china is officially here!! walking the great wall, seeing the terracotta warriors, coming face to face with pandas in chengdu, furong ancient town lit up at night and the real-life avatar mountains in zhangjiajie. it's been sitting at the top of our bucket list for so long and we're so excited to finally take you!!
the ultimate sri lanka packing list for solo gals (honest 2027 guide) <3
china is officially here!! walking the great wall, seeing the terracotta warriors, coming face to face with pandas in chengdu, furong ancient town lit up at night and the real-life avatar mountains in zhangjiajie. it's been sitting at the top of our bucket list for so long and we're so excited to finally take you!!
here's the thing though: packing for china isn't just about clothes. the most important things you'll pack are actually on your phone!! china works differently to most countries, with its own apps, cashless payments and blocked websites. get that sorted before you fly and the rest is easy. whether you're joining our explore china trip or heading out solo, here's our honest guide from gals who have been on exactly what to bring!
3 things you MUST know before packing for china
- sort your phone BEFORE you go: whatsapp, instagram, tiktok and google maps are blocked in china. set up a travel e-SIM or a VPN at home, and download alipay, wechat and a translation app before you land.
- china is almost totally cashless: link your visa or mastercard to alipay and you can pay for everything by scanning a QR code, from bubble tea to souvenirs!!
- pack for walking and changing weather: spring in beijing can be cool, while chengdu and zhangjiajie feel warmer, humid and misty. layers + comfy shoes are everything!
clothing: cities, mountains & lotssss of walking!!
- 2β3x flowy, linen or comfy trousers: perfect for long walking days around the forbidden city and xi'an's ancient city wall.
- 1x activewear set (leggings/shorts + breathable top): for walking the great wall at mutianyu and exploring zhangjiajie national park.
- 4β5x tops & tees: easy basics to layer up or down.
- 1β2x jumpers or hoodies: for chilly spring mornings in beijing and long train journeys.
- 1x light jacket: a denim jacket or trench works perfectly in spring!
- 1x packable waterproof jacket: zhangjiajie can be rainy and misty, which honestly makes the avatar mountains look even more magical!!
- 1β2x cute evening outfits: for hotpot nights in chengdu, the furong light show and our goodbye dinner in shanghai.
- 1x lightweight scarf or pashmina: cover your shoulders at temples and stay cosy on air-conditioned trains.
footwear: what do you ACTUALLY wear?
- 1x super comfy trainers: non-negotiable!! you'll walk the great wall, xi'an's city wall and the avatar mountains.
- 1x second pair of trainers or comfy flats: in case your first pair gets wet in zhangjiajie.
- 1x flip-flops / sliders: for hotel showers and chilled evenings.
DO NOT BRING: heels or brand-new shoes you haven't broken in. there are a LOT of steps in china!!
toiletries & health essentials
- pocket tissues & hand sanitiser: lots of public toilets in china don't have toilet paper or soap, so always keep these in your bag!
- blister plasters: your feet will thank you after the great wall!!
- SPF 50 sunscreen: for long days outdoors, even when it's cloudy.
- any medication from home: bring it in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription.
- stomach remedies: chengdu food is SPICY (in the best way), so pack something just in case!
- period products: bring your preferred brands, as tampons can be harder to find.
apps, electronics & travel essentials
- travel e-SIM or VPN: so you can use whatsapp, instagram and google maps and stay in the group chat!!
- alipay: linked to your bank card, for paying for almost everything.
- wechat: china's version of whatsapp, used for messaging and payments.
- translation app: english isn't widely spoken outside big tourist spots, so this is a lifesaver!
- universal travel adapter: china uses type A, C and I sockets, so UK plugs won't fit.
- power bank: you'll be on your phone for maps, payments and photos all day.
- your passport (always!): you need it to board trains in china, so keep it somewhere safe and easy to reach.
- entertainment for the train: the journey to shanghai takes around 6β7 hours, so download podcasts, playlists or a few episodes before you go!
china packing FAQs
how do i pay for things in china?
china is almost entirely cashless! download alipay before you fly and link your normal visa or mastercard. you'll scan QR codes everywhere, from street food stalls to coffee shops.
can i use instagram and whatsapp in china?
not without a little prep! china blocks most western apps, so set up a travel e-SIM or VPN on your phone before you leave home and you'll be able to message back home and post to your stories as normal.
do i need to dress modestly in china?
not really in the big cities! you can wear what you'd normally wear at home in shanghai, chengdu and beijing. just cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and sacred sites.
what's the weather like in china in spring & summer?
it varies a lot across the route. beijing can be cool in march and april, while chengdu and zhangjiajie are milder and more humid with rain. pack layers and a waterproof and you'll be sorted!! summer can be hot hot hot!! so make sure to pack flowy clothes, a handheld fan and lots of suncream!!
ready to explore china?! check out our upcoming china group trips or read everything you need to know before visiting china <3
if you're looking to extend your trip check out our other trips around asia like japan, the philippines, thailand & vietnam!!
have any q'ss? drop us a message on instagram or chat to the team on live chat!!
