China can sound like a very foreign destination that may be intimidating to some, but it’s truly a joy to explore such a fascinating country with its incredibly deep, rich history.
Since it is such a unique place, it can be difficult and overwhelming to pack for China. So, I put together this essential checklist, including an important section on what to wear in China.
Get ready for a journey in all senses. Be sure to bring an open heart and mind, patience, and your sense of humor.
The most likely crime that a Chinese felon would commit on a tourist is pickpocketing. Petty theft is especially prevalent in crowded places like public transit stations or festivals like the Chinese New Year. Therefore, I suggest you keep your passport, credit cards, and cash in an RFID-blocking passport pouch like the one pictured. Since you can wear it discretely under your clothing, it’s next to impossible for anyone to steal from you.
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While water quality is decent in some areas of China, tap water is generally considered contaminated. I always bring a water bottle with a built-in filtration system to ensure that I have autonomy over my water supply (without spending a fortune on plastic waste!) You could go with a cheaper option like Brita, but this one by Grayl is an investment in your health since it removes waterborne bacteria, viruses, and parasites while minimizing pollutants like lead and mercury in the water.
China’s firewall and Internet monitoring and censorship is legendary. With one of the strictest censorship regimes in the world, many common sites are blocked (including Google, Facebook, and YouTube). So if you don’t have your own private network, you cannot access your favorite websites while traveling.
I recommend NordVPN to solve this problem. Do keep in mind that even with a VPN, the Internet is still monitored, and you’ll want to avoid raising any red flags with your browsing habits. Another reason to get a good VPN is that it protects you with 1-click from losing your passwords, credit cards, sensitive data, and identity. Hackers are known to target tourists on unsecured WiFi networks, and we even use a VPN at home to secure our connection.
China uses a 220 Volt 50 Hz AC electricity supply. There are several socket types commonly used – Type I, B, and C. To be safe, it’s best to have a universal adapter to ensure that you’ll always be able to charge your devices, regardless of the socket (and that your devices won’t get fried in the process of charging!) This is the best universal adapter we’ve ever had – it works in 100+ popular countries and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee so you can trust the quality.
I can’t speak highly enough about these activated charcoal capsules. Traveler’s diarrhea is an unfortunate truth that can happen while exploring new places like China. In any situation where you’re trying new foods and traveling to unfamiliar territory, it’s a great idea to have these with you. The charcoal absorbs irritants and toxins that may cause stomach upset and helps your system “reset” so that you can get back to feeling normal and ready for adventure!
China is a place where travel insurance is essential. You need to expect the unexpected while visiting abroad and be prepared for changes that you may not have planned for. Just like you wouldn’t drive a car without car insurance, you shouldn’t travel without travel insurance.
We are blown away by Faye Travel Insurance because they are modernizing the entire industry. We were reimbursed quickly through their mobile app (at the time of our incident when we needed it most), and the claims process was a breeze! Whereas most providers will have you jumping through hoops and filling out heaps of paperwork, Faye makes it easy to protect yourself against common travel mishaps like lost baggage, flight delays, trip cancellation, theft, and most of all, medical coverage. Keep in mind that your domestic provider will not cover you overseas, so a trip to the hospital could cost a fortune if you’re paying out-of-pocket.
Travel towels will be a key item in your packing artillery. This one dries 10x faster than cotton and is super absorbent. Since it is so multi-purpose – this one item can double as a makeup remover rag, beach towel, sweat bandana, seat cover, packing cushion, and so much more. It’s small but mighty! Which means you can roll it up in your carry-on and easily store it in the compact case for ongoing use.
China has a serious pollution problem, especially in most of the larger cities. You’ll see a lot of local people wearing masks as they go about their everyday lives on the street. It is wise to protect yourself when in areas with dense air pollution. Getting a high-quality mask before you go will potentially save you from paying a higher price for one when you arrive. The KN95 is good quality and will filter out 95% of all particles in the air.
