China Packing List: What We’d Pack Again Next Time
PLANNING A TRIP TO CHINA? WITH ITS VAST SIZE AND VARIED CLIMATES, PACKING SMART IS ESSENTIAL! THIS GUIDE COVERS EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED—WHETHER YOU'RE EXPLORING LIVELY CITIES, HIKING SCENIC MOUNTAINS, OR CRUISING ALONG RIVERS. LET’S GET YOU READY FOR EVERY KIND OF ADVENTURE!
Suitcase or Trekking Backpack
China is a very accessible country, so traveling with a suitcase is convenient as most public spaces have elevators and escalators.
While we used backpacks on our trip, they’re not essential here. For China, we recommend downsizing your packing, as you really don’t need as much as we brought for our world trip. Having extra space will be handy, especially if you plan to buy souvenirs during your holiday. It’s always nice to have some room for those special finds without feeling overpacked.
We typically organize our clothes in packing cubes for quick access: one cube for bottoms, one for tops, one for outdoor clothing, and so on. We also pack our shoes in fabric reusable bags. It ultimately depends on your packing style.
Packing Organization
To keep things organized and find everything easily inside our backpacks, we love using packing cubes. We sort everything into different cubes, shirts in one, bottoms in another, underwear in a small one. It makes it super easy to just pull out what you need without messing up the rest of your suitcase.
For shoes, we use fabric bags. We've done trekking tours early in the morning and had to keep traveling just a few hours later. Wet or muddy shoes go straight into the bag, and they don't ruin anything else in our suitcase.
Toiletry bags are so necessary. Nothing ruins a travel day like opening your backpack to find any liquid smeared all over your clean shirts. We use a hanging toiletry bag to hang them on a hook, a door, or closet. Everything stays organized, and if something leaks, it's contained. We’ve had many over the years. But our favorite one now is a light toiletry bag, that's waterproof and has a hook and a small mirror inside.
Daypack
We tried a million daypacks before finding the right one and love our 25 L Fjällraven Abisko. We wanted a backpack with zippers that aren't easy to open from the outside, because of pickpocketing. While China is very safe and this might not be your concern, we wanted a backpack we can use in other countries. We also wanted good back support, since a flimsy bag gets uncomfortable fast when you're carrying it for a while. We needed water bottle pockets. After some trial and error, we finally found one that works. We use it every single day for hiking and daily sightseeing. We have a list of the daypack items we rely on every day. Check it down below.
We also have a small foldable from Vaude Unuk II and flat backpack for days were we don’t need to carry much. It is also waterproof and not easy to open giving you pickpocketing protection.
For China, a helpful traveler’s tip is to carry tissues, a small roll of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and liquid soap in a refillable bottle, as public restrooms rarely have these supplies. It’s the country where we had the hardest time finding decent restrooms more than anywhere else we've ever traveled. Even restaurants and familiar Western chains do not have customer toilets.
If you're traveling in China during spring or summer, especially in the south like Guilin or outdoors, be sure to pack mosquito repellent and sunscreen. They’ll save you more than once.
BUY |Fjällraven Abisko Hike Foldsack (25 L) /Vaude Unuk II Daypack (6-15L)
Clothing & Shoes for China
While China is generally a modern country, so there is not much you have to worry about regarding your outfit choices. Most locals in China will protect themselves completely from the sun, often wearing long sleeves, hiding their faces fully and hats. If you are also very cautious, it is the perfect country to buy sun protective gear.
Additionally, Chinese culture tends to favor modest clothing, we never saw anyone using low-cut tops. It’s best to choose t-shirts or tops that cover the shoulders and avoid tight clothing like leggings or body-hugging dresses.
If you are planning to visit some religious or cultural sites, such as temples or monasteries, remember to dress conservatively. In these places, both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
✈︎ Ready to explore China but feeling overwhelmed? Start with our China Travel Essentials for budget tips, must-visits, and everything in between.
When packing for China, it’s essential to prepare for its hot and humid climate. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen will keep you comfortable during the day. However, winters in the north can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 10–15°C (50–59°F), so bring a light jacket.
We recommend leaving very long pants or floor-length trousers at home. Since you'll often be using squat toilets in China, you don’t want your clothes dragging on the floor. Instead, bring pants or skirts that you can easily roll or fold up when squatting.
