China Packing List: 16 Essential Items & Useful Tips
Last Updated on November 19, 2025
Are you planning your first trip to China and need help with your packing list? Here I am…sharing my wisdom after living in China for over a year and traveling around the country multiple times.
China is a vast country, and depending on the stops on your China itinerary, you may need to pack different things when it comes to clothing and shoes. However, there are essential items you should always have with you when traveling to China.
In this article, I’ll share the ultimate China packing list, including what (in my humble opinion) you should pack for China, as well as tips on how to deal with clothes depending on where and when you go.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through one of the links, I may be paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog and allowing me to keep sharing meaningful travel experiences with you.
China Packing: Locations, Weather & What to Wear
As mentioned, China is a vast country, so the weather varies depending on latitude, altitude, and season. Here’s the essential breakdown:
1. What to Pack for China In Winter (December – February)
Winter is not the ideal period to travel to North and Central China (unless you’re going to Harbin for the Ice Festival).
It’s very cold and the skies are often grey and cloudy. However, it may be the perfect time to travel to southern cities such as Kunming, Guangzhou, and Guilin, as you can avoid the heat and humidity that you would find from Spring onwards.
- Northern China (Beijing, Harbin, Inner Mongolia): It’s very cold, with temperatures ranging from –15°C to 5°C. It’s dry, windy, and often freezing. There’s likely to be snow (especially in Harbin).
- Central China (Xi’an, Chengdu): It’s cold but less extreme than in the north, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C. It’s damp and chilly, and indoor heating starts in mid-November. It’s usually foggy and very cloudy.
- Southern China (Guilin, Guangzhou, Yunnan region): Temperatures are mild, ranging from 8°C to 18°C. It can feel cold indoors because of the humidity and lack of heating. Southern China is generally a rainy destination, so expect showers.
| Very cold destinations | Cold but damp destinations | Mild destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal leggings | Wool base-layer tops | Sweaters |
| Winter pants | Heavy warm jacket | Light jacket or puffer |
| Wool base-layer tops | Warm sweatshirts + pants | Wool gloves, scarf,f and hat |
| Heavy (waterproof) jacket | Waterproof sneakers or boots | Rain jacket |
| Warm socks | Wool gloves, scarf and hat | Waterproof sneakers |
| Waterproof warm boots | Small umbrella | Small umbrella |
| Jeans or think leggings | ||
| Lip Bal + Heavy moisturizer |
2. What to Pack for China in Spring (March – May)
Spring is, overall, one of the best periods to travel to China, especially if you love spending time in nature.
Spring in China brings mild weather and breathtaking blooms, making it the perfect season to explore some of the country’s most beautiful destinations.
Skies turn from grey to blue, temperatures warm, and the atmosphere is much more social and alive than in winter.
- Northern China: Still cool temperatures (from 10°C to 20°C) and a bit windy, but flowers start blooming from late April, and that’s the best moment to be there to enjoy clearer skies and milder temperatures.
- Central China: Temperatures are mild (12°C–25°C) with occasional rain. However, from mid-March onwards, you can start enjoying more and more sunny days.
- Southern China: Temperatures are warm (20°C–28°C), and the weather is becoming increasingly humid. Late May marks the start of the rainy season here, which lasts until September, so you may want to avoid this location if you’re traveling to China.
| North China | Central China | Southern China |
|---|---|---|
| Light down jacket | Cardigan/light sweater | T-shirts |
| Windbreaker | Light Jacket | Linen/cotton pants |
| Long-sleeve tops | Jeans, leggings, or comfortable pants | Jeans shorts |
| Jeans, leggings or comfortable pants | Sneakers | Rain jacket |
| Scarf | Small umbrella | Anti-frizz hair products against humidity |
| Sneakers | Sneakers/sandals |
3. What to Pack for China in Summer (June – August)
Summer in China is likely the worst period to be there. Everywhere, from north to south, it’s extremely hot, almost unbearable.
You can still make it work around the beginning of June, but to me, it’s a no-go from late June through the end of August (trust me, I’ve been there). Plus, school’s over, so that’s the peak season when it comes to crowds.
- North China: The weather is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 35°C
- Central & East China: Hot and humid (the kind of damp that makes you feel sticky). Temperatures range from 30°C to 38°C, with more frequent rain and mosquitoes!
- In southern China, summer is the rainy season. The weather is tropical with frequent rain, very high temperatures, and humidity.
| Northern China | Central & East China | Southern China |
|---|---|---|
| Breathable tops and T-shirts | Quick dry tops & T-shirts | Quick dry tops & T-shirts |
| Linen garments | Shorts and airy dresses | Shorts |
| Shorts or airy pants | Sandals or sneakers | Waterproof sneakers/sturdy sandals |
| Hat, sunglasses and SPF | Mosquito repellent! | Rain jacket |
| Sneakers or sandals | Fan | Small umbrella |
| Many socks (that will get soaked if it’s pouring) |
4. What to Pack for China in Autumn (September – November)
Traveling to China in the Autumn is another great idea! It’s the shoulder season, so prices are down, and people return to school or work after the holidays.
