang New Town

These areas are well-lit, busy and well-connected by metro.

Transport Safety at Night

• Use Didi rather than hailing taxis on the street.
• Sit in the back seat.
• Share your trip with a friend using Didi’s safety feature.
• Avoid unlicensed vehicles.

What to Wear

Hangzhou is relatively liberal, but modest dress is appreciated, especially at temples. In summer, lightweight clothing is fine. For temples, cover shoulders and knees.

Cultural Norms

• Public displays of affection are uncommon.
• Drinking alcohol in public is generally acceptable but avoid excessive intoxication.
• Personal space is smaller than in Western countries.

Emergency Contacts

Service	Number
Police	110
Medical	120
Fire	119

Specific Safety Tips by Situation

Using Public Transport

• Sit near the driver on buses
• On the metro, choose carriages with other women or families
• Keep your bag in front of you in crowded spaces
• Take a photo of the taxi license plate before getting in

At Your Hotel

• Choose hotels in well-lit, central areas
• Use the hotel safe for valuables
• Do not open your door without verifying who is there
• Let the front desk know if you expect to be back late

Walking Alone at Night

• Stick to main roads and well-lit areas
• Avoid shortcuts through parks or empty streets
• Walk with confidence and purpose
• If followed, enter a shop or restaurant

Dealing with Unwanted Attention

• A firm "bù" (不, no) is usually enough
• If someone is persistent, raise your voice — Chinese culture values face, and public attention will make them back off
• Walk toward a group of people or into a shop
• Call 110 if you feel threatened

Recommended Apps for Women Travelers

• Didi: Safer than street taxis, GPS-tracked, share trip with friends
• Alipay/WeChat Pay: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Translation app: For communicating with police or hospital staff
• Companion: A personal safety app that alerts your emergency contacts

Health and Hygiene

• Bring your preferred sanitary products — Chinese brands differ from Western ones
• Pharmacies (药店) are everywhere and sell most necessities
• UTIs are common in hot weather — stay hydrated and carry cranberry supplements
• Contraception is available at pharmacies without prescription

Useful Phrases

English	Chinese	Pronunciation
Help!	救命！	jiù mìng!
Leave me alone	请走开	qǐng zǒu kāi
Call the police	叫警察	jiào jǐng chá
I need a doctor	我需要看医生	wǒ xū yào kàn yī shēng
Where is the hospital?	医院在哪里？	yī yuàn zài nǎ lǐ?

FAQ