Travel Guides
What to Pack for China
A practical China packing list covering documents, payment setup, mobile internet, apps, clothing, electronics, medicine, and backups.
Published 2026-06-14 · Updated 2026-06-14 · By Travel Tips for China Editorial Team
Quick answer
China packing should focus on documents, mobile payment and internet setup, region-appropriate clothing, a universal power adapter, a power bank, and offline backups of key information.
Documents and money
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Visa or visa-free transit confirmation if applicable.
- Printed and offline copies of hotels, flights, and insurance.
- Alipay and WeChat Pay set up and tested before departure.
- A backup bank card and a small amount of RMB cash.
Connectivity and electronics
- eSIM, roaming, or local SIM plan ready to activate.
- VPN installed if you need blocked foreign apps for work.
- Universal power adapter for China sockets.
- Power bank, because payment and maps depend on your phone.
- Translation app with offline Chinese language packs.
Clothing by season
Northern winters are cold and dry, southern summers are hot and humid, and spring and autumn vary widely by region. Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a small umbrella or rain jacket depending on the season and cities on your route.
Conclusion
Use this guide with the site tools to turn general advice into a concrete plan. Before paying for anything non-refundable, verify live prices, official rules, transport availability, and holiday schedules.
Useful tools
Related guides
FAQ
Do I need a power adapter for China?
Most travelers do. China uses Type A, C, and I sockets. A universal adapter covers all common situations.
Should I bring a power bank?
Yes. Payments, maps, tickets, and translation all depend on your phone, so a charged power bank is essential.