Solo Adventure: 10 Days Exploring China
Embarking on a solo journey through China for 10 days was an incredible experience, filled with breathtaking sights and delicious food. Here's a breakdown of my adventure, including tips for fellow solo female travelers.
1. Securing the Visa
As I'm based in South Korea, I handled my visa application there. The process was relatively smooth, and my visa was approved within 5-6 days, granting me a 30-day entry into China. It's always reassuring to have that official permission secured!
2. My Itinerary and Essential Apps
My trip was designed for immersion, moving between fascinating cities. Here's how my 10 days unfolded:
- Day 1: Seoul to Shanghai
- Day 2: Shanghai to Zhouzhuang
- Day 3: Zhouzhuang to Suzhou
- Day 4: Suzhou to Hangzhou
- Day 5: Hangzhou exploration
- Day 6: Hangzhou to Nanjing
- Day 7: Nanjing deep dive
- Day 8: Nanjing to Shanghai
- Day 9: Shanghai discoveries
- Day 10: Shanghai to Seoul
For specific local attractions, a quick Google search of the place names will reveal plenty of options. I kept my tech setup simple, relying on these key apps:
- Alipay: Essential for payments, ride-hailing, and ordering food.
- Amap (Gaode Maps): My go-to for navigation.
- WeChat: Useful for connecting with hotels and local contacts.
3. Navigating Potential Challenges
Traveling solo can sometimes come with unexpected hurdles, but with a little preparation, they're manageable.
Immigration Encounters: Arriving alone at Pudong Airport in Shanghai as a Vietnamese woman presented a unique challenge. Immigration officers expressed concerns about potential overstaying or marriage intentions. Despite presenting my itinerary and return flight tickets, along with my Korean Alien Registration Card, I was initially met with resistance. My request for a Vietnamese interpreter and airport assistance eventually eased the situation, allowing me to proceed. It's always wise to have your documentation organized and be prepared for thorough questioning.
Time Management: Punctuality in China often requires adding buffer time. The security and check-in processes can be quite extensive, with multiple verification steps. I learned to factor in an extra 1-1.5 hours for any travel to ensure I wasn't running late. Missing your planned departure time due to these procedures is a common occurrence.
Avoiding Overcharging: While I only experienced it once, it's worth mentioning. When I took a taxi from my hotel to the train station in Suzhou and realized I'd forgotten my luggage, the driver had to backtrack. The fare was calculated by the app, but the driver then asked me to pay him directly a higher amount, outside the app. I politely questioned this, mentioning calling the police for clarification. This quickly resolved the issue, and I paid the correct app-calculated fare. Sticking to app-based payments offers a layer of protection.
A Brush with Chikungunya: In Hangzhou, I experienced mosquito bites that led to swollen legs and a fever. Initially diagnosed as a cold, my prior experience with dengue fever made me suspect something different. The symptoms, though uncomfortable, subsided after two days. Upon departure from Shanghai, I discovered a free chikungunya testing booth at the airport. It confirmed my suspicion. Fortunately, I was already feeling much better by then, making the diagnosis more of a curious confirmation than a health crisis.
Overall, my solo trip to China was a resounding success. I'm proud of myself for achieving my travel goals. China offers beautiful landscapes and delicious food at affordable prices. While the noise and litter in some areas were drawbacks, the positive aspects far outweighed them. I'd rate this trip a solid 7.5 out of 10.
Credit: Võ Thị Ngọc Ánh
