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Bring tissues and hand sanitizer to China
Even just purse size packets will come in handy— not just for the public toilets( which often do not have toilet paper), but for restaurants, where napkins are often not provided.
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Get around— and go“ ding ding”— in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a generally safe city with a very low crime rate. Plus, it’ s a modern, international hub, so as a solo woman traveler, you won’ t feel conspicuous. Getting around is easy, especially if you use public transportation( the MTR), which includes buses and ferries as well as the efficient subway. The Hong Kong Tramways are old-school trolleys that traverse some of the most popular parts of town( and the suburbs). Locals call them“ ding dings,” and they are a great way to cut through congestion. You can save yourself time with an Octopus card that you preload with money so you can just swipe it to use the MTR.
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Safe and solo in India
India is generally a safe place for women to travel. In fact, there are reserved areas for women on public transport( including separate subway and train cars), and separate lines for security and tickets. When dining out, many restaurants have separate“ family sections” where you can dine solo quite carefree. The meal may cost a little extra, but that’ s a small price to pay for the added comfort.
In spite of some recent high-profile cases of assaults against women,
What to Eat in China
Chinese cuisine has eight different culinary traditions, and an infinite number of taste sensations. In the fall, Shanghai goes mad for a seasonal delicacy: the sweet hairy crab, and its creamy roe. Have it with a glass of Shaoxing wine. Shanghai is also the home of xiao long bao, a soup dumpling filled with a gingery broth and bits of fragrant ground pork. In Hong Kong, don’ t miss siu mei, Cantonese-syle barbecued meats with skins so perfectly crisped and seasoned with soy and garlic, they look nearly lacquered. For a classic Szechuan dish, try dan dan mian, noodles in a spicy sauce of chili oil, minced pork, and scallions. In Beijing, you must try the signature dish, Peking Duck. After eating the crispy skin you’ ll be served slices of the duck meat with scallions, cucumbers, sweet bean sauce and pancakes.
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