When visiting Chinese beaches or hot springs, don’t forget to pack conservative swimwear, such as a swimsuit instead of a bikini.
Depending on when you are visiting, weather can be unpredictable, especially during the summer, so an UV umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is a practical addition to your bag to stay dry during sudden showers.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for sightseeing and exploring China’s beautiful landscapes, while flip-flops come in handy as slippers in hotels. We recommend leaving your sandals at home as toilets in China are often very dirty, and most don't have Western-style toilets. If you're not used to squat toilets, there's a good chance you'll end up splashing your feet and trust us, that’s the last thing you want. If you’re planning on hiking, be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes with good grip to tackle China’s scenic trails and rugged terrain.
Wondering how we used Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube while traveling in China? China’s internet is heavily restricted, and most Western apps are blocked.
We stayed connected with a Saily eSIM and used a reliable VPN to access everything just like we do at home.
CLOTHING PACKING LIST
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Toiletries for China
You’ll probably will not find most of your usual favorite brand toiletries in China, so bring the ones you love with you. But…you of course will be able to find these products at any convenience store or supermarket, if you want to try some Chinese brands. We recommend bringing sunscreen, mosquito repellent, solid shampoo or soap bars, and any personal skincare products you can’t go without.
We try to reduce our liquids and use solid products to make carry-on travel easier and refill our favorite products instead of buying new travel-sized ones each time. Remember that for carry-on liquids each container must be no larger than 100ml (3.4 ounces) and have a total of 1 liter (about 1 quart) in refillable bottles.
TOILETRIES
contact lenses, glasses, contact lenses supplies
FEMALE
feminine hygiene products (menstrual cup & period underwear)
make up & make up brushes
Feminine Hygiene for China
Menstrual pads are the most common used product in China, if you are a tampon user consider brining more than enough for your trip.
If you are a menstrual cup user, this can get a bit tricky, because toilet paper and soap are almost never provided, so you’ll need to carry your own. Your best bet is to head to a shopping mall, where you’ll have a better chance of finding a Western-style toilet and a cleaner space to change safely. But keep in mind: public restrooms are often crowded, and long lines can make it hard to empty your cup discreetly.
If you prefer a different sustainable and hassle-free option, consider packing period underwear as a backup.
READ |Traveling on Your Period? Tips & Products to Stay Comfortable
TRAVEL MENSTRUAL ESSENTIALS
Electronics to Pack for China
This might be something weird, but if cybersecurity is an issue for you we recommend you to bring a reseted spare phone with all the downloaded Chinese apps that you will need for your trip.
Consider bringing a power bank for long days out, but you can also rent them anywhere with the Meituan App.
Chinese believe that confident people speak loud, so if this might be something you are not used to bring noise-cancelling earphones along. We love ours for plane, bus or train rides.
An absolute must-have that you should not forget is a lightweight travel fan for the heat.
China uses the plug type A, C, and I so make sure your adapter fits.
TRAVEL ELECTRONICS
smartphone & charger
camera, memory card & charger
power bank
Camera Gear
If you love taking photos as much as we do, Chinawill keep your camera busy every single day. You’ll want to be ready for every kind of shot.
We always travel with our camera, drone, instax and phone setup, plus a few small accessories that make a huge difference. Think extra SD cards, waterproof cases, spare batteries, lens cloths, and a lightweight tripod for those sunrise and night shots.
If you’re curious about what’s in our camera bag or want ideas for upgrading your setup, check out our full post on our travel photography gear, we break down exactly what we use and why it works so well for travel days.
BUY |Camera & Photography Accesories we use on Amazon Storefront
Sustainable Travel Essentials
We always carry our reusable water bottles and China makes it easy with free hot water dispensers almost everywhere, a tradition rooted in drinking hot water for health and hygiene.
If you plan to bring snacks or cook your own food, we recommend investing in collapsible food containers and carrying reusable cutlery and metal straws. In many restaurants across China, single-use plastics and disposable chopsticks are still widely used even when dining in. Reducing plastics isn’t widely practiced, so if that matters to you, consider bringing your own reusable utensils.
We always carry a reusable bag for groceries and it's handy if we need to lighten our luggage at the airport counter, allowing us to transfer some items as our carry-on.
