China Packing Checklist
What to pack for your trip to China - by season, by purpose, and what to leave at home. Based on real travel experience.
The difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one often comes down to what you packed. China is a fully modern travel destination - but a few specific items make life significantly easier.
Every trip essentials
These go in every bag, every season.
Documents & digital
- ✓ Passport - valid for your full intended stay; check whether your airline or visa category requires additional validity. Bring a photocopy + secure digital backup
- ✓ Entry permission - carry the correct China visa, unless your ordinary passport and purpose qualify for a current visa-free policy. Hotels will need your original passport at check-in
- ✓ Booking confirmations - hotel bookings, train tickets, flight e-tickets. Download PDFs before you go
- ✓ Phone & charger - China uses USB-C widely. iPhone users: bring a USB-C cable
- ✓ Power bank - 10,000 - 20,000 mAh. Essential. Flights restrict >27,000 mAh (100Wh)
Health & comfort
- ✓ Basic medication - painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), antihistamines, diarrhoea relief (Imodium), cold medicine
- ✓ First-aid supplies - plasters, antiseptic wipes, rehydration sachets
- ✓ Face masks - still common on public transport and in hospitals. N95 or surgical
- ✓ Hand sanitiser - not every restaurant has easy access to handwashing
- ✓ Sunscreen - SPF 50+. Chinese sunscreens use different filters and often contain whitening agents
- ✓ Insect repellent - essential in summer, especially in Guilin, Yunnan, Hainan
Electronics & connectivity
China uses different plugs and blocks different websites.
Power & plugs
- ✓ China uses Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (three flat pins - same as Australia/NZ). Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
- ✓ Bring a universal travel adapter. Multi-port USB chargers are ideal
- ✓ Most hotel rooms have both 2-pin and 3-pin sockets. USB ports common in newer hotels (2023+)
- ✓ Most laptop and phone chargers are 100 - 240V auto-switching - check your brick before plugging in
Internet tools
- ✓ Connectivity: Download essential apps and offline resources, then arrange a roaming or China data plan before you depart
- ✓ eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM, install a China data plan before you go. Holafly, Airalo, and Nomad offer China eSIMs
- ✓ Offline maps: Download China city maps in Google Maps or Maps.me before departure. Google Maps in China is inaccurate for driving - use Amap (高德地图) locally
What to leave at home
- ✗ Google Chromecast / Apple TV - streaming sticks generally do not work with Chinese hotel TV systems, which are mostly locked to local content
- ✗ Kindle - works fine but cannot access the Kindle store in China. Download books before you go
- ✗ Smart home devices (Amazon Echo, Google Home) - will not connect to Chinese WiFi
What to pack by season
China has extreme seasons. Pack accordingly.
| Season | Temperatures | Must-pack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar - May) | 10 - 25°C | Light jacket, scarf, face mask | Layers essential. Sandstorms in Beijing/Tianjin, March - April |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | 25 - 40°C | Sun hat, UV umbrella, portable fan, sweat-wicking clothes | Heat index in Shanghai/Chongqing/Wuhan exceeds 40°C. Sudden thunderstorms daily |
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | 10 - 25°C | Light sweater, camera, comfortable walking shoes | Best travel season. Pack a light jacket for evenings |
| Winter (Dec - Feb) | −20 to 10°C | Thermal underwear, down jacket, thick socks, lip balm, hand warmers | Beijing −10°C average. Harbin −25°C. Indoor heating keeps buildings warm |
Clothing tips
Dress codes are more conservative than you think.
General tips
- ✓ Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. You will walk more than you expect - China sightseeing involves serious walking
- ✓ Modest clothing for temples: Shoulders and knees must be covered in temples and religious sites. Bring a shawl or scarf to cover up quickly
- ✓ Business dress: Smart-casual for meetings. Suit and tie only for formal occasions
- ✓ Avoid all-black in summer (you will overheat). Light colours reflect heat and are culturally fine for any occasion
Items specific to China
- ✓ Temple cover-up - a large scarf or pashmina to wrap around shoulders when entering temples unexpectedly
- ✓ Pyjamas - Chinese hotels often do not provide nightwear. Bring your own
- ✓ Compression packing cubes - useful for multi-city train travel. Organises laundry and clean clothes
What NOT to bring
China has strict import rules.
❌ Prohibited items
- ✗ Political or religious materials: Books or printed material deemed sensitive by Chinese customs
- ✗ CBD / cannabis products: Even CBD oil is illegal. Zero tolerance - possession can lead to detention and deportation
- ✗ Unmarked medication: Prescription meds must be in original packaging with a doctor's prescription (Chinese translation recommended)
- ✗ Drones: Must be registered with local police after arrival. Most national parks and historic sites ban drones entirely
- ✗ Meat products: No raw or uncooked meat, sausages, or dairy products from outside China
Toiletries
What to bring vs what to buy locally.
✅ Bring from home
- Specific medications you rely on
- Contact lens solution - brands differ in China
- Tampons - available in big cities but limited in smaller towns
- Deodorant - Chinese formulas are mild sprays and roll-ons
- Western skincare (La Roche-Posay, Cerave, Cetaphil)
✅ Buy in China (cheaper)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo - widely available
- Tissues / wet wipes - every convenience store
- Face masks - any pharmacy (药店)
- Umbrella - street vendors sell for ¥15 - 30 when it rains
- Sunscreen - Korean/Japanese brands at Watsons
Get connected before you go → eSIM & SIM Guide
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to enter China?
A passport valid for the full intended stay and the appropriate visa, unless you qualify for a current visa-free policy. Some visa applications and carriers may require additional passport validity. Keep accommodation, transport and invitation details available as supporting evidence.
What voltage and plug type does China use?
China uses 220V, 50Hz with Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (three flat pins) sockets. Most modern device chargers are dual-voltage - check the label.
Can I drink tap water in China?
No. Drink bottled or boiled water. Hotels provide bottled water daily. A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter is recommended.
What medications should I bring to China?
Bring prescription medication in original packaging with a doctor's note. Pack a basic travel kit: pain reliever, anti-diarrhoea, antihistamine, cold medicine, and motion sickness tablets.
Not answered here? 184 questions, answered in a sentence or two
Updated August 2026