The Ultimate Packing List and Travel Checklist for Your China Trip

Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, an avid traveler with extensive international travel experience, particularly in China. I am passionate about exploring the rich history, culture, and natural landscapes of China, and I love sharing these unique travel insights with you. If you’re planning a trip to China, I’m here to guide you in preparing all the essentials, ensuring you enjoy your trip with ease.

Checked Luggage Checklist

Checked luggage is typically the heaviest and largest portion of your packing. Below is a list of essential items you should pack in your checked luggage.

Clothing

• Outerwear: Choose appropriate jackets or coats based on the season.
• Long sleeves/Short sleeves: Pack both depending on the weather.
• Sleepwear: Comfortable sleepwear for a restful night.
• Underwear: Ensure you pack enough for the duration of your trip.
• Socks: Bring extra socks for comfort during long travels.
• Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes and backup pairs.
• Slippers (optional): Most hotels in China provide slippers.
• Accessories: Watches, earrings, and other small personal items.

Toiletries

• Body care items: Including razor, shaver, and other grooming products (most high-end hotels in China provide these).
• Facial cleanser: Essential for daily skincare.
• Hair conditioner: A must-have for smooth, healthy hair.
• Shampoo and body wash: These are often provided by hotels, but you may bring your own if you prefer specific brands.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: Not always necessary as most hotels provide these.
• Contact lenses and lens solution.
• Comb: (Optional, as most hotels provide one).
• Sunscreen: To protect yourself from the sun’s rays, especially when exploring outdoors.
• Tissues: A handy item to carry for convenience.
• Hand cream: Keeps your hands moisturized during your travels.

Electronics

• Power adapter: China uses a different plug type, so make sure to bring a suitable adapter. See the Guide to China Plug Types and Adapters
• Chargers: Don’t forget the chargers for your devices.
• SIM/eSIM card: If you wish to use local mobile data, purchase a SIM card or eSIM. See the eSIM guide for China.

Other Miscellaneous Items

• Raincoat: Be prepared for any unexpected downpours.
• Umbrella: A small and compact umbrella can be very useful in case of rain.
• Clothes hangers: (Optional, as most hotels provide them).

Carry-On Luggage Checklist

Your carry-on luggage should contain items that you may need immediately during your journey. Here’s a list of essentials:

Electronics

• Smartphone: A must-have for communication, navigation, and entertainment.
• Laptop: For work, entertainment, or personal tasks.
• Camera: Capture the beautiful moments during your trip.
• Power bank: Keep your devices charged while on the go.
• 3C Chargers: Ensure you bring the necessary chargers for all your devices.
• Headphones: Great for entertainment during flights or train rides.

Everyday Essentials

• Water bottle: Make sure it’s empty when going through airport security.
• Medications: Any daily or emergency medications you may need. See our guide to essential medications for travel in China.

In-Flight Essentials

• Neck pillow: For comfort during long flights or train rides.
• Earplugs: Block out noise for a peaceful journey.
• Eye mask: Helps you rest during travel.
• Slippers: Perfect for keeping comfortable on the plane.

Essential Items for International Travel

This section highlights the must-bring items when traveling internationally, especially to China.

Finance

• Cash: It’s advisable to carry a small amount of cash. Credit card use is common, but cash is becoming less necessary in major cities.
• Credit Cards: Be aware that most hotels in China require a credit card pre-authorization as a deposit.
• WeChat Pay and Alipay: These are the most common methods of payment in China. Make sure to download and activate these apps before your trip. See our China travel app guide.

Documents

• Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Visa: If required, make sure you have your visa arranged.
• Taiwan Compatriot Permit/Hong Kong and Macau Residents Permit: Required for travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.
• Round-trip Flight Confirmation: No need to print; a digital copy on your phone is fine. For cheap flights, check here.
• Train Ticket Confirmation: If traveling by train, you don’t need a printed copy—just have it saved on your phone. Check here for train ticket bookings.
• Hotel Reservation: Digital copies on your phone are sufficient. For budget hotel bookings, click here.
• Student ID: Many attractions offer student discounts, often up to 50%.

