What to Pack When Travelling to China
Planning a trip to China? Exciting times ahead! But before you jet off to explore the Great Wall, sip tea in Chengdu, or wander the bustling streets of Shanghai, there’s the all - important task of packing. I get it - figuring out what to bring for a trip to a place as vast and varied as China can feel a bit overwhelming. So, let’s break it down together, shall we?
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Travel Essentials
These are the things you simply can’t forget. I usually pack most of them in my hand luggage—they’re the real must-haves for the journey.
Passport: You won’t get very far without it! Make sure it’s in date and that you’ve got the right visa (if needed.)
China Travel Documents: Think pre-booked train tickets, hotel reservations, and a copy of your itinerary. I always like having both digital and printed versions—just in case.
Cash & Cards: Mobile payments rule in China, but cash still comes in handy, especially in smaller towns. I always bring some Chinese yuan (RMB) and a travel-friendly credit card.
I use a Monzo card as it has 0% transaction fees. Use my referral link to get a free £10 when you set up your account!
Phone: An absolute lifeline in China. From maps to translation apps, you’ll use it constantly.
Charger & Power Bank: I never leave home without these—keeping gadgets charged is essential for long travel days.
Headphones: Perfect for tuning out the background noise and catching up on a podcast or playlist.
iPad: I bring mine so I can watch a few episodes of something decent if the in-flight entertainment isn’t up to scratch.
Book: Because sometimes, it’s nice to switch off the screens for a bit.
Travel Pillow: It’s a looooong flight - I want to be as comfy as possible.
Ear Plugs & Eye Mask: For blocking out light and sound so I can get some decent sleep on the plane.
Snacks: Because no one wants to deal with me when I’m hangry.
Tissues: I always keep a pack handy - you never know when you’ll need one.
Reusable Water Bottle: I fill it up before boarding, and the cabin crew are usually happy to top it up during the flight too.
Tech & Gadgets
Our tech list is probably a bit longer than most - occupational hazard when you create content for a living! But I’ll keep things simple here and focus on the essentials most travellers might need:
Laptop: I always bring mine because I’m usually working on the go. But if you're heading to China for a holiday, you can probably leave this one behind and enjoy the digital detox.
Camera Gear (batteries, lenses, SD cards, etc.): Most people will be just fine with their phone cameras. But if you’re keen to get some professional-level shots, don’t forget all your photography bits and pieces.
Drone: You know we love a good aerial view! If you’re planning to bring a drone, make sure you register it in advance - China has strict drone rules, and fines for flying unregistered ones.
Travel Adapter: China uses Type A, C, and I plugs. I always bring an all-in-one universal adapter to cover everything.
Clothing & Footwear
The key here is to pack for the season and the specific regions you’re visiting. I can’t stress this enough—China is massive, basically the size of a continent, and the weather varies hugely across the country. When we travelled in May, it was already really hot. Down south it was hot, humid, and rainy, while up north it was hot but dry. So definitely check the weather forecast for each destination on your route!
Layers: You might be sweating in Guangzhou and needing a jacket in Beijing - sometimes in the same trip! Lightweight, breathable clothes that dry quickly are your best friend, especially in the summer.
Here’s how I usually pack by season:
Spring: Trousers, leggings, jacket, sweater, and maybe a thicker coat if I’m heading north.
Summer: Light trousers, shorts or skirts, thin t-shirts, sandals - the cooler the better.
Autumn: Trousers, leggings, jacket, coat, jumper and long-sleeved tops.
Winter: Thick trousers or leggings, a warm coat, hat, gloves, and thermals - especially up north, where it can get seriously cold.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential! You’ll be racking up the steps whether you’re exploring ancient temples or weaving through city streets.
Rain Jacket or Umbrella: Super important if you’re visiting southern China or travelling during the rainy season. I often bring an umbrella anyway - it doubles as a sunshade on really hot days.
Hat: A sunhat or cap for most of the year, or a woolly hat in winter.
City Clothes: I always pack a few outfits I feel good in for exploring cities or taking nice travel photos.
Hiking Gear: Leggings and t-shirts that are comfy and good for more active days.
Sunglasses: Handy all year round - even in winter when it can be cold but dazzlingly sunny.
Hoodie: I always travel with a hoodie, even in summer. Air con in trains, airports, and hotels can be absolutely freezing!
Underwear: Obvious, but easy to forget when you're thinking about everything else.
Handbag: I like having a small crossbody or backpack to keep all my essentials handy while out and about.
Reusable Bag: Always useful - great for shopping, carrying snacks on train rides, or tossing in a last-minute souvenir.
Toiletries
You’ll find plenty of convenience stores and pharmacies in China, but some things are just easier (or more comforting!) to bring from home. It all comes down to personal preference, but here’s what I usually pack:
Shampoo & Conditioner: Whatever works best for your hair. I bring travel-sized bottles or decant my favourites into refillable containers.
Shower Gel: Most hotels provide this, but I still like to have a small one in my bag - just in case.
Deodorant: A must. If you're bringing a spray version, make sure it's under 100ml - China’s train stations can be strict about flammable items like spray deodorant, hairspray, and mosquito repellent. If it’s too big, they might take it off you.
Sunscreen: I don’t want to get burnt on my travels - and it’s often more expensive and harder to find once you’re there.
Moisturiser: The air can get super dry, especially in northern China, so I always bring a good face, body and hand cream.
Prescription Medications & Basic First Aid: Pack enough for your whole trip, plus a few days extra in case of delays. I also bring a few essentials like plasters, painkillers, and antihistamines but you will be able to get some of these at the pharmacy if you need.
Mosquito Spray: Those little buggers love me, so I always come prepared.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Hotels usually provide mini versions of these, but the toothpaste is often a bit different - think green tea flavour rather than minty fresh!
Packing for China doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right essentials and a bit of planning, you’ll be ready to tackle everything. Don’t stress as long as you have your passport and your phone you can buy most things in China.
My go-to shops if I forget something:
Watsons - Health and beaty
Miniso - Make-up and travel essentials
Uniqlo - Clothes
H&M - Underwear
Check out my China Travel Checklist so you can tick things off as you pack.
If you need help planning exactly where to go then I can help you!