Packing for China is different from packing for Europe or Southeast Asia. The plug type is unique, the weather swings are extreme, and there are a few items that will save you from hours of frustration.
Here's the packing list we give our clients — organized by priority.
Absolute Essentials (Don't Leave Home Without)
1. Universal Power Adapter
China uses Type A, C, and I plugs (two flat pins, two round pins, or three angled pins). Voltage is 220V.
- What to buy: A universal adapter with USB ports
- Recommended: One with at least 2 USB-A + 1 USB-C port
- ⚠️ Warning: If your device is 110V-only (some US hair dryers), it will NOT work. Check the label.
- Price: $10-20
2. Portable Power Bank (10,000+ mAh)
You'll use your phone constantly — navigation, translation, payment, photos. Your battery will drain by noon.
- Capacity: 10,000-20,000 mAh (one full charge = 2-3 phone recharges)
- Airline rule: Must be under 100Wh (~27,000 mAh) to carry on flights
- Pro tip: Anker is the most reliable brand and widely available in China too
3. Photocopies of Important Documents
Backups for your passport, visa, travel insurance, and hotel confirmation.
- Physical copies: 2 sets in different bags
- Digital copies: Stored in cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) — access via VPN
- Why: If you lose your passport, a copy speeds up embassy replacement by days
4. Prescription Medications
Chinese pharmacies are great for common stuff (painkillers, cold medicine), but they won't have your specific prescriptions.
- Bring: At least 2 weeks' extra supply
- Pack: Original containers with prescription labels
- ⚠️ Warning: Some medications legal at home are controlled in China (e.g., Adderall, certain sleeping pills). Check China's restricted drug list.
- Common OTC you can buy in China: Ibuprofen (布洛芬), Loperamide (易蒙停), Antihistamines
5. Comfortable Walking Shoes
China travel = walking. A lot. The Great Wall alone is 4-6 km of climbing.
- Best type: Broken-in walking shoes or trail sneakers
- Don't bring: Brand new shoes — blisters on the Great Wall is not a good time
- Seasonal: Waterproof shoes for monsoon season (June-September in southern China)
Highly Recommended
6. Reusable Water Bottle with Filter
Tap water is not drinkable in China. A filtered bottle means you can refill anywhere.
- Recommended: LifeStraw, Brita Fill & Go, or similar
- Alternative: Just buy bottled water (¥2-3/bottle, available everywhere)
7. Lightweight Rain Jacket
Weather in China changes fast, especially in spring and autumn.
- Best type: Packable, lightweight shell (fits in your day bag)
- Seasonal: Essential for May-September; nice-to-have for March-April
- Don't bring: Heavy raincoat — it's bulky and useless in humid heat
8. Small Day Bag
For carrying water, phone, power bank, and the stuff you buy.
- Best type: Crossbody bag or small backpack
- Anti-theft feature: Zippered compartments (pickpockets are real in tourist areas)
- For more on safety, see our China safety guide
9. Toilet Paper / Tissues
Many public restrooms in China don't provide toilet paper — especially at tourist sites and train stations.
- Bring: Small pack of tissues or a travel-sized toilet paper roll
- Pro tip: Buy a big pack at a Chinese convenience store for ¥5 and distribute into smaller portions
10. Hand Sanitizer
Public restrooms often lack soap. Hand sanitizer is your friend.
- Size: Under 100ml (for carry-on compliance)
- Pro tip: Chinese convenience stores sell single-use sanitizer wipes — great backup
Seasonal Packing
Spring (March-May)
- Light layers (temperature swings 10-22°C)
- Allergy medication (pollen season)
- Light rain jacket
Summer (June-August)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (35°C+ with humidity in the south)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+, Chinese sunscreen is often weaker)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes in southern China)
- Quick-dry clothes (you'll sweat through them)
Autumn (September-November)
- Warm layers for mornings/evenings
- Good walking shoes (best hiking season)
- Light jacket for October onwards
- Best time to visit overall — check our month-by-month guide
Winter (December-February)
- Heavy coat for northern China (Beijing: -10°C)
- Thermal underwear
- Gloves and warm hat
- Lip balm and moisturizer (northern China is extremely dry in winter)
- Note: Southern China (Guangzhou, Hainan) stays 15-20°C — no heavy coat needed
What NOT to Pack
❌ Hair Dryer / Curling Iron
Voltage mismatch (China = 220V, US = 110V). Most US appliances will fry. Hotels provide hair dryers.
❌ Too Much Cash
Alipay and WeChat Pay handle 99% of transactions. You need ¥500-1000 cash max for emergencies.
❌ Large Guidebooks
Heavy and outdated. Save it as a PDF on your phone or bookmark this site.
❌ Excessive Toiletries
Chinese convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) sell excellent toiletries at low prices. Travel-sized is fine for the first few days.
❌ Plug Strip / Extension Cord
Bulky and unnecessary. A single universal adapter with USB ports is enough.
Packing by Trip Length
| Trip Length | Bag Size | Must-Haves |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5 days | Carry-on only | Essentials + 1 outfit per day |
| 7-10 days | Medium checked bag | Essentials + laundry option |
| 14+ days | Large checked bag | Everything above + seasonal gear |
Pro tip: Pack half the clothes you think you need and twice the money. You can buy anything in China, and it's cheap.
The "China-Specific" Items Most Travelers Forget
- Face masks — Still common in China, especially in winter. Useful for air quality days in Beijing.
- Small towel — Some public restrooms and budget hotels don't provide hand towels.
- Earplugs — Chinese cities are loud. Street noise, construction, and karaoke go late.
- A pen — You'll need it for customs forms on arrival.
- Your hotel's Chinese name and address — Screenshot it on your phone. Showing a taxi driver "Beijing Hotel" means nothing. Showing "北京饭店" works instantly.
For budget planning including what you might need to buy in China, see our China travel cost guide.
FAQ
Can I buy a SIM card in China?
Yes, at the airport on arrival. Bring your passport. But we recommend getting an eSIM before you fly — it's faster and cheaper. See our apps guide for details.
Do I need a voltage converter or just a plug adapter?
Check your device label first. If it says "Input: 100-240V," you only need a plug adapter (most phone/laptop chargers). If it says "Input: 110V only," you need a voltage converter — or just don't bring it.
What about laundry?
Most Chinese hotels offer laundry service (cheap). Budget hotels have self-service laundromats nearby. Pack for half your trip length and do laundry once.
Ready to plan? Use our AI Trip Planner to get a personalized itinerary — and we'll send you a custom packing list based on your specific destinations and travel dates.