These organizers are a game-changer! Instead of rummaging through items and tearing your hotel apart to find your favorite band t-shirt or that long-lost sock, you’ll know where everything is at all times! With index cards on each cube, you can label them pants, shirts, pajamas, socks, essentials, etc. This makes it easy to move 1-2 cubes to your backpack for daily adventures, your drawer when unpacking your suitcase, and back to your luggage at the end of the trip – without any fuss! Give them a go, and thank us later.
A nonstop flight to China from the U.S. is 14-20 hours in most cases. Between the layovers, staggering time changes, and demanding travel days – you will need a bit of support. We use these natural jet lag relief supplements to mitigate some of the symptoms of exhaustion. They are super gentle with the use of chamomile and other botanicals to keep you feeling less fatigued. And there’s a noticeable difference when traveling without them!
Whether you are visiting the Great Wall of China, the Temple of Heaven, or the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Army – Get Your Guide has options for every type of adventurer.
We use GYG to book most of our global excursions since they offer discounted rates along with flexible cancelation. You are supporting the local tourism industry while still ensuring you are booking with a reliable host.
This phone case is my new favorite travel item – it provides fantastic protection from dirt, dust, scratches, and water and is super affordable! We all travel with our phones and rely on them heavily, so protection like this really can’t be beat. We also attach trusty flotation straps to guarantee that our lifelines will remain buoyant should they fall into a foggy lake or deep body of water.
You’re bound to travel quite some distance, even on a short trip to China, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking along the way – that means your luggage will likely be bounced around at the airport, dragged along behind you as you move from one place to another, pulled along uneven roads and pavement, etc. I recommend this rolling suitcase over those with four wheels because it’s way easier to handle. It’s also lightweight and affordable.
Don’t neglect to attach your luggage locks. We learned this the hard way after having items stolen out of our checked luggage. Since your things will be out of sight for long durations, locks offer real peace of mind that no one will rummage through your things, whether it be a backpack, purse, locker, or suitcase. These locks are TSA-approved, which means they won’t give you any trouble or slow-downs with security.
I know, this one may sound a little strange, but did you know that one of the most common kinds of toilets in China is a “squat toilet?” Technically, this is just a hole in the ground. You will have access to some Western-style toilets in larger cities, but you’ll find that squat toilets are still extremely common, and a little challenging to use until you get used to them. Female urination devices like this one make your job a little easier to pee standing up, especially if you have difficulty squatting for any length of time.
Speaking of toiletries and squat toilets, you may want to think about bringing along some of your own toilet paper. Chinese toilets, especially in rural areas, are often quite ill-equipped (which may include no toilet paper), so it’s better to plan ahead than to be caught in an uncomfortable situation. This brand is biodegradable, so it’s approved for no-trace-left-behind campsites or places that prohibit any waste.
China is a place where you will likely be doing many extended day trips to explore the incredible sites and scenery. This means you will be away from a power source during the day. This cool portable device will allow you to charge your phone, camera, kindle, and other devices while you’re out and about. It’s been a godsend for me several times when my phone almost died! You never know when you’ll have an emergency and need to make a call or search for GPS navigation.
Tired of being price-gauged by your cell provider with international fees and crazy high roaming rates? Us too. That’s why we looked into a better solution and discovered the brilliant hack of using international SIM cards when traveling. They will give you a regional phone number so you can live as the locals do, and not have to worry about your domestic carrier charging you an arm and a leg. This brand comes with 5G coverage under one of China’s largest providers, 300 minutes of call time, and 300 texts – which should be perfect for any trip under one month.
This is my favorite backpack because how affordable it is while still maintaining quality. It’s made for travel which is a major plus, thoughtfully designed to be lightweight, foldable, and perfect for carrying water, a camera, an umbrella, phones, snacks, and more. Throw your portable charger in a compartment next to your electronics and you’re good to go!
