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THE BEST LUGGAGE BRANDS – FOR THE STYLISH BUT PRACTICAL TRAVELLER

Travel luggage is a competitive industry with the best luggage brands continuing to develop and patent new innovations to make travelling the world more seamless.

But how to do you find the best luggage brands to match your personality and your travel packing needs?

The Asia Collective has hand picked a selection of the best luggage brands to match every style and budget, from the practical traveller to those who wish to make a statement at check-in.

The Best Luggage Brands – for the Stylish but Practical Traveller

Created by one of the founders of TUMI luggage, ROAM offers customers the opportunity to express their design flair by designing their own one-of-a-kind luggage. Customer’s can choose from the exclusive ROAM colour palette selected by some of the world’s leading designers and your custom masterpiece will be handcrafted in America and shipped to those based in the USA within 1 to 5 days. ROAM luggage is a premium brand bringing together the latest technical innovation with an unrivalled array of colours.

• Prices for ROAM luggage start at $495. Shop now

Insider Tip: ROAM, one of the best luggage brands, is perfect for premium travellers who wish to stand out with their own design flair.

Known as the Rolex of luggage, TUMI has long had a reputation as the most durable luggage, with a bigger focus on quality than design, being the only luggage brand with the license to use Tegris – the strongest lightweight material. With international stores all around the world, TUMI continues to be a leading innovator in the competitive travel luggage industry.

*Prices for TUMI luggage start at $890 for cabin luggage and $1,050 for checked luggage. Shop now

Insider Tip: TUMI, one of the best luggage brands is perfect for a brand-focused luxury traveller who likes to invest in a durable statement piece.

AIDAN sits at the intersection of fashion, design, aesthetic and culture, and ultimately sells a lifestyle to citizens of the world.  The Signature “S” and “M”  cases feature a patented and trademarked design and engineered for longevity and allow up to 40 and 75 litres without the bulk look of traditional large luggage, due to its sexy streamlined ridged design and high grade finish functionality. AIDAN’s luggage is light-weight and moves with ease thanks to its 360 degree Japanese Hinomoto wheels. It also has a push lock brake system, the first in a modern day suitcase, so your luggage won’t leave you astray! With the use of high end materials such as aluminium alloy framing, protective corners and telescope, finished off with a durable and anti scratch resistant polycarbonate shell, no wonder the brand continues to make waves within the travelspace.

• Prices for AIDAN’s Signature Series start at $495 for cabin luggage and $695 for checked luggage. Shop now

Insider Tip: AIDAN, one of the best luggage brands, is perfect for the classy tastemaker traveller, who exudes a sexy confidence and wants to look clean and stylish at check-in with a reputable suitcase.

Rimowa’s luxurious and stylish suitcases will get any fashionista’s heart beating with their range of super-luxe and iconic vintage pieces. With signature polycarbonate grooves and colours and textures central to the brand’s DNA, Rimowa regularly collaborates with other cult brands such as Supreme, Dior, Off-White, Porsche and Fendi, to launch limited editions series. From the turn-of-century trunks to to first ever polycarbonate luggage in 2000, Rimona has arguably been the most stunning travel luggage of every era since it’s beginnings in Cologne in 1898.

• Prices for Rimowa start at $1,575 for cabin luggage and $1,900 for checked luggage. Shop now

Insider Tip: Rimowa, one of the best luggage brands, is the perfect design statement for the wealthy fashionista.

Founded in 1910, Samsonite’s products are famous for being light and strong with an extensive global warranty. Along with 111 years of experience in innovation, design and manufacturing, Samsonite is focused on carbon action, powering operations with 100% renewable energy with the aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. Samsonite has introduced nearly 50 collections using Recyclex™ – rescuing approx. 52 million plastic bottles going to landfill since 2018 and has a strong vision to become the most sustainable luggage brand in the world.

• Prices for Samsonite start at $259 for cabin luggage and $399 for checked luggage. Shop now

Insider Tip: Samsonite, one of the best luggage brands, has an eco-collection that is perfect for the stylish environmentally conscious traveller.

Well known for their timeless utility products, Herschel has become a global accessories icon, with their well-designed and practical products. With roots in Vancouver, Canada, Herschel fuses inspirations from vintage mountaineering and has earned the respect of streetwear aficionados and adventure travellers. With hipster Khaki and bold bright colours along with signature branding, the Herschel travel pieces are instantly recognisable.

• Prices for Herschel start at $349 for cabin luggage and $359 for checked luggage. Shop now

Insider Tip: Herschel, one of the best luggage brands, is a perfect choice for the adventure traveller.

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HORIZN STUDIOS

With sustainability married with luxury being the core focus of Horizn, the brand continues to push boundaries and make headlines as the world’s first luggage with a removal charging function, or collaboration with NASA-astronaut, Alyssa Carson to give space luggage a world debut. Made from 100% plant-based and biodegradable materials, the new Circle One performance luggage is designed to be repaired not replaced, never seeing a landfill. Horizn’s smart luggage range can also be customised in 5 easy steps; by choosing model, colour, handle, wheel caps and luggage tag.

• Prices for Horizn Studios start at $245 for cabin luggage and $385 for checked luggage. Shop now for delivery in UK, Germany & USA only.

Insider Tip: Horizn Studios, one of the best luggage brands, is designed for the high-end sustainability-focused traveller.

With a focus on sustainability and considered features, JULY is a core travel luggage brand and have created their own design features from scratch; such as curvature innovation to create more bounce back from hard knocks and a new wheel and handle housing system to create an eggshell shape around the corners. JULY’s no frills scratch-proof texture is sophisticated yet minimalist. With lifetime warranty, JULY luggage is designed to last-longer at a fraction of the traditional price of luggage and offers an initial personalisation to add that special touch.

• Prices for JULY start at $195 for cabin luggage and $245 for checked luggage. Shop now

Insider Tip: JULY, one of the best luggage brands, is perfect for the eco-conscious traveller with a minimalist style.

We hope you enjoyed our curation of the Best Luggage Brands.

Looking for some stylish sleepwear and loungewear brands to look casual-chic on holidays?

Don’t miss our hand-picked selection of the Best Sleepwear and Loungewear Brands.

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Baggage Allowance for Entry & Exit China

Different airlines have slight differences in the regulation of baggage allowance, and there are also difference between the domestic flight and international flight. The following content is the general condition of the baggage allowance in China. Travelers are recommended to check the detailed information on the official websites of the airlines.

There are two kinds of baggage: carry-on baggage and checked baggage. Carry-on baggage refer to the baggage you are allowed to take with you onto the airplane, and if you have more baggage or for those articles which are prohibited to carry in the carry-on baggage, you can consign those baggage to the carrier and pick them up at the destination, those baggage are called checked baggage. Check What to Pack for China Travel>>

Tips: If you will take a high speed train travel to mainland China from Hong Kong , please visit detailed China Train Baggage Allowance to do with your luggage and board smoothly!

