China Packing Checklist
What to pack for your trip to China — by season, by purpose, and what to leave at home. Based on real travel experience.
The difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one often comes down to what you packed. China is a fully modern travel destination — but a few specific items make life significantly easier.
Every trip essentials
These go in every bag, every season.
Documents & digital
- ✓ Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Bring a photocopy + digital backup
- ✓ China visa — printed copy, digital copy, and a photo on your phone. Hotels need a photocopy at check-in
- ✓ Booking confirmations — hotel bookings, train tickets, flight e-tickets. Download PDFs before you go
- ✓ Phone & charger — China uses USB-C widely. iPhone users: bring a USB-C cable
- ✓ Power bank — 10,000–20,000 mAh. Essential. Flights restrict >27,000 mAh (100Wh)
Health & comfort
- ✓ Basic medication — painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), antihistamines, diarrhoea relief (Imodium), cold medicine
- ✓ First-aid supplies — plasters, antiseptic wipes, rehydration sachets
- ✓ Face masks — still common on public transport and in hospitals. N95 or surgical
- ✓ Hand sanitiser — not every restaurant has easy access to handwashing
- ✓ Sunscreen — SPF 50+. Chinese sunscreens use different filters and often contain whitening agents
- ✓ Insect repellent — essential in summer, especially in Guilin, Yunnan, Hainan
Electronics & connectivity
China uses different plugs and blocks different websites.
Power & plugs
- ✓ China uses Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (three flat pins — same as Australia/NZ). Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
- ✓ Bring a universal travel adapter. Multi-port USB chargers are ideal
- ✓ Most hotel rooms have both 2-pin and 3-pin sockets. USB ports common in newer hotels (2023+)
- ✓ Most laptop and phone chargers are 100–240V auto-switching — check your brick before plugging in
Internet tools
- ✓ VPN: Install and test BEFORE you leave. Google, Instagram, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, ChatGPT, and many news sites are blocked in China
- ✓ eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM, install a China data plan before you go. Holafly, Airalo, and Nomad offer China eSIMs
- ✓ Offline maps: Download China city maps in Google Maps or Maps.me before departure. Google Maps in China is inaccurate for driving — use Amap (高德地图) locally
What to leave at home
- ✗ Google Chromecast / Apple TV — streaming sticks do not work behind the firewall. Most hotel TVs are locked to Chinese content
- ✗ Kindle — works fine but cannot access the Kindle store in China. Download books before you go
- ✗ Smart home devices (Amazon Echo, Google Home) — will not connect to Chinese WiFi
What to pack by season
China has extreme seasons. Pack accordingly.
| Season | Temperatures | Must-pack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 10–25°C | Light jacket, scarf, face mask | Layers essential. Sandstorms in Beijing/Tianjin, March–April |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 25–40°C | Sun hat, UV umbrella, portable fan, sweat-wicking clothes | Heat index in Shanghai/Chongqing/Wuhan exceeds 40°C. Sudden thunderstorms daily |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 10–25°C | Light sweater, camera, comfortable walking shoes | Best travel season. Pack a light jacket for evenings |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | −20 to 10°C | Thermal underwear, down jacket, thick socks, lip balm, hand warmers | Beijing −10°C average. Harbin −25°C. Indoor heating keeps buildings warm |
Clothing tips
Dress codes are more conservative than you think.
General tips
- ✓ Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. You will walk more than you expect — China sightseeing involves serious walking
- ✓ Modest clothing for temples: Shoulders and knees must be covered in temples and religious sites. Bring a shawl or scarf to cover up quickly
- ✓ Business dress: Smart-casual for meetings. Suit and tie only for formal occasions
- ✓ Avoid all-black in summer (you will overheat). Light colours reflect heat and are culturally fine for any occasion
Items specific to China
- ✓ Temple cover-up — a large scarf or pashmina to wrap around shoulders when entering temples unexpectedly
- ✓ Pyjamas — Chinese hotels often do not provide nightwear. Bring your own
- ✓ Compression packing cubes — useful for multi-city train travel. Organises laundry and clean clothes
What NOT to bring
China has strict import rules.
❌ Prohibited items
- ✗ VPN routers: Pre-configured routers are confiscated at customs. Install VPN software instead
- ✗ Political or religious materials: Books or printed material deemed sensitive by Chinese customs
- ✗ CBD / cannabis products: Even CBD oil is illegal. Zero tolerance — possession can lead to detention and deportation
- ✗ Unmarked medication: Prescription meds must be in original packaging with a doctor's prescription (Chinese translation recommended)
- ✗ Drones: Must be registered with local police after arrival. Most national parks and historic sites ban drones entirely
- ✗ Meat products: No raw or uncooked meat, sausages, or dairy products from outside China
Toiletries
What to bring vs what to buy locally.
✅ Bring from home
- Specific medications you rely on
- Contact lens solution — brands differ in China
- Tampons — available in big cities but limited in smaller towns
- Deodorant — Chinese formulas are mild sprays and roll-ons
- Western skincare (La Roche-Posay, Cerave, Cetaphil)
✅ Buy in China (cheaper)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo — widely available
- Tissues / wet wipes — every convenience store
- Face masks — any pharmacy (药店)
- Umbrella — street vendors sell for ¥15–30 when it rains
- Sunscreen — Korean/Japanese brands at Watsons
Check your phone will work → Phone Compatibility Checker
Get connected before you go → eSIM & SIM Guide