How to Travel Safely as a Solo Female Traveler in Ankang, Shaanxi, China

1. Ankang Police Station

Stay connected with local authorities in case of emergency. They can provide safety tips and assistance.

Emergency Contact: Know the emergency phone number for police, fire department, and medical services.
Police Escort: Ask for a police escort when traveling at night or in unsafe areas.
Safety Tips: Gather safety tips provided by the local authorities.

Seek help and advice from local women's associations for cultural insights and safety tips.

Cultural Insights: Learn about local customs, etiquette, and behaviors that may impact your safety.
Safety Tips: Gather safety tips provided by the women's association for solo female travelers.
Support and Guidance: Receive support and guidance from fellow local women traveling alone.

Get information about safe areas to visit, transportation options, and tour providers.

Safe Destinations: Learn about the safest destinations for solo female travelers.
Transportation Tips: Gather tips on safe and reliable transportation methods.
Tour Providers: Discover tour providers with a good reputation for safety and fair treatment of female travelers.

Choose accommodations in well-lit and safe areas with reliable security.

Safe Area: Ensure your accommodation is located in a safe neighborhood.
Security Measures: Inquire about security measures such as CCTV and on-site security staff.
Recommendations: Seek recommendations from fellow travelers or online reviews for safe accommodations.

Use reliable and well-lit public transportation during daytime and avoid empty or dimly lit vehicles at night.

Safety in Transit: Follow safety tips for using public transportation, such as sitting near the driver.
Nighttime Travel: Plan your nighttime travels carefully or consider taking a taxi.
Transit Safety Tips: Gather safety tips for using public transportation from local authorities or fellow travelers.

Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services with good reputations for safety and reliability.

Licensed Taxis: Ensure the taxi is properly licensed and avoid unmarked vehicles.
Ride-Sharing Services: Choose reputable ride-sharing services with a good track record for safety.
Driver Identity Verification: Verify the driver's identity before entering the vehicle.

Visit well-lit and crowded night markets during daytime or with friends.

Safety in Crowds: Stay in well-populated areas for increased safety.
Daytime Visits: Visit during daylight hours when it's safer and more enjoyable.
Friendly Shopkeepers: Seek help or guidance from friendly shopkeepers if needed.

Participate in well-organized festivals and events with adequate security measures.

Security Measures: Ensure the festival or event has adequate security personnel and measures.
Popular Events: Choose popular events that attract a large, diverse crowd for increased safety.
Local Information: Gather information about the festival or event from local authorities or travel agencies.

Explore well-maintained museums and cultural sites with good security measures.

Security Measures: Ensure the museum or site has adequate security personnel and measures.
Cultural Insights: Learn about local culture, history, and customs at the museum or site.
Friendly Staff: Seek help or guidance from friendly museum staff if needed.

Join guided walking tours with reputable companies for safety and cultural insights.

Safety in Groups: Travel in groups for increased safety.
Knowledgeable Guide: Learn about local culture, history, and customs from a knowledgeable guide.
Reputable Companies: Choose reputable tour companies with a good track record for safety.

Visit well-maintained parks and recreation areas with good security measures during daytime.

Security Measures: Ensure the park or recreation area has adequate security personnel and measures.
Daytime Visits: Visit during daylight hours when it's safer and more enjoyable.
Friendly Staff: Seek help or guidance from friendly park staff if needed.

Dine at reputable restaurants with good hygiene practices during daytime.

Reputable Restaurants: Choose reputable restaurants with a good track record for food safety and cleanliness.
Daytime Visits: Visit during daylight hours when it's safer and more enjoyable.
Hygiene Practices: Ensure the restaurant follows good hygiene practices to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Know the location of nearby hospitals or medical centers in case of emergencies.

Emergency Services: Gather information about emergency services and how to reach them.
English-Speaking Staff: Ask if English-speaking staff is available to assist in case of emergencies.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance with medical coverage.

Register with your country's embassy or consulate for emergency assistance and support.

Emergency Contact: Know the emergency phone number for your country's embassy or consulate.
Registration: Register with the embassy or consulate to receive important updates and assistance.
Consular Services: Gather information about consular services in case of emergencies, such as replacing a lost passport.

Take self-defense classes to learn techniques for personal safety.

Personal Safety: Learn techniques to protect yourself in potentially dangerous situations.
Cultural Adaptation: Adapt self-defense techniques to the local cultural context.
Confidence Boost: Boost your confidence in unfamiliar situations and environments.