Speaking of an umbrella, we never travel without one. These are super practical, but you’ll want one that doesn’t weigh you down. We discovered this windproof option that weighs exactly 1-pound and comes with a convenient carrying case. It covers two people so it’s ideal to have on-hand in case of inclement weather.
Malaria and Dengue Fever still affect many parts of China, so it’s best to be prepared to fend off mosquitoes. These wristbands are remarkably effective and deet-free – this means they’re safe for children using citronella and other essential oils rather than toxic chemicals. I also recommend bringing an extra line of defense in the form of mosquito repelling spray. Having both a wearable option and sprayable reinforcement will be your best bet!
A big part of staying healthy while traveling in China is by maintaining excellent immunity – preferably before departing. Below are some of the key items I bring to keep me going strong naturally (start these at least a month before your trip to strengthen your immune system):
Elderberry Gummies – These tasty little gummies deliver a powerful punch of elderberry extract (vitamin C and Zinc) which are known to boost your body’s immunity.
Echinacea Goldenseal Pills – Perfect for combating sinus infections, mild colds, and flu symptoms, which can be common for tourists to experience upon landing in China.
Probiotics – One of the best ways to boost immunity is to improve your gut health. Probiotics are a proven way to replenish the “good bacteria,” which helps fight off the bad bacteria, thereby making you less susceptible to travelers’ diarrhea.
Zinc Spray – This spray is a great way to soothe the throat, which can be easily irritated by the pollution in China. It also helps prevent the common cold if you use it as soon as you feel your throat getting sore.
You never know what kind of situation you’ll run into with international bathrooms. Whether it’s a water closet, squat toilet, or luxury resort – it’s wise to bring a hanging toiletry bag to organize all of your liquid items. This bag has 4 huge pockets that can hold our entire family’s toiletries (my wife’s skincare, haircare, oral hygiene items, washcloths, etc.) It will maintain your routine, and your sanity, by creating a shelf-like system that you can hang anywhere you may roam.
For those who plan to visit Chinese religious temples or sacred sites – bring a modest option like this lightweight shawl. Many holy sites will require covered arms and unexposed shoulders. Use this wrap to ensure you are being respectful of the Chinese culture and not breaking any dress code requirements. Bottoms should reach below the knee and some sites also ask you to remove your shoes before entering. You may be denied entry if you do not adhere to these rules.
China has several climate zones and can vary greatly between the different regions. While the coasts may be prone to monsoons, the north suffers through harsher winters, and the south has a prevailing summer. If you’re visiting during a warmer season, use this cooling towel to beat the heat! It can get very humid and warm, especially from May to September. These magical towels drop to 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temp, simply by adding some water. It will offer endless relief for outdoor hikes, waiting in long lines, or times when you just want to enjoy the outdoors more comfortably.
If there’s anywhere you want to do some extra shopping, it’s China! From the street markets to boutique shops – you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store with all of the teas, silks, jewelry, calligraphy pieces, wines, spirits, porcelain ceramics, and exquisite stones like jade. Use this “just in case” bag for those unforeseen purchases you will most likely make. It’s great for general gift shopping or picking up some last-minute things at the airport. It even counts as your personal item bag on the plane so you can skip those carry-on fees, yahoo!
When exploring a foreign country, you can find yourself sleeping in some precarious situations. I bring a backup set of bed sheets that I find super useful for covering (less-than-clean) hotel sheets or creating a buffer layer between me and public transit seats. It’s so nice to have a layer to cuddle up in for long rides in planes, trains, or cars. And these are great if you plan to sleep in a capsule hotel or stay in a budget-friendly hostel that may not have the most hygienic place to rest your head.
China is a fascinating country with a climate that changes dramatically depending on where you go. From the beautiful Longji rice paddies in the South to the Huangshan mountains of the East, the rainbow mountains of the North and Lhasa (‘place of the gods’) in the West, the landscape is very diverse. The fashions of the locals reflect this diversity.