Carry-on Baggage

Domestic Flight: in general condition, the total weight shall not be over 5kg, and the sum of the length, width and height of the baggage shall not be over 115cm (45in). First class passenger may carry two pieces of carry-on baggage, while passengers in business class and economy class are only allowed to carry one piece of carry-on baggage.

International Flight: in general condition, the total weight shall not be over 7kg, and the sum of the length, width and height of the baggage shall not be over 115cm (45in). American-Canada route only allows passenger to carry one piece of carry-on baggage.

Note: The requirements may be different for different airlines, please check details on the airlines website; any item in excess of the weight, number or size will be handled as checked baggage.

Regulation for Lithium Battery

If the passenger carries any spare batteries for mobile phone, laptop, camera and other equipment for personal use, then the electric equipment can be put in the checked baggage or carry-on baggage, however, the spare batteries can be only put in the carry-on baggage. The lithium batteries for mobile phone, laptop, camera and other equipment shall be put only in the carry-on baggage on the flight. During the flight, the equipment with lithium battery shall be powered off. The carried lithium battery shall be protected properly and be packed independently to avoid combustion and explosion caused by friction and short circuit.

If the rated energy of the lithium battery is lower than 100wh, every passenger can bring 2 pieces at most, and there is no need to declare the battery to the airlines.

If the rated energy of the lithium battery is higher than 100wh and lower than 160wh, every passenger can bring 2 pieces at most, and the battery should be declared to the airline and approved by it before boarding.

If the rated energy is equal or higher than 160wh, the battery should be declared to the airline and consulted for freight service.

Note: Rated Energy (wh) = Battery Capacity (Ah) × Normal Voltage (V)

Regulation for Liquids

1.Items of liquids, gels and aerosols shall be stored in containers with maximum capacity of 100ml, and if the containers are larger than 100ml, they are not allowed to put in the carry-on baggage but only in the checked baggage.

2.The containers with liquids shall be put into and sealed in a transparent plastic bag with maximum capacity of 1L. Each passenger can only bring one transparent plastic bag and the exceeding part shall be transferred as checked baggage.

3.Plastic bag with liquids will be checked separately at the security checkpoint; if the passenger need to carry infant formula/milk/breast milk (need to have a baby in accompany) and other liquid drugs for diabetes or other disease, he shall present the certification to the security staff and those articles need to pass the security checkpoint. Liquid drug shall be put into the containers of 100ml capacity and then sealed into a transparent plastic bag.

4.Liquids bought at the isolated area of the airport terminal can be carried on the plane.

Checked Baggage

Free checked size.

Domestic Flight: normally, first class passengers who buy adult and children ticket have 40kg checked baggage for free; business class passengers can bring 30kg free checked baggage and economy class can only bring 20kg free checked baggage.

International Flight: normally, passenger from economy class can bring 20kg checked baggage for free, while passenger holding student passport can bring 30kg checked baggage for free; business class is 30kg while first class is 40kg. However, if the plane is flying to America countries, then each passenger can bring two pieces of checked baggage, and each baggage for first class and business class shall be no more than 32kg, and economy class shall be no more than 23kg. The sum of the length, width and height of the baggage shall not be over 158cm. If the passenger’s baggage exceeds the free baggage allowance, the passenger needs to pay for the excess baggage.

1. Some low-cost airlines, like AirAsia will not offer free checked baggage service, and passengers need to pay for the checked baggage. Different airlines may have different regulations, please check this out when you book the ticket.

2. In most condition, infant passengers have no free baggage allowance; however, the parents may bring one stroller for free.

3. Pet dog or pet cat can be brought with the traveler to the plane, however, passenger need to have related health certificate of the pet animals. The pet animals will be put into the cargo space, so fi the pet animals are not suitable to put there will not be accepted. The cages of the pet animals shall be well ventilated and tied in case of the escape of the animals.

Unsuitable Items for Checked Baggage

The following items are not suitable to put into the checked baggage, and passenger can put them into the carry-on baggage. They are: fragile or vulnerable goods; perishable goods; cashes and marketable tickets; jewelry; precious metals (gold and silver) and its products; antique calligraphy and painting; computer and personal electronic device; samples and other valuables; spare lithium batteries; important documents and materials; travel documents, medical certificate and X-ray picture; prescription medicines need to be taken regularly by the individuals.

Smart Ways to Deal with Excess Baggage

Sometimes, excess baggage will cost a fortune, and the charge fees may be even more valuable than the baggage itself. So to know how to deal with the excess baggage to save more money is very important for passengers.

First, when choose a flight, besides the flight time and ticket price, passenger can also take the charge for excess baggage into consideration. For international flight, exchange rate should also be considered for foreign airlines and Chinese airlines use different currencies to charge.

Second, join in the membership of the airlines. Members of the airlines often have a privilege in the free baggage allowance, and many airlines will allow its members to bring one more free baggage than other passengers.

Third, if you are sure your baggage is excessing the free baggage allowance, then book the baggage limit online in advance will enjoy discount from the airlines. Sometimes, passenger can enjoy a 20% discount.

Fourth, if your baggage is too heavy and the price for the excess baggage is more expensive than the baggage itself, then it’s better to mail the baggage at the nearest post office.

Last, pay attention to the latest promotions of the airlines. Some airlines will improve its free baggage allowance for a certain group from now and then. Knowing this kind of information in advance from the website of the airlines may save you a lot of money for the excess baggage.

Prohibition and Limitation of the Baggage

Articles prohibited to transport.

1.Dangerous articles, including: explosives; gas (including flammable gas, toxic gas, nonflammable toxic gas); flammable liquids; flammable solid, spontaneously combustible substances and substances which will release flammable gas in contact with water; oxidizing agent and organic peroxides; toxic substances and infectious substances; radioactive substances; corrosive substances; magnetic substances and other dangerous substances regulated by China.

Note: lighters and matches are also prohibited to take on the plane in China.

2.Guns (including various imitation guns, gun shape lighters, attacking weapons, besides guns for sports); ammunition; military & police firearms; controlled knives.

3.Living animals, except for the little animals and service that satisfy the requirements.

Articles Limited to Transport

1.Electric appliances and precise instruments shall be checked as goods; if they are checked as baggage, their weights are not included in the free baggage allowance and shall be packed properly.

2.Sports equipment, including sports guns and ammunitions.

3.Dry ice, alcoholic drinks, and smoking sets, medicines and cosmetics which are needed by the passengers during the travel.

4.Diplomatic pouches and confidential documents.

5.Edged tools and blunt except controlled knives, such as kitchen knife, fruit knife, craft knife, scissors, steel file, ax, hammer, etc. shall be put into the checked baggage.

6.Little animals and service dogs which satisfy the requirements.

7.Folding wheelchair or electronic powered wheelchair used in the travel by the passenger.

