Planning

Packing List for China: What to Bring & Leave

Complete packing guide for China trips — essentials by season, visa documents, adapters, and what not to pack.

5 min read

Essential Documents

Passport (6+ months validity). Visa (printed copy). Travel insurance policy. Flight confirmations. Hotel reservations. Emergency contacts list. Copies of all documents (stored separately). Credit/debit cards (notify bank). Small amount of USD/EUR for exchange. Vaccination certificates if required.

Clothing by Season

Spring/Autumn: Layers, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, umbrella. Summer: Breathable fabrics, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain jacket. Winter (North): Heavy coat, thermal underwear, gloves, scarf, warm hat. Winter (South): Light jacket suffices. Always pack comfortable walking shoes — you'll walk 10,000+ steps daily.

Electronics

Power adapter (Type A/C, 220V). Portable charger. VPN app (installed before arrival). WeChat and Alipay apps. Offline maps (Maps.me, Baidu Maps). Translation app (Pleco, Google Translate offline). Camera and extra memory cards. E-reader for long train rides. Noise-canceling headphones for flights.

Health Items

Prescription medications (with doctor's letter). Basic first-aid kit. Stomach medicine (Imodium, antibiotics). Pain relievers. Band-aids. Hand sanitizer. Face masks (for pollution or illness). Insect repellent (summer/south). Sunscreen SPF 50+. Personal hygiene products (specific brands may be unavailable).

What Not to Pack

Hair dryers/straighteners (voltage issues). Excessive toiletries (available everywhere). Heavy guidebooks (use apps). Too many clothes (laundry services cheap). Valuables/jewelry (unnecessary risk). Large amounts of cash (ATMs widely available). Prohibited items: drones without permits, certain medications, political materials.

Luggage Tips

Use a suitcase with wheels (cobblestones are common). Pack a day bag for daily excursions. Leave space for souvenirs. Label luggage clearly. Keep valuables in carry-on. Use packing cubes for organization. Roll clothes to save space. Pack a foldable tote for shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a voltage converter?

China uses 220V/50Hz. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops) support 100-240V. Check your device labels. You only need a plug adapter (Type A/C), not a voltage converter. Hair dryers and curling irons may need converters.

Should I bring toilet paper?

Public restrooms often lack toilet paper. Carry a small pack of tissues or wet wipes. Upscale hotels and restaurants provide toilet paper. Hand sanitizer is also useful as soap isn't always available.

What about laundry?

Most hotels offer laundry service (¥20-50 per item). Laundromats are rare. Hand-washing small items in sinks is common. Pack quick-dry fabrics. Some guesthouses have washing machines.