The Chinese have a fun and quirky style where age does not tend to dictate how to dress. In fact, you’ll often see toddlers with open bottom pants that expose their bum while walking on the streets along with grannies in their pajamas in the evenings. Fashion here is a lot of fun! Pack casual outfits and feel free to wear lots of colors from your socks, to your pants, and shirts.
Chinese women have a playful style and incorporate lots of colors. You can show skin on the legs but be more conservative up top. As a foreigner, you most likely will stand out and attract attention from the locals. To blend in though, wear skinny jeans, leggings, or loose shorts depending on the weather. For tops, choose something with a thicker strap if you are going to wear a tank or go with graphic tees, kimono cardigans, loose teeshirts, or long sleeves. Dresses are very popular in the summer. To add some style, wear a vintage fedora hat and some round sunglasses. It can get quite humid, so wear a silk headband and put your hair up in a bun. The most popular choice of footwear amongst women is heels no matter what activity but that’s not ideal for exploring China. Instead, bring a pair of sports sneakers or loafer shoes that are comfortable for long hours of walking around. Lastly, be careful of scammers and pickpocketing in the major cities by keeping your possessions in an RFID crossbody bag.
Men in China also have a unique style wearing pants of all different colors and cool graphic tees. Men wear pants that tend to be well fitted such as jeans or tapered trousers. If it’s hot, cargo shorts are a good choice. On top, go with moisture-wicking shirts or polos for hot humid days and, graphic tees, long sleeves, or cardigans during cooler times of the year. Retro sunglasses and a hat are great to wear outside. Be prepared for a ton of walking by packing comfortable shoes like the Adidas street sneakers. You will find it very useful to bring a compact, lightweight day bag to store your water bottle, travel guidebook, souvenirs, and other things during your days out. Lastly, if you are visiting cities like Beijing or Shanghai, get a tailored made suit for back home. Prices are ridiculously cheap and well worth it if you need a suit for a special occasion or for work.
Beijing is a very large country where temperatures can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. For this post, we will focus on the most popular tourist places including Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi-an. If you plan to visit the North in a place like Harbin, expect much colder temperatures while in the South like the Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, temperatures will be much hotter and very humid.
Winter month weather and can regularly dip below freezing. The temperature averages between a low of 32°F to a high of 52°F. During these months, air pollution is at its peak where locals are frequently advised to stay indoors and avoid any outdoor activity.
If you are traveling during this time, it’s a good idea to pack an air pollution mask that can filter airborne particles with good ventilation. Pack warm clothing such as long underwear, fleece-lined pants, thermal long sleeves, and sweaters. Wear a warm jacket outside and protect yourself from windy days with a thick scarf, hat, and some gloves.
Spring temperatures range between a low of 41°F to a high of 75°F. Spring is one of the nicest seasons to visit, where flowers are blooming and their scent lingers in the air.
It can get quite warm, particularly in April and May so pack some shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and a hat for outside. For cooler days, also bring a light sweater and pants. Lastly, Don’t be afraid to incorporate some bright colors like yellows, lavender purple, and baby blue into your clothes.
Summer is the hottest and most humid time to be in China. The temperature varies between a low of 68°F and a high of 90°F. While it is hot and humid inside, malls, museums, and many restaurants have the air-conditioning cranked on high which can leave you feeling quite cool. Men should pack plenty of shorts to wear with dry-fit teeshirts and polos. Women should bring lots of shorts, capris, loose teeshirts, and dresses.
Chinese women are conservative with tops so if you want to wear a tank or dress, make sure that it’s not spaghetti straps and does not expose any cleavage. Shorts and dresses can be any length so don’t be afraid to show some leg. If you really want to blend in with the locals, bring an umbrella for outside. While it doesn’t often rain, locals use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun and from getting tanned. If you don’t bring an umbrella, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen. If you are going to a beach, opt for a one-piece. Lastly, the streets can get quite dirty so it is better to wear shoes out over sandals even with the hot weather.
Fall temperatures are pleasant and it is a beautiful time to visit. The temperature averages between a low of 48°F and a high of 81°F. The weather varies the most during these months where September often still feels like summer but it gets much cooler after that.
