China Packing List: 13 Vital Items To Pack for the Perfect Backpacking Trip
The first time I went backpacking in China, I was so thrilled that I somehow forgot half the essential items on my packing list.
How did that happen? Honestly, I have no idea! I probably just focused on all the wrong things while trying to fit everything into a tiny backpack.
In this article, I’ll share the absolute must-haves for your China packing list—so you don’t make the same mistakes I did!
This list doesn’t cover the basics you would pack for any trip (like your passport, emergency kit, clothes, or socks). Instead, it highlights 13 items uniquely handy for traveling in China—and you’ll quickly understand why once you’re there. So, grab a pen and take notes!
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- 13 China Packing List Must-Haves
- 1. 70L Backpack (Assuming You Want to Bring Back Some Souvenirs)
- 2. 20L Backpack (For Daily Use & Hand-Luggage)
- 3. Packing Cubes
- 4. Power Bank Below 100Wh
- 5. International Adapter
- 6. Refillable Water Bottle
- 7. Phone Lanyard
- 8. Hair Care Travel Set
- 9. Snacks That You Actually Like
- 10. Tissues, Wipes & Hand Sanitizer
- 11. Ear Plugs & Eye Mask (For a Good Rest While Flying)
- 12. Umbrella & Raincoat (Even During The Summer)
- 13. Shoes That Are Made for Walking
13 China Packing List Must-Haves
1. 70L Backpack (Assuming You Want to Bring Back Some Souvenirs)
During my first backpacking trip to China, I used my brand-new Ferrino 50L Travel Backpack for the first time. It turned out to be (almost) the perfect bag for a two-week adventure.
This sturdy backpack handled two international flights, many high-speed train rides, and heavy rain in Southern China and was still comfortable to carry on my back.
This backpack is synonymous with robustness and reliability that combined with its multiple pockets and accesses makes it ideal for multi-day hikes or as luggage for backpacking adventure trips!
It has plenty of room, a rain cover, and many pockets—great for keeping your favorite snacks close.
I have one minor complaint: it’s just a bit too small for a two-week trip. At least, it was for me since I like to bring back souvenirs.
While I’m very happy with its quality, I’d probably choose a bigger one for longer (or souvenir-filled) backpacking trips.
Part backpacking pack, part travel pack, and entirely made for adventure-meet the women's-specific Fairview Trek 70, your new favorite globetrotting companion.
My choice would be the 70L Osprey Backpack in Zircon Red. The color is stunning, and let’s be honest—Osprey backpacks are always a great choice!
2. 20L Backpack (For Daily Use & Hand-Luggage)
Here we are again, another mistake. I didn’t forget the small day-trip backpack during my last trip to China. But, once again, it was too small! I didn’t think about everything I’d need to carry.
A refillable water bottle, a power bank, an umbrella, and many other handy items. That’s why I recommend you go for a 20L hiking backpack, even if you don’t have plans to hike.
Spacious yet minimal, the Sportlite 20 is a great day-hike backpack. It offers a stable and dynamic carry that everyone loves, and it's made with 100% recycled materials.
Carrying an uncomfortable backpack all day can be exhausting. I’ll choose the Osprey Sportlite 20L Unisex Hiking Backpack, for my next trip,
I need something spacious yet comfortable, and this one seems like the perfect fit.
3. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes is something I hadn’t planned on bringing with me to China (call me naive). However, after seeing my wrinkled clothes next to my roommate’s almost perfectly organized ones, I changed my mind.
I will purchase some and bring them for my future backpacking trips. They’re honestly such a life (and time) saver!
These compression packing cubes help you pack your clothes for upcoming trips by compressing the air. They are ideal for your backpacking trip as the air removal helps keep them wrinkle-less and organized!
As travelers, we need something that’s not too rigid and can quickly be shoved messily into a backpack. These fantastic compression packing cubes let you remove air and fit even more outfits.
It seems like a dream! These will revolutionize my (messy) packing and traveling experience!
4. Power Bank Below 100Wh
This seems like a technicality, right? Well, not really. I watched a rather stern Chinese police officer seize a power bank from my friend, apparently because it exceeded the allowed voltage.
He had to leave it in the police officer’s hands to have it shipped to our hotel at the final destination. It doesn’t matter if you manage to land with it still in your backpack; it will be 100% blocked at the first train station you visit.
This power bank is as compact as your average mobile phone and will fit nicely in most pockets. The LED display accurately shows the status of the battery charge left. You can quickly charge four devices simultaneously.