Plus, the weather is lovely all over the country, more or less, making it ideal for spending time outdoors and sightseeing.
- Northern China: Temperatures start to cool (10°C–22°C), but you can still enjoy warm days and sunny skies. The weather is much more stable than in previous seasons.
- Central China: Autumn is the ideal period to visit Xi’an, Chengdu, or Chongqing. Temperatures are mild (12°C–25°C), rain is rare, and skies are clear.
- Southern China: It’s still pretty warm and humid in early September, but temperatures cool down towards November.
| Northern China | Central & East China | Southern China |
|---|---|---|
| Denim or light jacket | T-shirts | Breathable and quick dry tops |
| Breathable and quick-dry tops | Long-sleeve light tops | T-shirts |
| Sneakers | Sandals or sneakers | Breathable and quick-dry tops |
| Light scarf | Jeans or shorts for warmer days | Rain jacket |
| Jeans or leggins | Jeans or leggings | Small umbrella |
China Packing List: 16 Essential Items You Shouldn’t Forget
Here are the items you should bring to China. You won’t find the basics, like your usual travel medical kit or essential toiletries, but items that are important when it comes to traveling to China in particular.
Documents & Applications
1. Travel Documents For China
There are a couple of essential travel documents you shouldn’t forget before departure:
- Passport (6-month validity and two blank pages)
- VISA: Depending on your nationality, you’ll likely need to apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa), unless you’re from a country eligible for the 30-day free Visa Policy. You can begin your visa application HERE and check out whether you’re exempt on this website.
- Onward/Return Flight Tickets Proof
- Proof of Accommodation
In China, random passport checks are standard, so make sure to keep yours with you at all times, especially when visiting sights. Make a printed copy of your passport and your visa.
2. Accommodation Addresses in Chinese Characters
Prepare all your accommodation addresses in printed or digital form before your departure. These will be useful when taking a taxi from the airport or when getting around between cities. You have to show the taxi driver the address and make sure the meter is on.
3. E-Sim or VPN + Local Sim
To stay connected to the internet and have access to all your applications in China, you have two options:
- Purchasing an e-SIM: This is the easiest way to have an internet connection immediately after you land in China. Everything is done digitally, and you don’t have to touch your current SIM. I usually purchase my E-Sims from Airalo, and they’re great: always work perfectly and don’t require a VPN download.
- Downloading a VPN + Local SIM: I’d suggest the second option only if your phone isn’t compatible with an eSIM or if you’re staying in China for a long time. To stay connected, you can download a VPN in your home country (you won’t be able to from China) and buy a local SIM (China Unicom is the best) once at the airport.
4. Alipay
If there’s one app that is essential in China, it’s Alipay. Payments in China are almost entirely cashless, and Alipay is the easiest option for foreigners. You can link your bank account, and you’re set.
Foreign credit cards are not as widely accepted, and international hotel chains and more renowned restaurants are excluded.
Alipay has the built-in DIDI App feature (the Chinese version of Uber) and an English interface, so you won’t need to download a separate app to book your taxi rides.
If you’re interested in other apps to download (and why you may not need WeChat), I’ve written a small application guide with the essentials.
5. Cash
Even though cash is not king in China, you may need a small amount just in case of emergencies. Once you land in China and purchase a local SIM, it may take some time to activate.
In that case, you may need cash to pay for your first taxi ride or subway ticket. A good amount to withdraw is usually around $100 (around 700 CNY). A usual ride from the airport of Shanghai to downtown may cost around 200 CNY.
Organization & Technology
6. Carry On Backpack
Packing a small carry-on backpack like this one (15-20L) is essential for exploring cities, sightseeing, and day trips.
It has to be comfortable enough to carry on your back for a long time, but also spacious enough to fit all your items (a refillable bottle, a power bank, an umbrella, sanitary wipes, etc.) and souvenirs you may buy along the way.
7. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are, in my opinion, what you should forget bringing to China, especially if you’re planning a backpacking trip or you’re on the move a lot.
Not only are they essential for keeping your clothes organized and wrinkle-free, but they also help you save space. For example, I used these packing cubes from Amazon, and they are designed so you can remove the air and fit even more clothes in your luggage.
If you’re the kind of person who hates feeling a mess while traveling (and that usually comes from the mess in your luggage), packing cubes have saved my mental sanity!
8. Phone Lanyard
There’s one thing I hate about traveling, and it’s having to constantly keep an eye on where I put my phone.
Considering I am a bit clumsy, I change the pocket every time and have constant heart attacks because I can’t find it where I thought I had put it (plus, there is a high chance I’ll forget it on the toilet sink after washing my hands).
Traveling with a phone lanyard like this one saved my life (and my mental sanity) so many times. Plus, I always have my phone handy, so in case I have to snap a quick picture, it’s always there.