8.Liquids carried along with the passenger.

9.Articles which are not suitable to transport in the cargo space of the aircraft (like delicate instruments) and don’t satisfy the relevant regulations (like weight and size) shall be taken into the passenger cabin as CBBG. This kind of articles will be charged additionally and shall be kept by the passengers themselves.

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• Packing Lists

What to Pack for China: A Packing List by Season and Region

Published June 10, 2021

Written by:

Megan Lee likes to joke that she majored in study abroad in college. Living in the Bay Area, she earned...

Jenn Sutherland-Miller

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has...

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At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

You, my friend, are lucky. Why? Not only because you’re clearly planning for a grand adventure in China (one of the world’s most interesting and rapidly developing countries), but also because you’re on the right side of sweat-wicking technology’s prevalence in our everyday lives.

The seasons are drastic across China, and a wise traveler knows to be prepared for any curve ball (or snowfall) mother nature throws their way. It doesn’t take a modern-day Confucius to figure out what to pack for China. Here’s everything you need to know to start the adventure from the moment you begin to pack your bags.

Basic China Packing List

No matter your preferred dumpling flavor, season of travel, or Chinese destination, you’ll want to start with the right luggage . 

Travel Backpack

A travel backpack is the perfect type of luggage for travel in China as it allows for maximum flexibility across a wide range of modes of travel and terrain.

The Outbreaker Backpack is a fully-featured backpack for organized travelers. With lots of pockets and compartments, there is a place for everything you need. The adjustable height harness and waterproof sailcloth construction make this bag a comfortable carry that’s ready for anything your travels throw at you.

The Essentials

• Passport copies
• Other form of ID, such as a driver’s license
• ATM/credit cards
• Emergency cash
• Travel insurance
• Inflatable neck pillow + ear plugs  (Optional)
• A durable pair of chopsticks (Optional)

Electronics

• Plug adaptor
• Convertor (for hair appliances)
• Alarm clock — your cell phone, a watch, or an actual bedside clock will do
• All necessary chargers
• A digital camera that can take good photos at night (Optional)
• Portable recharger (Optional)
• An iPhone loaded with an offline Translator App, currency converter, phrasebook, copies of passport and travel docs, insurance card, contact info for friends, etc.
• An iPad loaded with books, magazines, games, movies, etc.

Be sure to read our tip on electronics below to ensure you can scale the “Great Firewall” of China — aka the difficulties in accessing some of your favorite websites.

Pack sweat-wicking materials whenever possible and remember that quick dry fabrics are your friends. You’ll find washers, but rarely driers in China and, depending on the climate, getting things dry can be a challenge.

• Pants  – 3 pairs of comfortable bottoms, one dressier
• Shorts – 1-2 pairs
• Short sleeve shirts – 3-5
• Long sleeve Shirt – 1-2 casual or dress shirts
• One “nice” outfit
• Fleece jacket or hoodie
• Underwear – 3-4 pairs, ideally  travel underwear
• Socks  – 4-6 pairs
• Jackets  – 2 jackets, one fleece and one wind breaker/rain jacket
• Sun-blocking hat

At a bare minimum, one pair of good walking shoes is a must. If these can do double duty, great. If not, then consider the following options depending on when and where you are visiting China.

• An adventure sandal, such as Chacos or Keens
• A comfortable, casual shoe
• Flip flops for showers
• Waterproof winter boots

Most people choose a daypack without considering what they really need. Don’t do that. Think about how you’ll use your daypack and what you will carry. Do you need something to protect your computer between your hotel and a cafe or co-working space? Or are you simply out for a day of sightseeing and local adventures?

If you’ll be carrying a laptop and sensitive electronics, then invest in a more robust daypack, like the  Outbreaker Daypack . With a built in computer sleeve, nestled close to your back, and padded shoulder straps this bag is made to carry a little more weight and protect what matters most on your day trip.

Try to keep  the toiletries you pack  to a minimum and go with dry options (which are more TSA friendly) as often as possible. Remember that you can get almost everything you need in China, unless you are brand specific or have special needs for your hair or skin type.

• Shampoo and conditioner (the ones found in China are often specifically formulated for dark hair)
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Deodorant (hard to find in China)
• Emergency kleenex/tissue
• Medication (i.e. ibuprofen, pepto, imodium, sleeping pills, jet lag pills, prescriptions, etc.)

Packing for China in Winter

If you are researching a winter travel to China packing list, you’ve popped by the right place. Between blazing Lunar New Year fireworks, freshly roasted chestnuts, and steaming bowls of hot pot, your snowy travels are still bound to be hot, hot, hot!

Northern China

The north might be colder than what you’re used to, but it does have one great thing going for it: central heating. Since you probably won’t spend all of your time in your adorable tea-house hostel (visiting the Great Wall during a snowfall, anyone?), here are some extra items to stow away in your backpack. Adjust the basic packing list above like this for winter:

• A double layer jacket: The inner fleece plus outer water-resistant jacket combo is hard to beat
• A reusable water bottle that can hold heat: the Chinese loooove hot water and you will too; throw in some green tea leaves to really sip like the locals
• Omit all shorts
• Reduce short sleeve shirts to two for layering
• Add a pair of long underwear pants and tops
• Add two sweaters
• Add two long sleeve shirts
• Make sure socks are wool blend
• Omit sandals and add boots
• Omit wind breaker or rain jacket in favor of a winter jacket
• Add winter hat, gloves, and scarf

All other clothes and shoes should stay the same. The key to  packing for cold weather  is layers.

Southern China

Lucky for you, winters in southern China retain mild temperatures. Snow is quite rare, but temperatures can still dip in the mornings and evenings. To that end, we recommend you pair your panda snuggles with the following edits to your packing list:

• Add one sweater
• Add an extra long sleeve shirt
• Remove sandals
• Pack a light hat, scarf, and gloves
• Bring one pair of wool socks

All other clothes and shoes should stay the same.

Western China

Winters in Xinjiang and Tibet are long, with average temperatures hovering between 0-10°F. But don’t worry, butter tea and the stunning mountain vistas more than make up for the shivers.

Make the following adjustments to your packing list for winter in Western China:

• Remove all summer gear: No shorts, sandals, or tank tops
• Add one or two sweat-wicking or wool long sleeve shirts and pants (long underwear or otherwise)
• Add some serious snow boots with good grip: The kind you get at REI or an equivalent store
• Bring more sunscreen and sunglasses with legit UV protection
• Add a warm jacket, ideally down instead of a synthetic blend; hoods recommended
• Add waterproof pants: This extra layer can prove helpful if you’re hiking in deep snow

Packing for China in Spring

While it might seem that umbrella-salespeople magically appear out of thin air at the initial downpour, you can’t always count on ‘em. Instead, bookmark this page of spring packing tips for China and make your trip prep easy as  yi, er, san.

