China is among the safest travel destinations in the world: walking late at night in big cities, dining alone and carrying phone and wallet openly are all fine, with extremely low violent-crime rates.
Stays: international youth hostels (YHA network) have the best atmosphere for meeting fellow travellers; homestays and boutique hotels suit those who want quiet; solo women can pick women-only floors or themed hotels.
Social: Xiaohongshu, Douban same-city groups, Couchsurfing and Meetup host plenty of English corners and hiking groups; hostel common rooms and cafes are natural places to meet people.
Practical: install Gaode or Baidu Maps (usable in English), a translation app and payment apps; leave copies of your passport and emergency contacts at home, and keep documents in the hotel safe.
Culture: Chinese people are famously hospitable - strangers offering directions is normal. A simple thank you suffices; tipping is not expected.
