TL;DR
Pack light — you can buy almost everything in China, often cheaper than at home. Focus on essentials, medications, and items that are hard to find or more expensive locally.
Documents & Money
- Passport (valid 6+ months) + photocopies
- Visa or visa-free transit documentation
- Flight confirmations (printed or digital)
- Hotel bookings in Chinese characters
- Travel insurance documents
- Driver's license + International Driving Permit (if renting cars)
- ¥500-1000 cash in small bills
- Emergency contact card with embassy info
Pro Tip
Keep photocopies of your passport and visa separate from your passport. Also email copies to yourself. If you lose your passport, the photocopy makes replacement much faster.
Technology
- Phone + charger (China uses 220V, Type A/C/I plugs)
- Power adapter or universal travel adapter
- Portable battery pack (10,000mAh minimum — you will use it daily)
- VPN app installed and tested
- Translation app with offline Chinese pack
- Headphones (noise-canceling for flights and trains)
- USB cable (spare — chargers are universal but cables vary in quality)
Health & Medications
- Prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's note
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Anti-diarrheal (Imodium or equivalent)
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Motion sickness pills (for bus/mountain roads)
- Hand sanitizer (small bottles, TSA-friendly)
- Face masks (10-20, still common in some settings)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+, Chinese sunscreens may not meet Western standards)
- Insect repellent (DEET-based, for rural/summer travel)
Important
Some common medications are controlled in China, including anything with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), codeine, or strong sedatives. Bring a doctor's letter for prescription meds. When in doubt, check China's customs website.
Clothing
Dress codes in China are casual. Comfort matters more than style for sightseeing.
- Comfortable walking shoes (broken in — you will walk 15,000+ steps daily)
- Light layers (t-shirts, long sleeves, light jacket)
- One nicer outfit (for upscale restaurants or events)
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Sun hat (summer) or warm hat (winter)
- Comfortable socks (multiple pairs — temple visits often require shoe removal)
Toiletries
- Toilet paper / tissues (carry a pack always — many public restrooms lack it)
- Hand soap (travel-sized, many restrooms lack soap)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (budget hotels may not provide)
- Deodorant (hard to find in China — bring your own)
- Shampoo/conditioner (hotel quality varies; bring if picky)
- Razor and shaving supplies
- Personal hygiene products (tampons are available but limited brands)
Pro Tip
Deodorant options are limited in China (fewer brands than in the West). Tampons are available but with limited variety. Everything else (toothpaste, shampoo, soap) is widely available and cheap.
What You DON'T Need to Pack
- Converter for USB devices: USB chargers work everywhere (100-240V)
- Towels: Every hotel provides them
- Too many clothes: Laundry services are cheap and fast (same-day in many hotels)
- Guidebooks: Digital versions or this website work better
- Bottled water: Buy locally (¥2 per bottle)
- Snacks: Convenience stores are on every corner
Seasonal Packing Notes
| Season | Key Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Layers, light jacket, umbrella | Variable weather, occasional rain |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Breathable fabrics, sun hat, sunscreen | Hot and humid (30-35°C), frequent rain |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Light layers, comfortable shoes | Best weather, pack light |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Warm coat, thermal layers, gloves | North China can hit -10°C; south is milder |
Carry-On Essentials
Keep these in your carry-on, not checked luggage:
- Passport, visa, and all travel documents
- Phone, charger, and power bank
- Prescription medications
- A change of clothes
- Toiletries (under 100ml for liquids)
- ¥200-300 cash for immediate expenses
- VPN app (already installed and tested)
Important
Power banks must be carried in hand luggage — they are banned in checked baggage on all flights. Maximum 20,000mAh is allowed without airline approval.