Curious for what to pack for China in April? Don’t worry, you won’t need to remember a broom for Tomb Sweeping Day.

Make the following adjustments to the basic China packing list for spring in the north:

• Add one pair of long underwear
• Add a fleece: The perfect outer layer whether you’re exploring the hutongs or riding the night train to Xi’an
• Add a face mask: Many cities across northern China experience dust storms from the spring winds sweeping across the Gobi Desert
• Add a light hat, scarf, and gloves

You must be eating your oranges and chestnuts because the original suggested China packing list above will suffice for your springtime trip to Southern China.

Spring in western China is very dry, but subject to strong winds. Since your altitude doesn’t shift with the seasons, the presence of strong UV rays remain an important consideration.

Make these changes to the basic packing list for western China:

• Add UV protective sunglasses
• Add a thin jacket or sweater
• Add a face mask: Though west of the Gobi, this desert area is still subject to sweeping wind storms as the temperatures rise

Packing for China in Summer

If you love green bean ice cream as much as I do, you’re going to love this packing list for China in summer!

Summers in China are hot, sticky, and humid. You might get out of the shower and feel like you never really dry off for the rest of the day. Even still, there are many wonderful sights to experience and enjoy with those extended daylight hours.

Adjust your basic packing list as follows for the north in summer:

• Add a small, portable umbrella: Keep this on your person at all times, as it could rain cats and (pekingese) dogs suddenly and without warning
• Omit one pair of pants and add two shorts
• Add baby powder: The potential to chafe with the heat and damp is no joke and no one likes sore thighs or underarms
• Omit one long sleeve shirt and add two short sleeve, sweat-wicking shirts

Men, prepare to don your best Beijing Bikini. During summer, southern China is inundated by monsoon rains sweeping in from both the Indian and Pacific oceans. It’s hot. It’s wet. It’s humid. As such, make sure your packing list for China in summer includes:

• A heavy-duty umbrella
• Add baby powder
• Adventure sandals: Or trade them in for other waterproof shoes
• A quick-dry towel: You’ll appreciate it when (the inevitable) time comes to wipe the sweat off your brow
• Add two short sleeve shirts
• Remove all but one preferred long sleeve option

The land of extremes never rests. Thanks to its steppe, semi-arid climate (and its proximity to Central Asia), the lowlands of western China get HOT in the summer — we’re talking 100°F+ temps. However, this is the most popular time to visit, and if you take respite in the higher mountain passes, you can still have an overall pleasant experience in Urumqi, Kashgar, Lhasa, and beyond. Adjust your basic packing list to include the following:

• Those shades: UV-protective only
• Add baby powder: Especially if you like to wear skirts
• Add one pair of shorts
• Add one-two short sleeve shirts
• Remove one-two long sleeve shirt options

Packing for China in Autumn

Hooray! We’ve crossed the dragon boat race finish line, spotted tigers in Liaoning, and eaten cotton candy while strolling along West Lake. Time to prepare for the Moon Festival and my favorite time of the year to visit China. Here’s what to pack for China in September and beyond:

Autumn is brief in the north. As the leaves shift and swirl, here are the necessary adjustments to the basic packing list:

• A thermal jacket: It’s best to just bypass the summer ? winter transition with a warmer jacket to prep you for colder temps
• Light hat, gloves, and scarf
• Add one-two pairs of wool socks
• Add a fleece
• Pants a size larger; just in case you fall in love with/eat too many Autumn Festival mooncakes like I tend to do

In case you’re heading to southern China in late fall, here are our ideas for what to pack for China in October. Be sure to squeeze everything on the above suggested China packing list into your backpack, but make the following adjustments:

• A warm jacket: Thermal isn’t necessary, but it’s better to beat the cold when you can
• A pair of wool socks
• Omit the adventure sandals

As fast as that thermometer zipped to three digits in the summer, Western China just as quickly plummets in the autumn. Here’s what to add to our China packing list for fall in Xinjiang and Tibet:

• Add a thick jacket or sweater
• Add a winter hat, scarf, and gloves
• Remove sandals and all warm weather gear

General Tips: What to Pack for China

Whether you seek the jagged crags of Tiger Leaping Gorge, the depths of Heavenly Lake, a serene boat ride in elegant Suzhou, or the energy of Shanghai’s most exclusive nightclubs, keep these tips handy as you craft your China packing list.

Tip #1: Cover Up

To be fair, the Chinese locals do not stake a claim to modesty for their reasoning behind showing so little skin. In Chinese culture, lighter skin is considered more beautiful, so many Chinese men and women are conscious of their exposure to the sun. Sometimes this means long pants on hot days, and sometimes it simply means walking around with an umbrella (even when there’s no rain). To fit in more seamlessly with the locals, opt out of tanning.

Major metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Hong Kong are very fashionable and westernized when it comes to dress. However, you should still plan to leave your short-shorts and revealing tops back home. Keep this tip in mind even moreso if you are traveling to inner-China or the countryside.

Tip #2: Dryers Are Rare

While washing machines can easily be found, the same cannot be said for driers. Instead of waiting around for those final drips to dry, preempt the battle by investing in clothing made of sweat wicking and quick dry materials (like nylon and polyester instead of cotton).

Tip #3: Hit the (Digital) Ground Running

The Great Firewall of China is no joke; wise-travelers know to download a VPN prior to entering the country. You can find different versions of apps and proxy maskers, both paid and free, with a quick Google search. Downloading these outside of China is easier than from within, so be sure to tack this on your pre-departure packing list.

Another checklist item prior to arrival might be to download Weixin, or WeChat. The de facto  text-message-turned-life-assistant-app-that-you-didn’t-know-you-could-live without-and-now-you-can’t , WeChat is the easiest way to make (and keep) new pengyou (friends) once you’re traveling in China.

If you’re not fluent in Mandarin, fill your smart phone device with translation apps, as well as offline maps or city guides. These can (SERIOUSLY) help in a pinch and make downtime on your short train ride from Shanghai to idyllic Suzhou both productive and entertaining.

Tip #4: Don’t Expect Central Heat

Central heating does not exist outside of Northern China. While temperatures in Shanghai and further south might be more mild compared to the North, China’s southern region does not benefit from housing that is equipped with central heating. Be sure to pack warm pajamas or, instead, make like the locals and snuggle at night with a hot water bottle. If you’re traveling outside of summer, special considerations must be made to pack and prepare for the inevitable chill.

Wait to Buy in China

The perks of a hearty workforce mean cheap consumer goods for the budget-conscious traveler. Here are some items you can wait to buy until you enter China.

