What to Pack for China Trip - Complete Packing List (2025)

Packing for China is mostly like packing for anywhere else, but there are some China-specific items you definitely need. Here's your complete packing checklist.

🔴 Critical: China-Specific Essentials

Pack these BEFORE anything else:

Must-Have Items

• ✅ Passport - With at least 6 months validity
• ✅ Visa - Or eligibility for 144-hour transit
• ✅ VPN - Downloaded and tested BEFORE arrival
• ✅ Cash - ¥500-1000 in small bills
• ✅ International credit card - For Alipay/WeChat setup
• ✅ Phone with data - For apps, navigation, translation
• ✅ Passport copies - Digital and physical backup

📱 Technology Essentials

Item	Why
Power adapter (Type A/C/I)	China uses 220V, dual-type outlets
Portable charger (10000+ mAh)	You'll use your phone constantly
USB cables	Multiple cables recommended
Unlocked phone	For Chinese SIM card
Travel router (optional)	For multiple devices sharing VPN

📲 Apps to Download (Before You Go!)

• WeChat - Essential for everything
• Alipay - Payment backup
• Didi - Ride hailing
• Baidu Maps - Navigation (Google doesn't work)
• Pleco - Chinese dictionary
• VPN app - Tested before leaving
• Translator - Google Translate with offline Chinese

Critical Warning: You cannot download VPN apps from China! App stores are censored. Download BEFORE you arrive or you'll be stuck.

💊 Health & Medicine

• Prescription medications - Bring enough for entire trip + extras
• Doctor's note - For controlled substances (in English)
• OTC medicine:
  • Imodium (stomach issues)
  • Pain reliever
  • Antihistamines
  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Cold medicine
• Hand sanitizer - Not always available
• Tissues/wet wipes - Many restrooms don't have toilet paper
• Masks - For pollution days or if sick

🧳 Clothes - What to Pack

Summer (June-August)

• Light, breathable fabrics
• UV protection (hat, sunglasses)
• Light rain jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes

Winter (December-February)

• Warm down jacket (Beijing can be -10°C)
• Thermal underwear
• Warm layers
• Scarf, gloves, warm hat

For All Seasons

• Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk A LOT)
• Slip-on shoes (many places require shoe removal)
• Modest clothing for temples (shoulders/knees covered)
• Light jacket for aggressive AC

🎒 Day Bag Essentials

What to carry daily:

• 📱 Phone + portable charger
• 💰 Some cash (¥200-500)
• 📄 Passport photocopy
• 🧻 Tissues (no toilet paper in many restrooms!)
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer
• 💧 Reusable water bottle
• 🗺️ Hotel business card (for taxi drivers)
• ☂️ Compact umbrella

📋 Documents Checklist

• ☑️ Passport (6+ months validity)
• ☑️ Visa (if required)
• ☑️ Passport photocopies (physical + digital)
• ☑️ Travel insurance documents
• ☑️ Hotel bookings (printed)
• ☑️ Flight itinerary (printed)
• ☑️ Emergency contacts list
• ☑️ Credit card company international numbers

🚫 What NOT to Bring

• ❌ Too much cash - Mobile payment is everywhere
• ❌ VPN-only services - Have offline alternatives ready
• ❌ Expensive jewelry - Attract unwanted attention
• ❌ Political/religious materials - Can cause issues at customs
• ❌ Large knives - Confiscated at metro security
• ❌ Drone - Registration required, many no-fly zones

🛍️ What You Can Buy in China

Don't overpack - these are cheap and available everywhere:

• Toiletries (Western brands available)
• Umbrella (sold on every corner when raining)
• Power bank (China's specialty!)
• Phone accessories
• Clothing basics (Uniqlo, H&M available)

✈️ Packing Tips

• Carry-on essentials: VPN, passport, medications, 1 change of clothes
• Luggage locks: TSA-approved for checked bags
• Compression bags: Save space for souvenirs
• Daypack: Packable backpack for day trips

Related Guides

• Plug Checker - Check adapter needs
• Best VPNs for China - Download before you go
• China SIM Card Guide - Stay connected

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Last updated: December 2025