So, I would avoid bringing it in the first place. Stick to a small one instead. With four different outputs, this power bank seems the perfect choice —or at least one that won’t get you in trouble with a Chinese police officer.
5. 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, and you won’t have to worry about checking the electrical outlet anymore, anywhere in the world.
This travel adapter covers over 200 countries, has four different detectable charging devices, and provides the best fast charging.
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!
6. 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).
So, why do you need a refillable water bottle? Here is what you will do! You will buy those huge 5L water containers that you can find in every tiny supermarket and use that water to refill your water bottle.
This large water bottle is functional and stylish. It holds a full 50 oz of your favorite beverage to keep you hydrated all day long while living your travel adventures!
Doing this, you will contribute to reducing at least 0,01% of plastic usage in the country (which is still an issue).
I don’t know about you, but I need to drink when I travel, or else I get headaches, so this 50oz seems like a dream for me (now you understand why I need a spacious backpack).
7. Phone Lanyard
If there’s one thing I hate about traveling, it’s having to hold my phone in my hand all day. I’m a bit clumsy, and there is a high chance of me forgetting it on a toilet sink after washing my hands.
Yet, I still haven’t purchased a neck phone holder. It was on my “mental” list of things to buy, and my clumsy mind forgot it.
This Phone Holder allows you to keep your hands free while easily adapting to various situations, such as walking, hiking, traveling, or shopping. This lanyard provides secure attachment for most phone cases, accessories, earbuds, keys, badge holders, and more.
Don’t be like me! A neck lanyard to hold your phone is so convenient when traveling, sparing you from the endless ritual of repeatedly putting your phone in and pulling it out of your backpack (or forgetting it on a toiler’s sink).
Moreover, what if you spot an old Chinese man carrying a chicken in a cage at the back of his scooter, and you want to take a quick video? You need to have your phone ready!
8. Hair Care Travel Set
Item #8 is for you if you’re a girl, hyper-obsessed with her hair health as I am. If you’ve ever traveled to Asia, you’ll know that the water quality from the shower is not as great as what you’re used to.
While I’m not here telling you that you need a shower filter to travel to China (you don’t unless you’re much more hyper-obsessed than me), I always made sure to have products that could protect my hair from the water’s chemicals.
Essential hair routine to repair, cleanse, and condition for stronger, visibly healthier hair.
I always go for an Olaplex Travel Kit when I travel. This one is not as complete as I purchased for China, but it’s a good start.
9. Snacks That You Actually Like
Think about what you would love to eat during a 7-hour train journey. Now, please write it down on your China packing list.
I’m sure that no matter what that is, you’ll not find it in any Chinese mini-market. Don’t get me wrong, I love trying new Chinese snacks. However, I must admit that I usually don’t long to eat Chinese dried meat or high-sweetened dried fruit.
So, I suggest bringing some of your favorite snacks to have a plan B in case you’re snack-hungry and can’t find something that inspires you.
10. 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.
Apparently, China is also facing low toilet paper production, so public restrooms can’t keep it stocked.
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!
11. Ear Plugs & Eye Mask (For a Good Rest While Flying)
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 recommended by law.
I’m sure you want to avoid waking up by your seatmate’s screen displaying another Chinese drama film!
12. Umbrella & Raincoat (Even During The Summer)
No matter the season in China, you will always need a small umbrella and raincoat. If you’re visiting China during the summer season (I hope not), the umbrella will shield you from sunburn where sunscreen’s protection falls short.
There’s nothing worse than waiting to enter Tiananmen Square under the relentless Chinese July sun without something to provide shade.
Take it from a girl who’s been through it! The raincoat will protect you from pouring rain while citing sights!
13. 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 on traveling to China anytime soon, make sure you bring proper shoes that are made 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.
This blog post was all about the 13 vital items you need to have in your China Packing List. Make sure to write them down and not forget them!
Related Posts That May Inspire Your Next Adventure:
- 11 Fantastic Ways to Discover China on a Budget Without Losing Your Mental Sanity
- 10 China Travel Tips for Non-Chinese Speakers (To Help You Overcome The Language Barrier)
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Go Backpacking in China Right Now!
- China Travel Guide: All You Need to Know as a First-Time Traveler
- 2-Week China Travel Itinerary: 6 Cities & All The Tips For First-Time Travelers
DISCLAIMER: These suggestions are purely based on my own experiences during my trip and are meant to provide recommendations for your adventure. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences—no need to follow it in detail. All instructions mentioned reflect my personal experiences at the time of writing and may have changed since. All opinions and recommendations shared here are my own, rooted in my unique journey through China.