• Toilet paper:  You’ll want to keep a healthy supply of toilet paper with you at all times, as most toilets are not regularly serviced or equipped
• A SIM card:  If your phone is unlocked, you can easily purchase a “pay-as-you-go” SIM card from newspaper stands, convenience stores, or the airport.
• Your train tickets:  Train tickets are typically only released 10 days prior to travel; instead of paying exorbitant upfront fees to secure your spot, ask your hostel or hotel to help coordinate purchases after you’ve arrived
• A hot water bottle:  The Chinese were carrying water bottles before it was cool; you can find an array of inexpensive options quickly and easily in China

Items such as suitcases, backpacks, shoes, scarves, hats, and more are also easily acquired. However, keep in mind that these aren’t always reliable in quality, and that size availability in China can be tough for a big-boned westerner. I’ll never forget when the sales person at the market shouted across the way:  “Friend, do you have the LARGEST SIZE POSSIBLE in shoes?!”

Mind you, I’m a size eight in the USA.  Not that large, people!  But even my small American friends eat a slice of humble pie when purchasing tops in China, as they are usually a size L or XL.

What to Buy Before Traveling to China

Well, for one, your visa is a necessary pre-departure purchase. If possible, get a multiple entry visa for the max allotted days (typically 90 for U.S. citizens). Budget for this as it can run you more than $100USD.

As mentioned previously — but to stress the point so that you can make all of your friends jealous of your epic adventures —  buy your VPN prior to travel . The Great Firewall can be notoriously difficult to scale, so do yourself a favor and coordinate it prior to your arrival.

If you have a weak stomach, I recommend purchasing  some emergency supplies  of digestive medication to add to your first aid kit before crossing the Pacific. This can range from homeopathic solutions like Arsenicum to good ol’ Imodium. Consider also packing oils/tablets such as DigestZen for those less-than-serious-but-still-uncomfortable stomach knots.

Buy any fancy-materials or name brand items in advance.  If you love having high-quality gear, I recommend purchasing it back home instead of relying on scarce availability in China. Not only can it be hard to come by outside of the major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but it’s also generally more expensive.

While you could make your way to an electronics market first thing, we reckon this detour will be a bummer when all you really want is to eat some pipin’ hot xiaolongbao. Instead,  buy your converter and adaptors ahead of time . You’ll be rocking 100% charge in no time.

Special Tips for the Ladies

Women travelers can find the majority of their feminine hygiene products in China; however, be warned that they may look a little different than you’re used to. For instance, pads tend to be thicker and lack wings. If you should need to re-stock while there, here’s a handy list of Chinese terms for female products:

• Wèish ng hù diàn — pads
• Mián qiú — tampon
• Guàn x? — douche
• Shì hòu bì yùn yào — morning after pill
• Bìyùn tào — condoms
• Jíe zhì sh?ng yù — a general term for birth control
• Qi?okèlì — chocolate

If you feel uncomfortable leaving your supply of these items up to chance, we recommend making an action plan with your doctor to meet your needs. Further, you might consider purchasing a Diva Cup in advance of your travels to forego the need (and the accompanying waste!) from using tampons and pads.

We also want to reiterate our previous point about modesty in dress while traveling in China. Observe the local styles to find what kinds of outfits meet that sweet spot of comfort, fashion, and respect.

The Regions of China

China is anything but small. Shaped like a rooster, China’s beak to its tail feathers traverse over 13,000 miles of varied terrain and climates. Generally speaking, the north experiences four extreme seasons — cold and dry in the winter, hot and humid in the summer, with a nice reprieve for springtime and autumn. China’s south, with a subtropical climate, experiences mild winters and muggy summers. Inland or western China, such as Tibet and the Xinjiang plateau, experience much lower temperatures year round (due in large part to its dramatic mountain landscape and elevation).

From tropical to alpine, if your plan is to set foot in multiple regions of China, it is important that you pack for a variety of extremely diverse climates. We’d hate for you to show up at the Harbin ice festival with only one pair of flimsy flip flops after your cruise down the Yangtze River.

This packing list has you covered through every season and region of China. Feel free to click through to the section that applies to your trip, specifically.

Choose the right  travel backpack  so that you have enough space for your clothes and any souvenirs you’ll want to bring home with you.

Despite its worldly charms, China remains intimate and cultural, as it still retains a fascinating mix of East and West. Many cities in China have grown from modest port villages to some of the world’s largest banking and financial centers. Other areas maintain their old world charm and historic elegance. China is vibrant, manic, opulent at times — proud, humble, and ambitious. Visiting the Middle Kingdom is a great first step in familiarizing yourself with Chinese culture as a humble traveler.

Adjust our basic China packing list by season and you’ll be good to go.

Whether by taking in a scenic view of the historic riverside Bund or exploring the imperial gardens, China will not be soon forgotten.

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She’s visited 40+ countries, and also writes for numerous travel publications.

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China packing list: what to pack for a successful trip

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated May 1, 2023 | Popular , Travel

Wondering what to pack for China?

I’ve got you.

From the absolute essentials to the things that are best left behind, this is the only China packing list you’ll ever need.

I’ll explain why I bring each thing, and I’ll highlight optional items for different seasons and scenarios.

Plus, I promise not to include links to unnecessary things like expensive backpacks or useless Amazon gadgets. You’ll only find valuable advice in this article.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to tick things off, you can save this China packing list PDF to your phone or computer. Simply tick off what you already have so you know what you need to get.

Flying out today? Head straight to my 11 essential things to bring to China and come back to this page only if you have time.

Alright, let’s get packing!

1. China packing list – critical items

Don’t leave for the airport without these things:

Chinese visa

Phone and phone charger.

• Credit card

Prescription medication

• Hotel address in Chinese characters.

This is obviously not just critical to get into China, but once you’re there it’s your national ID.

You’ll need to show your passport when you check in to any accommodation (it’s the law) as well as when buying long-distance train tickets.

You may need to get a visa when you travel to China. It depends on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, and what country you’re from.

For really quick trips (i.e. less than six days), you could be eligible for what’s called Visa Free Transit.

You won’t get far without your Chinese visa. Image by i viewfinder on Shutterstock.

But if you’re not, you’ll need to compile some documentation and pay a visa fee – again, this depends on where you’re from.

Check the China visa page for more information and help.

I know I’d be absolutely lost without my phone in China.

It’s not just my communication tool, but it’s my internet access, my banking, my emergency contacts, my alarm clock, my flashlight…

Debit card and credit card

I bring at least one of each, plus an emergency credit card locked in my suitcase in case the unthinkable happens and I lose my wallet and/or phone.

If you’re thinking of bringing only a credit card, think again. They’re are only good for big purchases in China.

Bring cash (as I explain later) to make small purchases at places like street food vendors .

If you forget your medication, you could find yourself in a world of hurt. The Chinese healthcare system is different, and it’s not as simple as making an appointment with a physician.

If you’re worried about bringing prescription medication into China, just bring along a doctor’s letter. And only bring the quantities you need.

Hotel address in Chinese characters

Have your accommodation address (e.g. hotel, hostel) on your phone in Chinese characters. This is so you can show it to your taxi driver at the airport.