Items for Travel Comfort and Convenience

These items are perfect for ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey, especially during long trips.

• Neck Pillow: A must-have for long flights or train rides, providing essential neck support for better rest during your journey.
• Eye Mask: Helps you rest while on the move by blocking out light, making it easier to sleep in airports, trains, or planes.
• Earplugs: Great for reducing noise and creating a peaceful environment, especially when trying to rest during travel.
• Compression Socks: Essential for improving blood circulation and reducing leg swelling during long-haul travel, particularly on long flights.

Items Useful for Summer or Resort Destinations

If you’re traveling to a summer destination or resort areas such as Hainan or Yunnan, these items will enhance your trip.

• Sunscreen: Sun protection is a must, especially in the southern parts of China and popular scenic areas where the sun can be intense.
• Swimwear and Beach Towels: If you plan to visit a beach destination, don’t forget your swimwear and beach towel for a relaxing time by the water.
• Beach Shoes and Sunglasses: To shield yourself from the sun, protect your eyes with sunglasses and wear comfortable beach shoes for easy walking.
• Mosquito Repellent: Essential for summer trips to regions like Yunnan and Guangxi, where mosquitos can be quite prevalent during the warm months.
• Hat and Lightweight Clothing: Stay cool and protected from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and light clothing designed for hot weather.

Items Useful for Winter or Cold Weather Travel

Winter trips, especially to northern cities or mountain areas like Changbai Mountain or Huangshan, require the following essentials:

• Warm Clothing: Pack warm outerwear such as winter coats, down jackets, and thermal underwear to stay comfortable in the cold.
• Scarf, Gloves, and Ear Muffs: These accessories will help protect your neck, hands, and ears from the cold during your outdoor explorations.
• Hand Warmers: Perfect for cold weather, these portable heat packs keep you warm while you’re outside in the winter chill.
• Hand Cream and Lip Balm: Prevent dry skin from the cold weather by packing moisturizing hand cream and lip balm to keep your skin hydrated.

Essential Items for Male Travelers

This section is dedicated to the must-have items for male travelers:

• Razor and Shaving Cream: Stay fresh and clean throughout your travels (high-end hotels in China typically provide these items).
• Hair Styling Products: If you like to keep your hair styled, pack some gel or hairspray to keep your hair looking sharp.
• Facial Cleanser: Essential for keeping your face clean and refreshed after long travel days.
• Cufflinks and Tie: For business occasions, ensure you have cufflinks and a tie on hand to look your best.
• Extra Insoles: For added comfort while walking long distances, pack some extra insoles to cushion your shoes.

Essential Items for Female Travelers

For female travelers, this checklist covers the necessary items to make your trip as comfortable as possible:

• Cosmetics: Bring your favorite makeup products such as lipstick, mascara, and foundation to maintain your beauty routine while traveling.
• Makeup Remover: Essential for cleaning your face and removing makeup after a long day of sightseeing.
• Hair Accessories: Pack some hairpins or a headband to keep your hair in place and looking neat throughout the day.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: Be sure to pack sanitary pads or panty liners for comfort during your travels.
• Comfortable Shoes: : Choose shoes that are suitable for long periods of walking, as comfort is key when exploring new destinations.

Travel Checklist for Families with Children

If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to pack these items to ensure their comfort and enjoyment:

• Daily Essentials for Kids: Don’t forget to pack baby formula, diapers, wipes, and other daily essentials to keep your little ones comfortable.
• Children’s Entertainment: Toys, books, and tablets can help keep children entertained during long journeys, making the travel experience easier for both kids and parents.
• Medications: Be sure to bring any necessary medications, such as fever reducers, diarrhea medicine, and allergy medications, to keep your child healthy.
• Child-Specific Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent: These are essential for outdoor activities, protecting your child’s skin from both sun and mosquito bites.