Author
Tom Reeves
Budget travel specialist · Solo traveler safety researcher · 6 months backpacking across 28 Chinese cities on $35/day · Cross-references government advisories with on-the-ground safety data
Tom Reeves has backpacked across China on a shoestring budget — six months, 28 cities, and an average daily spend of $35 — and now writes budget and solo-travel guides that help travelers stretch their money without sacrificing experience. He researches solo traveler safety by mapping government advisory levels onto practical on-the-ground guidance and has tested every budget accommodation platform available to foreigners in China.
Expertise
- Budget travel in China (hostels, street food, public transit)
- Solo and solo-female travel safety
- Travel insurance for China-specific risks
- Safety advisories and risk assessment by city and region
Articles (11)
Is China Safe? 2026 Safety Guide
Yes — China is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists in 2026, with very low violent crime. The main risks are petty scams at tourist sites, taxi overcharges, and English-language barriers. Here is what to know and avoid.
China Trip Cost: Real Budgets
A 7-day China trip costs $700–$1,500 per person mid-range (Beijing + Shanghai), $400–$700 backpacker, and $3,000+ luxury. Flights and visa are separate. Here is the breakdown.
Solo Female Travel in China
China is one of the safer destinations for solo female travelers. Petty theft is rare, violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon, and most cities have excellent public transport. Here is what to expect and how to prepare.
Travel Insurance for China
Travel insurance is essential for China. Hospitals require upfront payment, medical costs can be high, and adventure activities like hiking or skiing are not covered by all policies. Here is what to look for and which providers to consider.
China Budget Backpacking Guide
How to backpack China on a tight budget: overnight sleeper trains, youth hostels, street food, free attractions, and the cheapest cities for budget travel.
China Wheelchair Accessibility Guide
China is improving on accessibility but is far behind the West. Modern airports and 4-star+ hotels are accessible; ancient streets, older metro stations, and most historic sites are not. Here is the realistic picture.
China Emergency Numbers
The three emergency numbers everyone knows — 110, 120, 119 — work, but English-speaking operators are rare. The China Tourist Hotline (12301) and your hotel front desk are faster routes to help for most traveler issues.
China Medical Emergency Guide
Chinese medical care in major cities is excellent and affordable for foreigners. Public hospitals are busy but cheap; international clinics are 3-5x the price but have English-speaking staff. Most prescription drugs are available over the counter at pharmacies. Here is the practical guide.
China Lost Luggage Guide
Lost luggage in China is rare on domestic flights but happens. The process is straightforward: report at the airline counter immediately, get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), and the airline delivers to your hotel within 24-48 hours. Here is the practical guide.
China Coworking Spaces Guide
China has hundreds of modern coworking spaces, especially in Beijing (中关村, 望京), Shanghai (Xuhui, Jing'an), and Shenzhen (Nanshan). Most accept foreign passports, have reliable wifi, and offer daily/monthly passes. Some have international communities.
China Tourist Scams: How to Avoid Them
Most tourist scams in China are low-stakes (overcharging, fake antiques). A few are higher-stakes (tea ceremony scam, fake art gallery scam). The good news: violent crime against tourists is rare, and most scams are easily avoided with a few habits.