Even if you have someone meeting you at the airport, like a tour guide, it’s good to have a back-up plan just in case.

Having your directions ready makes things so much easier. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I always have the hotel’s address written down manually too, just in case my phone dies or I can’t bring it up the information. This has saved me a few times!

2. China packing list – essential items

I make sure I also have these things for a stress-free trip to China:

• Yuan (Chinese cash)

Travel adapter

Day pack and/or handbag, toilet tissues.

• Copies of documents
• Glasses or contacts.

I like arriving in China with at least 1,000 yuan in cash.

This is roughly US$150 or £120 (you can check XE to convert to your currency). Just don’t come overloaded with cash – 20,000 yuan is the limit.

I always bring cash (yuan) with me. Image by Saelanlerez on Shutterstock.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve arrived in China and the taxi driver’s electronic payment terminal is miraculously out of order.

Also, try to get notes in low denominations if you can. It makes things easier (though it does fatten your wallet).

The Chinese medical system is not the same as back home. Medical costs may be required upfront, and English may not be spoken in the hospital.

So, if something were to happen, would you be able to cope – both mentally and financially – if you didn’t have cover?

Get a China travel insurance quote .

Virtual private network (VPN)

If you’re like most travelers, you’re going to want to use Wi-Fi in your hotel room in China. Otherwise, you could be in for a huge phone bill shock when you return home!

All the major foreign websites and apps are blocked when using Wi-Fi in China, so you’ll need a VPN app to access them.

Take a read of my China VPN review for the ones that work, or go straight to the one I consistently recommend here .

Trust me, traveling in China without Google, Gmail, Google Maps, Instagram and Facebook (the list goes on) is unpleasant.

China’s electrical sockets are unique. In my travels across the country, I’ve seen every kind of combination possible.

Officially, China’s electricity supply runs at 220 V and uses angled two- or three-pin plugs. This is the same as Australia and New Zealand.

This is a must-have item on my China packing list. Image by Paralaxis on Shutterstock.

New, modern hotels are usually fine and cater to foreign travelers from America and Europe. But it’s not always the case, so stuff an international travel adapter in your bag.

If you have American appliances working at 110 volts, you’ll need to make sure your adapter can convert voltage too.

A day pack or small backpack is ideal for touring around China.

Although China is safe , I like using a day pack that’s lockable so I don’t need to worry about being in crowded environments. In some tourist places, you will literally have people pressed up against you.

If you’re female, you could bring a decent sized handbag that has a zipper for safety.

Public toilets in China don’t provide toilet paper. That’s why I like bringing a small stash, so I can go sightseeing straightaway and not have to worry about a potentially awkward situation.

These used to be mandatory when moving around China. But in a COVID world, I still like to have face masks handy.

Electronic or printed copy of important documents

If you lose your passport, then you also lose your visa. This would be a major headache.

As a backup, I take photos of all my important documents and save them in the cloud. You could print yours if you’re old-school.

Reading glasses or contacts

I struggle to read maps or anything that’s really close to my face. So, if you’re losing your sight like me, glasses or contacts are an essential item on your China packing list.

3. China packing list – clothes and shoes

Here’s what you’ll need for a trip of up to 10 days:

• Underwear x 7*
• Bra x 4* (for the ladies)
• T-shirts or shirts x 7*
• Sweaters x 2 (or long-sleeve shirts if warm weather)
• Jeans or trousers/skirts x 2 (or shorts if warm weather)
• Nice outfit if you plan on going out, including shoes
• Comfy walking shoes.

*Quantities are based on doing washing part-way through your trip. If you wash on day 5, you’ll still have a couple of days of clean clothes left while you wait for things to dry. Everything else can be washed when you get home.

I recommend wearing some of the heaviest stuff (e.g. jeans and sweater) on the plane to help lighten your load. It’s also beneficial when the temperature drops in the cabin.

I’ve written an entire article about what to wear in China if you need more detail about the kinds of clothes you should wear.

For season-specific packing requirements, there’s more info further down.

4. China packing list – toiletries

Only pack small amounts for a short trip:

Facial tissues

• Dental floss
• Conditioner

Cleanser and/or moisturizer

• Pads or tampons (for the ladies)
• Makeup (for the ladies)

Hand sanitizer

Brush or comb.

• Razor/Shaver
• Shaving gel or foam

Travel-size laundry detergent

• Adhesive strips.

You definitely won’t get these in hostels, but even some hotels can be quite stingy when it comes to facial tissues.

I like bringing a small travel pack. You can always grab more once you’re in China.

Make sure you bring deodorant to China. Local guys (and plenty of women) don’t use it so it can be hard to find.

Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss

I pack a manual toothbrush as it’s lighter than an electric one, plus it’s one less thing you need to charge.

I’m a mad flosser and I don’t like the kind of dental floss you get in China. It’s like fishing wire so I always bring my own.

Soap, shampoo and conditioner

These items will be supplied in Chinese hotels, even the budget ones, so aren’t essential for your China packing list. However, the quality is usually lousy so bring your own if you’re fussy or concerned about nasty ingredients.

Bring your own shampoo if you’re fussy. Image by Lizzavetas on Shutterstock.

If you’re staying in a hostel , make sure you bring all three of these things.

Equivalent products can be found in China but ingredients will be listed in Mandarin. The last thing you want is a rash!

Pads or tampons

Of course these are available in China, but the packaging is in Mandarin so if you have particular preferences it’s better to BYO unless you can read Chinese.

In China, sanitary pads are user more than tampons. Image supplied by Kim Ooi.

Tampons are harder to find because they’re more expensive and awareness of them is lower than pads. If you want to find out more about that, have a read of this article .

Bring only what you need, but if you do buy makeup in China, note that it might have skin-whitening ingredients.

This may not suit you, plus whitening products are subject to animal testing in China. No thanks.

This is widely available in China but I like having my travel-size bottle with me so I can sanitize after I’ve used gross restrooms.

Sanitizer is made for travel! Image by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash.

Public restrooms in China don’t have soap.

If you want to find out more, check out my FAQ about squat toilets  (yes, really).

If you’re going to a warm city or anywhere in China where there’s hot sun, you’ll need sunscreen. Chinese sunscreen often has whitening in it, so best bring your own.

If you do buy sunscreen in China, you won’t have a problem finding high SPF protection. The Chinese hate getting brown.

I don’t have much hair left so I don’t need a brush or comb! But I know this is an essential item for a lot of people.

Razor/Shaver and shaving gel or foam

Easy to find in China, but personally I’d rather be exploring the magnificent Longji Rice Terraces than looking for a place that sells shaving stuff.

Pour your detergent from home into a tiny bottle. This is all you need for a short stay.

Some people like to give their washing to the hotel to look after, but I find this pretty expensive in China.

