What to Pack for China
The stuff that actually matters — tech essentials, seasonal gear, toiletries you won’t find there, and the things most travellers forget.
Tech & App Essentials
Your phone is your most important travel tool in China. Treat it accordingly.
eSIM (non-Chinese)
Routes your data through overseas networks, bypassing the Great Firewall. Install before boarding. Most VPNs no longer work reliably in China.
Compare eSIM providers →Alipay (set up and linked)
Your primary payment method. Link your international card and verify identity before departure.
Payment setup guide →Portable power bank
Your phone is your wallet, map, translator, and ticket machine. A dead battery means you can't pay for lunch. Carry at least 10,000 mAh.
Universal power adapter
China uses Type A, C, and I plugs at 220V/50Hz. A universal adapter covers all three. Bring a voltage converter if you have 110V-only hair appliances.
Offline Google Translate (Chinese pack)
Download the offline Chinese language pack. The camera feature translates menus, signs, and labels in real time — incredibly useful.
Didi app (China version)
Uber doesn't work in China. Didi is the ride-hailing app. Download the China-specific version, not the international one.
Baidu Maps
More accurate than Google Maps for Chinese addresses, bus routes, and walking directions. Essential if your eSIM data runs low.
China's super-app. Good for messaging locals, scanning QR codes, and as a backup payment method.
Clothing by Season & Region
China spans subarctic to tropical climates. Pack for the region, not just the season.
| Season | North (Beijing, Xi’an, Harbin) | South (Shanghai, Guilin, Guangzhou) | West (Tibet, Yunnan highlands) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Fleece jacket, light hat and gloves (dust storms are common in March), face mask for wind | Base clothing is sufficient — light layers, rain jacket | UV sunglasses (essential at altitude), light windbreaker, face mask |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Umbrella, sweat-wicking shirts, extra shorts, baby powder (anti-chafe in humidity) | Heavy-duty umbrella, waterproof sandals, quick-dry everything — monsoon season | UV protection is critical (high altitude), light layers, still cool at night |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Thermal jacket, wool socks, fleece, light hat/gloves/scarf by late October | Warm jacket (not thermal), wool socks — still mild but evenings cool down | Thick jacket, winter accessories from October, UV sunglasses year-round |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Heavy thermal jacket, thermals, wool socks, winter boots, hat/gloves/scarf — proper cold | Sweater, warm jacket, layers — no central heating south of the Yangtze, cold indoors | Full winter gear — down jacket, snow boots, waterproof pants, serious thermal layers |
Spring (Mar–May)
North: Fleece jacket, light hat and gloves (dust storms are common in March), face mask for wind
South: Base clothing is sufficient — light layers, rain jacket
West: UV sunglasses (essential at altitude), light windbreaker, face mask
Summer (Jun–Aug)
North: Umbrella, sweat-wicking shirts, extra shorts, baby powder (anti-chafe in humidity)
South: Heavy-duty umbrella, waterproof sandals, quick-dry everything — monsoon season
West: UV protection is critical (high altitude), light layers, still cool at night
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
North: Thermal jacket, wool socks, fleece, light hat/gloves/scarf by late October
South: Warm jacket (not thermal), wool socks — still mild but evenings cool down
West: Thick jacket, winter accessories from October, UV sunglasses year-round
Winter (Dec–Feb)
North: Heavy thermal jacket, thermals, wool socks, winter boots, hat/gloves/scarf — proper cold
South: Sweater, warm jacket, layers — no central heating south of the Yangtze, cold indoors
West: Full winter gear — down jacket, snow boots, waterproof pants, serious thermal layers
Pro tip: Pack sweat-wicking, quick-dry fabrics (nylon or polyester over cotton). Clothes dryers are rare in China — most accommodation has washing machines but you’ll be hang-drying.
Toiletries & Medicine
Toilet paper / tissues
Carry at all times. Most public toilets don't supply any.
Deodorant
Very difficult to find in China. Bring your own supply.
Sunscreen
Essential for western China and any outdoor sightseeing. Available locally but often whitening formula.
Ibuprofen / Imodium / Pepto-Bismol
Basic medicines are hard to find in English-labelled formats. Bring a small travel pharmacy.
Prescription medications
Bring your full supply plus a doctor's letter. Some ingredients (e.g. codeine) are restricted — check before you go.
Shampoo/conditioner
Available everywhere, but formulated for dark hair. Bring your own if you're particular.
What NOT to Bring
Only cash
You'll be stuck. Set up Alipay — cash is a backup, not a primary method.
Only a VPN (no eSIM)
Most VPNs are actively blocked. An eSIM is far more reliable for staying connected.
Large-denomination bills
Taxi drivers and small vendors rarely have change for ¥100 notes. Get ¥10s and ¥20s.
Unregistered drones
Drone use requires registration with Chinese authorities. Penalties are serious.
Codeine-based medication
Controlled substance in China. Carry a doctor's letter if you have a legitimate prescription.
Only XL/XXL clothing
Chinese sizing runs very small. If you need to replace clothes, you may struggle to find your size.