Is Guangzhou Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Guangzhou generally has a reputation for being quite safe during the nighttime. That said, like any large city, it is still advised to take precautions, especially while travelling solo. The downtown areas, including commercial districts like Tianhe and Zhujiang New Town, are particularly safe for a late night stroll, thanks to the lively crowd and well-lit streets. Public transportation like the metro and taxis are available and reliable, even late into the night. But lesser known neighborhoods, dark alleys, or poorly-lit paths should be avoided. Lastly, it's always recommended to stay vigilant of your surroundings and avoid flashing expensive belongings.

Public transportation in Guangzhou is typically safe. Guangzhou's Subway System and buses are usually crowded but crime rates are very low. As in every large cities, watch out for pickpockets during rush hours or in particularly crowded areas. Use common sense and take precautions like avoiding displaying large amounts of money or expensive personal items. It's always a good idea to keep your belongings secure and close to your body. Many locals and tourists use Guangzhou public transportation every day without any issues.

Although there might be isolated cases of street harassment in Guangzhou, it’s generally not a prevalent issue. Chinese people are often polite and respectful towards tourists. However, stares and random photo requests might be encountered due to curiosity, especially if you are noticeably foreign. Guangzhou is a fairly safe and welcoming city for solo female travelers, but as with any place, it's important to stay vigilant and take normal precautions.

Although Guangzhou is comparatively safer than many other places in the world, petty crimes do occur occasionally just like any other city. The most common type of petty crime that tourists might encounter are pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded tourist areas, bus stations, or on public transportation. Staying alert and taking basic safety precautions can largely prevent these incidents.

While the water in Guangzhou, undergoes treatment and is claimed safe by local authorities, it's better to avoid drinking it straight from the tap due to potential contamination with heavy metals, bacteria, and other pollutants. Most locals and experienced travelers boil the tap water or buy bottled water for consumption.

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution overall in China. Check the full travel advisory.