Packing List
The golden rule of travel is to only pack what you will need. Extra luggage means extra weight, its as simple as that. Who wants to be hauling more luggage than they will ever need? Obviously the key is to know what you will need, and to only pack that.
We've compiled this packing list to help you make a start. No trip to China is the same, and your needs will be different to others, but this list should give you an idea of the essentials. Don't forget your passport!
On this page:
Clothing
The type of clothing to bring depends largely on the season. During the summer, most of China is quite hot - around 32°C (90°F) - and the southern provinces in particular can be very humid. So, during the summer months it is best to have light, loose clothing and footwear.
Winter, on the other hand, can be extremely cold in China. The northern provinces, particulary Heilongjiang and Jilin, are under snow for the colder months, when the temperature can drop to as low as -45°C (-49°F).
If you will be traveling around and experiencing different climates, you will want to layer your travel clothes as much as possible. So, rather than one light jacket for warmth and a thick heavy jacket for bad weather, you might take a light fleece top and a wind & water proof jacket, and layer them where necessary. This will free up space in your suitcase, and lighten your load considerably.
Convertible travel pants are very convenient when you are on the road. These pants zip off at the knees to convert into shorts when you get hot, saving you space and weight. Look for brands that are quick drying, so you can wash them in your hotel room and dry them overnight.
In the colder months, be sure to bring thermal underwear with you. Although they are readily available in China, the sizes may not fit larger westerners.
Personal Items
Soap, shampoo and toothpaste are readily available throughout China, including a number of popular foreign brands. These items are also complimentary in most hotels, although these free samples may not compare favorably with what you are used to at home. If you are planning to come to China long term, we suggest bringing a small supply with you, to give you time to source your favorite products locally.
The following are items that you should bring with you if you require them:
- Deodorant. Deodorant is not widely available in China, so be sure to bring a good supply.
- Shaving kit. Razors and shaving products are available throughout China, however popular western brands are quite expensive.
- Womens sanitary items. Availability and quality can vary, so it is advisable to bring your own supply.
- Birth control products. Some items are available, but if you require birth control products it is best to bring your own.
First Aid Kit
We hope that your trip to China won't include injury or sickness, but accidents can happen. So, it is important to pack a small first aid kit.
Inside China, many medical items are available, however the brands may be unfamiliar, and the packaging & instructions may all be in Chinese. It pays to bring the essentials with you.
The following are items that you should pack if you require them:
- Bandaids and dressings. To keep cuts clean and dry.
- Diarrhea tablets. Just in case...
- Rehydration solutions. These will help you survive a bout of diarrhea.
- Pain killers, such as aspirin or paracetamol.
- Antibiotics. Your GP can prescribe a dose of general antibiotics to treat various conditions.
- Travel sickness tablets, if you are prone to travel sickness.
- Antiseptic creams or wipes. These are useful for cleaning minor cuts and sores.
- Insect repellant. This is particularly useful in the summer to ward of mosquitos and other pests.
- Syringes. For diabetics etc.
Check with your doctor to ensure you have everything you need, particularly if you have any medical conditions.
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