Dress in layers that you can peel off if it gets hotter. Men should bring pants, shorts, t-shirts, and long sleeves. Women should pack shorts, leggings, t-shirts, and sweaters. It’s a great idea to pack a dress that is versatile and can be worn on its own or with leggings. Also, bring a light jacket for the outdoors along with a hat.
Temples – China has a rich history with many beautifully constructed ancient temples with intricate designs. The hanging monastery in Datong, is astonishingly built into the cliffside while Lingyin temple in Hangzhou has hundreds of buddhas carved in the grottos. You can dress casually when visiting temples. Just avoid wearing tank tops and shirts that expose the midriff. Women often wear heels with jeans and a teeshirt. Men wear jeans or trousers with teeshirts. Oftentimes, getting to the temples is a bit of a walk so you will want to wear comfortable shoes despite seeing many Chinese women hiking in their heels!
The Great Wall of China – More than 2,300 years old and a length of 13,710 miles (21,196 km), it is not surprising that the Great Wall of China is part f the 7 wonders. You can see The Great Wall in a fully restored version at Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Badaling locations just to name a few. These parts tend to be heavily crowded and should be avoided during any holiday. If you prefer to get away from the crowds, check out the unrestored sections such as Gubeikou. Either way, the best way to see the wall is on a tour. When it comes to dressing, prepare yourself for a hot, long hike so dress in activewear with dry-fit shorts and tops. You will need a hat during sunny days and a jacket between fall to spring as it can be quite windy. If you are going to the unrestored section you may want to bring hiking boots but you will also be fine in sports sneakers.
Chuanr and Karaoke – A favorite weekend activity for the Chinese is to go out for some local grilled meat on skewers (known as chuanr) and sip on some Chinese beer (Tsingtao is very popular). You can find these places scattered across cities, particularly in Beijing. You’ll know you are at the right spot if you see it packed with locals sitting on plastic kiddie chairs outside. Afterward, head out for a night of karaoke. Dressing up for a night like this is very casual. You’ll often see locals in jeans and teeshirts. If you want to really blend it, choose a graphic tee.
Exploring Ancient Alleyways – From the hutongs in Beijing to longtangs in Shanghai, these ancient alleyways are full of tasty hole-in-the-wall restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and even locals living there. In Shanghai, check out Tianzifang and Huaihaifang alleyways and if you are in Beijing go to Nanluogu Xiang or Gulou. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes while exploring these alleyways. Choose very casual outfits with nothing that looks expensive to avoid being harassed by hawkers and black cab taxi drivers who want your money! Do not bring anything valuable with you and protect your things in an RFID wallet or crossbody purse.
It’s never a good idea to travel with expensive items that you don’t absolutely need, and there’s no exception for electronics, even in our device-driven world. Electronics tend to be heavy, fragile, and unnecessary on trips, though we still recommend bringing your phone, kindle, and camera along for the ride.
Save the weight, save the space; load those books onto a Kindle instead. It’s lightweight, and can hold more books than you could possibly carry, including guidebooks and phrasebooks for local languages!
It’s important to remember that China is a much more guarded country, and that along with those previously mentioned internet restrictions come some additional cultural and governmental sensitivities. Bringing anything that might be seen as inflammatory or disrespectful is unwise, and may cause you some trouble during your travels.
You won’t need very much clothing for most seasons in China, and you don’t want to weigh yourself down with luggage any more than you already will be. If you’re traveling with clothing that can dry quickly, it’s easy to wash your items yourself. If you need professional laundry services, they’re provided by most hotels, or you can seek a coin-operated laundry should you need to. Bottom line: pack things that you need, leave things that you don’t, and choose items that can be re-worn or easily washed.
Yes, you’ll need to look nice and you may want to bring some inexpensive jewelry for that purpose, but bringing expensive jewelry on your travels is never wise. Unless it’s something you never remove and you’re sure it’s not going to get lost, it’s best to leave valuables like these at home and away from risk.