TRAVEL SUSTAINABLE FAVORITES
Doing Laundry in China
We recommend packing light, as doing laundry in China is quick and easy. There are no laundromats or laundry services. That said, one major plus: nearly every accommodation we stayed in had a washing machine and often a dryer available for guests, completely free of charge. To be prepared, bring a reusable travel-sized bottle with your favorite detergent from home as not all stays provide it.
Don’t forget to pack a laundry mesh bag for both sustainability and to protect your delicates while traveling in China.
READ |Laundry on the go - the best tips based on our experience.
OUR TRAVEL LAUNDRY SET UP
Flight Bag Essentials for China
Long flights and train rides to and within China can feel much smoother with a few essentials by your side. We always pack in a small clear toiletry bag in our small carry-on backpack our comfort and entertainment must-haves. Things like a neck pillow, noise-canceling headphones, a refillable water bottle, and a power bank. These little items make all the difference during long travel days.
BUY | Flight Bag Favorite Products on Amazon
READ |Comfort Meets Minimalism: Essentials for Your Next Flight
Safety in China
China is considered a very safe country and we always felt completely secure during our trip. Of course, as in any country, it’s still important to be mindful of your belongings in crowded and public spaces.
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Stay Healthy in China
Vaccinations
Before traveling to China, it’s important to ensure you’re up to date on routine vaccinations, as well as consider any additional ones that may be recommended for international travel. It’s always a good idea to visit a healthcare provider or travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to discuss any vaccinations specific to your health history and travel itinerary.
Recommended Vaccinations for China:
Routine Vaccinations: Make sure you’re up to date on the standard vaccinations, including:
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP)
Polio
Hepatitis A: The virus can be spread through contaminated food or water, and it’s advisable for travelers to get vaccinated before visiting China, particularly if you plan on visiting rural or less-developed areas.
Hepatitis B: It is recommended for travelers who may have exposure to blood or bodily fluids, such as those planning on staying long-term, seeking medical treatment, or engaging in high-risk activities.
Typhoid: If you plan to visit more rural areas or eat food from street vendors, the typhoid vaccine is recommended as it protects against foodborne bacteria that can cause infection.
Japanese Encephalitis: This is recommended for travelers who will be spending significant time outdoors in rural areas or near farms, particularly during the warmer months when mosquitoes are more prevalent.
Rabies: While rabies is not a major concern in China, it’s recommended for travelers who may have close contact with animals, especially for long-term travelers or those planning on hiking in remote areas.
COVID-19: COVID-19 vaccinations are also recommended, and travelers may be required to show proof of vaccination depending on current entry requirements.
Travel Insurance for China
Travel health insurance is essential for any trip, covering unexpected medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and emergency treatments. It ensures you receive the care you need while protecting you from high medical costs. This is especially important when traveling to unfamiliar destinations or regions with limited healthcare access, where quality medical treatment may not be readily available.
To help you find the best coverage for your trip, we’ve put together a guide—here’s what to look for.
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Payment Methods for China
Paying in China is unlike anywhere else. From QR codes to local apps, the system works completely differently and without the right setup, it can be frustrating. It was also the first country where we didn’t withdraw a single bill during our entire trip. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated post that walks you through everything you need to know about Chinese apps and payment methods. Check it out to make your trip smoother!
WISE: OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL CARD!
We use Wise everywhere: fair rates, easy cash withdrawals, and no hidden fees.
READY FOR YOUR CHINA TRIP?
KEEP EXPLORING | Things we loved to do in Beijing, Xi’an & Guilin
GREAT WALL | Have the best experience with our Mutianyu guide
CHINA ESSENTIALS | Everything you need to pack for China
PREPARE | First timer’s guide: know before you visit China
WORRY-FREE SPENDING | Our favorite traveler's card: WISE cardhelps us avoid bank fees and spend less
PROTECT YOUR TRIP | We stay safe from medical emergencies with HeyMondo (5% discount) & SafetyWing (for digital nomads)
STAY CONNECTED | Don’t get locked out of your favorite apps! We used Saily eSIM paired with NordVPNfor unrestricted data
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
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We recommend you to download the Chinese apps to pay around China, as cash is not accepted in most restaurants, shops and attractions. Get the full list of apps to download here.
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We recommend you to check the requirements depending on your country of origin. We advice you to check with professional before your visit.
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You will have to register your drone and tape the registration to it. Do it a few days or weeks before your trip as it might take a few days to get it approved.