Plus, I don’t mind washing my stuff in the wash basin and hanging it up with my travel clothes line if I know I’m going to be in one spot for long enough (as I explain further down).

Adhesive strips

When I travel abroad, I walk a lot. This often means blisters on my heels at the end of a long day.

I only bring half a dozen adhesive strips with me, not a whole box, because my body adjusts fairly quickly and every little bit of saved space in my bag helps.

5. China packing list – useful extras

You may or may not need some of these things. I bring most:

Comfort food

Camera and charger, e-reader and charger, travel apps, prepaid sim card, hairbands or hair clips, condoms and lubricant, over-the-counter medications, tablet or laptop and charger, bluetooth speaker and charger, clothes line, plastic or fabric bag, small padlocks.

Packing comfort food is like packing toilet tissues. If I want to hit the ground running, I like knowing I have some bags of snacks from home that will get me through the day.

Pack some of your favorite snack food. Image by Billy F Blume Jr on Shutterstock.

Bringing some comfort food is also a good idea if you tend to get homesick when you travel.

I bring a proper digital camera with me when I visit China. Why? A camera takes a much higher quality photo than a phone.

But if you’re happy with just basic happy snaps on your phone, leave camera off your list.

I like to read when I travel. Sometimes I’ll bring a physical book, but usually I bring my Kindle so I can pick and choose what to read. E-readers are also much slimmer than books.

Have all your travel apps pre-downloaded and ready to go. Refer to this article for the most useful China travel apps , and don’t forget the VPN app must be downloaded before you go.

For short trips to China, I enable global roaming if my phone company has OK rates overseas. I also use messaging apps like WhatsApp in China to keep in contact with family and friends.

Use a travel SIM if your global roaming rates are pricey. Image by Hyotographics on Shutterstock.

Getting a prepaid travel SIM card before you go is another good option.

You can also get a SIM card when you arrive in China – just make sure your phone is unlocked. However, you may need to know Chinese (or know how to translate) which is why a prepaid SIM from home might be better.

Super-duper important if you find it hard falling asleep when it’s noisy (which is most of the time in China).

Good for the plane as well as some hotel rooms where the light might creep in at an ungodly hour.

If you’ve got long hair, pack some hairbands. At least you know they’re small and light!

Guys, best bring your own if you have preferences or you don’t want to brave the stores looking for some. If you’re hung, BYO condoms.

While over-the-counter medications are available everywhere in China, product labels are in Chinese and pharmacy staff may not understand English.

I always like to bring paracetamol and vitamins. And if you haven’t been to China before, I recommend bringing something to stop you from vomiting as well as something to stop diarrhea.

Please take a read of these tips if you’re going on your first trip to China.

This is a no-brainer for me as I need my laptop to work remotely. But you may also benefit from bringing your tablet or laptop as a form of entertainment (e.g. pre-downloaded movies) while you’re in the air or just chilling in your Chinese hotel room.

A phone’s tinny speaker is enough for most people, but I’m fussy when it comes to listening to music. I like a crisp, loud sound, which is why I bring my own small Bluetooth speaker.

I can’t leave home without this. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you’re sharing a room while you visit China , only one person in the room needs to pack a speaker. So, if you have time when preparing your China packing list, tell your roommate not to bring theirs (or vice-versa).

Noise-canceling headphones are great for long-haul flights to China. You block out other annoying passengers, and you block out that annoying ‘hummmm’ that never stops.

They’re also good once you land in China if you want to listen to music or podcasts.

You can get your clothes laundered in all the big hotels in China . However, the price can be exorbitant, depending on where you’re staying.

If I know I’m going to be in the one place for a while, I wash my underwear in the hotel basin and hang it on my lightweight travel clothes line. The line has a hook on each end, so you can usually find somewhere to hang it.

This helps keep your dirty clothes away from your clean clothes.

I prefer to lock my suitcase when I’m out sightseeing. The locks are also good when you’re going through airports, or for keeping your day pack secure.

I personally don’t bring guidebooks with me to China, but I know lots of people who swear by them. Try bringing an electronic version if you can.

China packing list for winter

China is a huge country, so the weather is extremely variable.

When you travel across the country, you can experience almost arctic temperatures in the north as well as tropical heat in the south.

Familiarize yourself with China’s weather before you go, and Google the particular cities you’ll be in.

North and west China

Winter in China in the north and west can be brutal. In addition to the items mentioned above, stick these things in your suitcase:

• Thick socks x 4
• Thermals x 4
• Winter jacket
• Lip balm for chapped lips.

If you’re going somewhere particularly icy (this includes Beijing ), bring thermal underwear. I like to get at least two days’ wear out of each piece, but the ‘smell test’ is always a good barometer.

Winter boots may also be helpful if your ordinary walking shoes aren’t up to the task, or you plan on trekking through snow.

If you’re a serious hiker, sunglasses and sunscreen are worth packing too.

South and east China

Southern China has a temperate winter, so the only extra things you may need are:

China packing list for summer

In addition to the items mentioned above, pop these things in your bag:

• Flip flops or sandals
• Sunscreen (Chinese sunscreen may have whitening in it)
• Umbrella or thin rain jacket for tropical areas
• Mosquito repellent for tropical areas (and mosquito net if you’re camping).

If you plan on swimming in China, ask your hotel for an extra towel to use by the pool/beach. This will save you from bringing your own.

Cities in the south of China, like Guilin , can get really wet in the monsoon. That’s why it’s worth packing some wet weather gear like an umbrella or raincoat.

Local women also use umbrellas during summer in China . This stops them from tanning.

Special items for girls vs guys

I’ve mentioned these things already, but here they are with Chinese characters if you need to show someone in a store.

For the ladies:

• Pads 月经垫 (yuè jīng diàn)
• Tampons 卫生棉条 (wèi shēng mián tiáo).

For the lads:

• Condoms 避孕套 (bì yùn tào)
• Lubricant 润滑油 (rùn huá yóu).

Special items for children

Bringing kids to China?

Take everything you would normally bring on a family vacation, and pay special attention to:

• Baby formula – bring the stuff your bub is used to
• Diapers – bring enough for at least the first few days
• Snacks – your kids’ favorite foods may be hard to find in China
• Tablet – keep them entertained on the flight with a tablet loaded with movies and games.

Staying longer?

If you’re staying longer than 10 days, add more of each item of clothing depending on how long your trip is. Just factor in how often you want to be doing washing.

For example, when my sister travels, she doesn’t like doing any washing. If her trip is 15 days long, she’ll take 15 pairs of underwear! I personally prefer to bring fewer clothes (and do washing) so I have room in my suitcase for souvenirs and gifts.

Pack more underwear if you need to, but don’t go overboard. Image by Trainman111 on Shutterstock.

If you’re moving to China (e.g. you’re going to teach English for a year or more), I recommend packing these things where applicable:

• A year’s supply of your prescription medication
• Unlocked phone
• VPN on your laptop (in addition to your phone)
• Portable drive or cloud access
• Extra shoes (shoe sizes are small in China)
• Any special hair products

Perfume or cologne

• Accessories like jewelry.