Just like valuable jewelry, clothing is at some amount of risk of breakage or being misplaced every time you travel. You’ll want to feel completely comfortable tackling your travel activities wearing what you bring, so pack accordingly!
A standard-weight and full-sized towel is very unnecessary, and adds considerable bulk and weight to your belongings. Stick with a travel towel instead.
Yes, you will make some purchases from cash-only vendors, but the amount of cash you will need should still be minimal, and it’s much safer to use your credit card to make purchases. Just be sure to tell your banking institution(s) that you’ll be traveling to China before you leave!
There are times when dressing casually will be appropriate, such as when hiking or exploring areas that are not as urban, but there will really not be a time or a place for excessively casual clothing or clothing that is considered immodest. Wearing this kind of clothing will only attract unwelcome attention.
Air quality is one of the biggest challenges to tourists visiting China, especially if they have asthma or bronchial problems; the cities tend to be very polluted. Often the pollution hangs over the city in a visible smog, but even when it is not visible fine particulate pollution is often present. City pollution levels are tracked daily online which may help you plan your trip. Traveling after a national festival or heavy rain season may mean cleaner air.
China is a fairly cheap place to travel, and staying in smaller towns or cities will slash costs compared to staying in places like Shanghai. Eating local food instead of Western food is another smart way to save money and to savor the local culture.
Most tap water in China will not contain bacteria, but it may contain chemicals and traces of heavy metals. It is safe enough to drink but not healthy in the long-run, so it’s best to stick with filtered water from fountains (that’s where your travel water bottle comes in handy), or bottled water.
The internet is accessible but parts of it are blocked, such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter. If you subscribe to a good Virtual Private Network like NordVPN you should be able to access most of the internet, but internet usage is heavily monitored by the government so be mindful of how you use it.
The train system is fast and generally affordable, but tickets can sell out quickly so it’s best to plan in advance. Flights are a good way to cover longer distances – delays are common, but travel will still be faster via plane. Buses are cheap but have a bad reputation for safety, but on the other hand, buses can often access travel areas that other vehicles of transportation cannot.
One of the great things about China is its incredible food culture – you can find great food just about anywhere! Southern regions in China are most famous for their varied cuisine and unique flavors.
China is huge so it’s fairly easy to strike out beyond the usual tourist standbys. Consult a guide book for ideas, and be sure to do your research before you go – remember that internet restrictions may make accessing information pretty difficult once you’re there.
China is not a country where tipping is expected or even part of the culture.
In the winter northern China gets very cold and visiting at that time is for cold-lovers. If you’re able to enjoy the cold, though, there are many amazing sites and festivities to experience during this time! One example is the famous Ice Festival held in Harbin in January. On the opposite end, Summer can get very hot and humid not only in the south but also inland, even further north like Beijing. There are festivals in the summer as well, but it’s not the most comfortable time to travel if you don’t like the heat. Spring and autumn are widely accepted as the best times to visit and are often very busy tourist times.
A lot of educated Chinese people learn English in school, but may be shy to use it. In tourist centers, the staff at hotels and attractions should speak basic English but that’s not always the case. It’s helpful to have a few phrases with you. In restaurants, English is often not spoken, so communication may be a little trickier. If you have specific dietary needs, be sure to look up phrases for those before you go, and consider bringing pictures if you find that the language is difficult.
Most Western passport holders need a visa to visit China unless they are there in transit between two countries for a few days. The requirements vary by passport and sometimes change without warning, so it’s best to sort out a visa well in advance and to verify that you’ve done everything required of you before you leave. Most US passport holders can apply for a ten-year multiple entry visa.
In general, China is a safe country for travelers – there is little random violence or street crime. The most common annoyances for tourists are likely to be scams in tourist centers like Beijing, such as a teahouse scam where someone invites you for tea and then bills you heavily. Other issues can come up in urban areas where traffic can be dangerous.
