Beijing, China
UNESCO heritage area around the Drum and Bell Towers. Mix of traditional hutongs, cafes, and nightlife. More local feel than Sanlitun, still accessible.
Gulou centers on the historic Drum and Bell Towers near Houhai Lake. The neighborhood mixes traditional hutongs with bars and cafes - more local than Sanlitun. Became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024. During the day you'll find cafes where people work on laptops, plus vintage shops, record stores, and pottery studios. At night there are craft breweries and jazz clubs in the hutong alleys. You get a mix of locals, Beijing expats, and travelers who want something less touristy. English is less common than Sanlitun, but main cafes and bars have some English-speaking staff. The area feels safe day and night with police around the towers and main streets. Less polished than international districts, more actual neighborhood feel.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
ExcellentPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Good"More authentic than Sanlitun, still felt safe"
"Good craft beer scene and friendly bars"
"Nice area for daytime walks and evening drinks"
"Less English than tourist zones but people try to help"
"Mix of history and modern cafes"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
University district with student cafe culture and budget prices. Safe, local atmosphere. Limited nightlife but good for working in cafes away from tourist areas.
Historic hutong alleys with cafes and courtyard architecture. Good during the day, cheaper than international districts. Stick to main streets after dark.
Major shopping street with heavy police presence and tourist infrastructure. Very commercial but safe and convenient. English spoken widely.
Help other women stay safe in Gulou (Drum & Bell Tower Area)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.