Packing for China requires a bit of thought — the country is vast, the climate varies enormously by region and season, and there are some unique items you will want that you might not think of packing for other destinations. This guide covers everything.
China has excellent shopping. Most everyday items — toiletries, clothing, basic electronics — are cheaper in China than in the West. You do not need to over-pack. If you forget something non-specialist, you can likely buy it there.
Documents & Essentials
- ✅ Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Keep a photocopy separate from the original.
- ✅ China visa (if required for your nationality) — check well in advance.
- ✅ Travel insurance documents — print a copy, save to your phone, and email yourself a copy.
- ✅ Flight and hotel confirmations — printed and on your phone.
- ✅ Emergency contacts — your guide's WeChat, your country's embassy in China, your insurance emergency number.
- ✅ Hotel addresses in Chinese — screenshot or print the Chinese characters for each hotel. Essential for taxis.
Technology
- ✅ VPN installed and tested — the single most important tech item. See our internet guide.
- ✅ Universal power adapter — China uses Type A (same as US), B, and C plugs. If you're from Europe or Australia, bring an adapter.
- ✅ Portable power bank — essential for long sightseeing days with heavy navigation and photo use.
- ✅ Phone with Alipay and WeChat set up — see our payments guide.
- ✅ Earphones / headphones — for long train journeys.
- ✅ Camera and extra memory cards — China provides extraordinary photography opportunities. You will take far more photos than usual.
Clothing: What to Pack by Season
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–October)
The most popular travel seasons. Weather is mild but variable — warm days and cool evenings are common.
- Light layers: t-shirts, light sweaters, a thin jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk enormous distances at historical sites
- A light rain jacket or packable umbrella — spring rains are common
- Smart-casual outfit for nicer restaurants
Summer (June–August)
Hot and humid in most of eastern China. Pack light and breathable.
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing
- Good-quality sunscreen (SPF 50+ — Chinese sun can be intense)
- Sunglasses and a hat
- For Tibet/Yunnan highlands: add a warm fleece and windproof jacket
Winter (November–February)
Bitter cold in northern China; mild in the south.
- For Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai: thermal underlayers, heavy coat, gloves, hat, scarf
- For Guilin, Yunnan: lighter layers, a medium coat
- Warm, waterproof walking shoes
Temple & Religious Site Packing
- ✅ Scarf or lightweight cover-up — for covering bare shoulders and knees at temples and monasteries. Essential at many sites.
- ✅ Easy-to-remove shoes — slip-on shoes are convenient when you need to remove them at temple entrances.
Health & Wellness
- ✅ Prescription medication — bring more than you need; some medications are unavailable or restricted in China. Carry in original packaging with prescription documentation.
- ✅ Stomach remedies — mild digestive issues are common in the first few days. Bring probiotics, imodium, and rehydration sachets.
- ✅ Pain relief (paracetamol/ibuprofen) — widely available in China, but bring a small supply.
- ✅ Insect repellent — for rural and jungle areas (Yunnan, rural Guilin). Not needed in cities.
- ✅ N95 masks — useful during high-pollution days in major cities. Check the AQI forecast before your trip.
- ✅ Hand sanitiser — soap and water is always available, but sanitiser is convenient between sightseeing stops.
For Tibet Specifically
- ✅ Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before the trip
- ✅ Warm, windproof layers — temperatures drop sharply at altitude even in summer
- ✅ High-SPF lip balm and sunscreen — UV radiation is intense at high altitude
- ✅ Headlamp — useful for early morning monastery visits
Things You Do NOT Need to Pack
- ❌ Travel-size toiletries — hotels provide toiletries; large pharmacies and supermarkets are everywhere
- ❌ Bulky guidebooks — your guide knows more than any book; save the weight
- ❌ Multiple pairs of shoes — one good walking shoe and one smarter pair is enough
- ❌ Lots of formal clothes — China is casual for tourists; smart-casual is sufficient for all but the most formal occasions
All China Cheat Sheet clients receive a destination-specific packing list before departure — tailored to your exact itinerary, the season, and the activities planned. No guesswork required. Start planning your trip.