Traveling alone for two weeks in China?

My travel buddy can't come with me to China. I might not go at all. I'm looking for some practical advice on how a lone female who doesn't speak Chinese can travel China safely.

Anyone have suggestions on books or guides for Beijing, ShangHai and GuanDong?

I'm sure a lot of people speak english.

Your question and itinerary is a bit vague, but I can tell you from experience that China is one of the safest place to travel, even for a female traveling alone. You might encounter some staring squads, but no malice, simply curiosity, some guys will try to make conversation, but nothing like if you were in Rome or Naples...

So, first thing is to get yourself the Lonely Planet guide and phrasebook, prepare your itinerary, and jump in. Not speaking mandarin can sometimes be a little frustrating but it is part of the experience. I remember once traveling on a packed long-distance bus by myself, from Shenzhen to Quanzhou for 15 hours straight, with nobody speaking a word of English, not knowing if I was on the right bus going to the right direction (you can't even read the signs on the highway LOL), and being dropped at 5 am in the middle of a small city in the middle of a class 7 typhoon, with no minutes left on my cell phone to call my Chinese friend to the rescue...

Once you have your itinerary made up, don't hesitate to contact me and I'll try to give you some tips, hotels, etc.

I personally think that it can be a bit risky, it can still be done as long as you stick to big cities which is a shame, because the most beautiful parts of China are the rural areas.. ( well, tat's just my opinion) There's so many things that the guide books can list for you to watch out without putting you off, you'll see when you get there. Watch out for strangers that are a little too helpful and a little too friendly.

I would really wait until you have a travel partner.

I think you shouldn't have any problems in Shanghai or Beijing in terms of safety, and you will not have serious problems in any of those places in terms of English (communication)

If you want to meet some English-speaking Chinese and ask about their opinions, you can find many friendly people on this forum: http://www.daxueyingyu.com/forum/index.php?referredby=1

Good luck, and I hope you will still go on your trip! :)

Book into primary five star hotels and work with the concierge in each city to hire a guide. You can usually hire a private guide for $60.00 USD a day or less. They will take you around, translate for you, etc. Get a guide on the first day and then, of you like, hire them again on the second day.

Most of all, relax and enjoy the trip you have. Do not worry about expectations or things that do not go as planned. Even if you do not get what you want, it will still be a fun trip.

Why not make some Chinese friends?
they are friendly and helpful~
an English forum will help u make more Chinese friends:http://www.foreignercn.com/bbs/
u can make friends at the depart of "finding friends" (register first)
ask them the experience of travel in China

You can do it. I travelled there on my own without having any knowledge of the language, but I picked some up while I was there. You might want to inquire about getting a personal guide for each city for one or two days. They can show you around for realtively little expense. The Lonely Planet guides are good and I would suggest purchasing one of those little pocket phrasebooks that you can carry around with you. And China is still quite safe, although I was careful at night in Shangahi and Guangzhou. Beijing has lots of historical and interesting things to do while Shanghai is more for shopping. You might want to check out travelling to Suzhou, X'ian or Guilin which all have beautiful scenery and lots of fascinating attractions. Good luck!

hey darling,
a lonely planet phrase book is about the only thing you're going to need. For my first year or so in china i used it all the time. It explains how to say everything. So you will be able to speak enough to get by. BUY IT!
china is actually way safer than the west. u should still come - it's an awesome experience.
i'm in guangdong - catch me on facebook ( kat lia (china) ) or myspace (katlia@myspace.com) if u like.