9. Power Bank Below 100Wh
This seems like a technicality, right? Well, not really. I’ve witnessed a rather stern Chinese police officer seize a power bank from my friend, apparently because it exceeded the allowed voltage.
It doesn’t matter if you manage to pass the control at the airport; if the voltage exceeds the railway system’s power limit, it will be 100% blocked at the first train station you visit.
So, I would avoid bringing it in the first place. Stick to a lower-voltage power bank, like this, to make sure you can use it throughout the trip.
10. International Adapter
Personally, if there’s something I always forget before departure, it’s checking the type of electrical outlet at my destination.
It’s something quite important, though, which is why I treasure my international power adapter. For peace of mind, I highly suggest you purchase one; you won’t have to worry about checking the electrical outlet wherever you are.
Depending on where you travel to in China, hotels can be quite old-fashioned, so carrying all the possible outlet options in one seems like a good idea!
Toiletries & Other General Items
11. Refillable Water Bottle
In China, you’ll find plenty of water fountains. In airports, in malls, on trains, on the streets…the chances of dying from dehydration in China are pretty much zero. However, that water is hot or at least warm (more on the hot side).
You’ll need a refillable bottle, because you can buy a giant 5L water jug at every tiny supermarket and use that water to refill your bottle. Doing this will help reduce plastic use by at least 0,01% in the country (which is still an issue).
11. Hair Care Travel Set
This is for you if you’re a girl, hyper-obsessed with your hair health as I am. If you’ve ever traveled to Asia, you’ll know that the water quality is not as excellent as what you’re used to. Water is rich in harmful chemicals that make your hair very dry.
If you’re traveling to China for about 2 weeks, you won’t need a shower filter (it’s actually a very short period of time). However, make sure you carry high-quality haircare products that can support your hair during that period, at least minimizing the harm from those chemicals.
The Olaplex Travel Kit when I travel to Asia. The more complete set, the better. Their products are so hydrating and really help protect those dry hair tips from Asian water. You can actually feel your hair being thicker and healthier.
12. Snacks That You Actually Like
Think about what you would love to eat during a 7-hour train journey. Now, make sure you’re writing it down on your china packing list.
As you can imagine, snacks in China are very different in flavors, and whatever you like, you won’t likely find it in any Chinese mini-market (especially if you’re looking for something healthy).
Don’t get me wrong, I love trying new Chinese snacks. However, I must admit that I usually wouldn’t opt for the very popular, often spicy Chinese dried meat or high-sugar dried fruit.
13. Tissues, Wipes & Hand Sanitizer
These items may indeed be helpful for any destination. However, you will never find soap to wash your hands in Chinese public toilets.
Plus, you won’t find any toilet paper in public restrooms. This is why tissues, wipes, and hand sanitizer are even more essential when traveling to China. Make sure you always have them with you in your backpack.
14. Earplugs & Eye Mask During Your Flight
If something always makes me laugh, it’s how noisy Chinese people are, or at least the ones I met (no offense, I love it). They manage to make sounds even when they’re still and silent. It’s a natural talent.
However, if you’re seated close to them on a 12-hour flight and want to take at least a 9-hour nap, that’s less funny. That is why bringing earplugs and an eye mask for the flight is always a good idea.
15. Umbrella & Raincoat (Even During The Summer)
No matter the season in China, you will always need a small umbrella and a raincoat.
If you’re visiting China during the summer season (I hope not), the umbrella will protect you from sunburn when sunscreen’s protection isn’t enough.
16. Shoes That Are Made for Walking
I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen lovely Chinese girls hiking with Birkenstock-like sandals. I was like, “Why would you do that to your feet?”
If you plan to travel to China anytime soon, be sure to bring shoes that are suitable for walking.
Walking will likely be the activity that takes up most of your time in China (along with eating), so make sure to pack shoes that can support you throughout your journey.
There you go! The 16 items you shouldn’t forget when compiling your China packing list. Of course, make sure to pack your usual medical kit, and consider taking a probiotic and prebiotic cycle for 2 weeks before leaving.
As it happens, everywhere in Asia, food, ingredients, and water are different from what you’re used to, and it may trouble your tummy.
If you’re looking for more insight on traveling to China or you missed some information, make sure to check my China travel guide; you’ll find everything there (and more). And if you’re still planning where to go, you should check out this 2-week itinerary. It’s ideal for first-timers, as it includes cities that reflect different atmospheres and aspects of China.
Other Articles You May Find Useful While Planning Your Trip
- Top Tourist Attractions of China You Can’t Miss If You’re Traveling There in 2025
- The Perfect Week in China: 7 Days Exploring Skyscrapers, Canals, City Walls & Lakes
- 10 China Travel Tips for Non-Chinese Speakers (To Help You Overcome The Language Barrier)
- 11 Fantastic Ways to Explore China on a Budget