If you rely on a hair straightener, I suggest buying one in China.

Carry-on luggage for China

Here’s the hand luggage that I routinely bring with me on the plane to China:

• Laptop with pre-loaded movies
• Noise canceling headphones
• Headphone adapter
• Roll-on deodorant (some airports have issues with aerosols)
• Eye mask and ear plugs to help me sleep
• Moisturizing face wipes to keep my skin hydrated
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Pen for filling in customs slips.

The third item on this carry-on list, the headphone adapter, is something I never knew existed until fairly recently.

But this tiny thing is so handy! Basically, it means you can use your own high-quality headphones to listen to the in-flight movies and music, rather than using the crappy disposable headphones provided.

Some airlines offer a bluetooth connection, in which case you wouldn’t need this gadget.

Throw one of these in your carry-on bag, or buy one at the airport. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you’re wondering why I bring extra underwear, it’s a little travel hack in case my luggage is lost. It hasn’t happened to me yet, but it has happened to my sister (and she had to borrow my underwear – that’s another story!).

And by the way, I find those inflatable pillow things uncomfortable, which is why it’s not on the list. Some people swear by them though.

General tips when packing for China

No matter where you go, or how long you go for, remember these tips.

1. Don’t stress if you forget to pack something

You’ll find most things you need in China, so if you happen to forget your pajamas, don’t stress too much. It’s just a matter of asking your tour guide for help.

2. The Chinese are smaller

If you do forget something and need to buy it in China, remember that Chinese people are generally smaller than Westerners.

For example, if you’re normally medium in underwear, buy large or extra large in China. A lot of Westerners live in Hong Kong so it’s not as big an issue there.

And if you have big feet, don’t plan a big shopping trip for shoes. You may not find anything that fits!

3. Layer up in winter

It’s a good idea to layer up so you can take things on and off quickly as you adjust to different temperatures. Buildings in northern China have central heating.

For me, zip-up hoodies are more practical than regular long-sleeved sweatshirts.

4. Bring quick-dry clothes

If you can, bring clothes that dry quickly. I love my decades-old Kathmandu Polartec lightweight pullover that comes out of the washing machine almost dry, every single time.

5. Your stuff will get dirty

Don’t bring your best clothes as they may get dirty. And avoid bringing white shoes as they’re bound to get filthy in China.

I’ve written an entire article on what not to wear in China  if you’re interested in finding out more.

6. Leave room for souvenirs

Try to leave a bit of room for Chinese souvenirs or other stuff you plan on buying while in The Middle Kingdom.

7. Watch your weight

For an economy flight to China, the checked baggage allowance is usually 23 kg (50 lb) up to 32 kg (70 lb), depending on the airline and kind of ticket you have.

But some airlines allow two pieces at 23 kg (50 lb) each, so refer to your airline for the exact allowance.

What you don’t need to pack for China

There are some things you don’t need to bring with you, including:

Water bottle

Nail clippers, first aid kit, mandarin phrasebook.

• Shower cap.

Chinese hotels will have these, so don’t bother taking up valuable space in your bag with a dryer from home.

While it’s nice to smell good, unless you have lots of fancy dinners or outings planned in China, I suggest leaving your bottle of perfume at home in case it spills in your suitcase.

You can’t drink from the tap in China, not even at the top hotels. It’s unsafe to drink.

Bottled water is therefore available everywhere, and while all the plastic is shocking for the environment, you’ll need to buy it.

Buying bottled water is, sadly, normal in China. Image by Lzf on Shutterstock.

I mean, you could boil water each day in your hotel, wait for it to cool and and pour it into a bottle of your own, but can you be bothered?

Besides, I’ve always found that pre-boiled chilled water in China has a strange taste to it.

For a trip that’s 10 days or under, I make sure I clip my nails the day before I leave. That way, I’m all set.

Unless you’re a serious hiker, don’t worry about bringing a first aid kit. Just bring all the medications you need, as well as adhesive strips. You can call for help for anything more serious.

Instead of lugging around a phrasebook, use Google Translate on your phone.

Chinese women tend to cover up a bit more when they’re swimming. Instead of a bikini, they might wear a one-piece bathing suit that has a little skirt around the waist.

Similarly, men tend to wear swim shorts rather than Speedo briefs.

People tend to cover up at Chinese beaches. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t wear the swimwear of your choice in China. But you’ll stand out and, if you’re female, guys may leer at you.

It’s one of the few freebies you’ll find in a Chinese hotel.

Take a read of the article on what not to bring to China for more on this topic.

Amazing China travel resources

Here are some more China travel-related things to help you:

• If you want to do a crash course in Mandarin before you leave, I recommend LTL where you can enjoy a  20% discount
• Read the article on vaccinations for China and make an appointment with your doctor if necessary
• Sign up for China travel insurance which is super-important in China where medical costs can be very high.

And don’t forget your VPN!

As I mentioned earlier, you don’t want to be left high and dry in China without access to all your favorite websites and apps. You must download your VPN app before you leave your country.

See your China VPN options here .

Final packing tips for China

I hope I’ve been able to help you with lots of practical advice. If you want to read more, I suggest these articles:

• Planning a trip to China
• Food you shouldn’t bring to China
• China travel tips

I hope you have an incredible adventure in China. Let me know in the comments if you feel I’ve missed a must-have item, or if you have any cool travel hacks of your own.

Have a safe journey, or in Chinese, yī lù píng ān (一路平安)!

And don’t forget, you can save my China packing list PDF to your phone or computer. Tick off the items you already have so you know what you need to get.

Main image credit: Pixel-Shot on Shutterstock.

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Faq about what to pack for china, what are the most important things to pack for china.

As well as your passport, money, cards, and phone, don’t forget to bring any medications you’re on as well as your accommodation written in Chinese characters.

Should I bring cash or cards to China?

It’s important to bring both. Have enough cash to last you at least a few days, then you can find an ATM. Debit cards are better than credit cards in China, as most places don’t accept credit cards.

Should I bring a camera to China?

China is a safe country, so it’s perfectly fine to bring your camera. But if you don’t mind lower quality photos, just take photos on your phone.

What shouldn’t I pack for China?

Some people bring a reusable drinking bottle to China, but it’s pointless really. Chinese tap water isn’t safe to drink, so you have to buy bottled water.

Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms for more info.

Mike Cairnduff

Mike has lived and worked in China, and has traveled extensively across the country. He loves Chinese food and has a keen interest in Chinese culture. You can follow him on X and LinkedIn .

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• Luggage + Bags

The 11 Best Luggage Brands of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

No matter what size or style you want, these are the best luggage brands to fit your needs.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Our Decision Process
• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

No matter where you're going or how often you travel, luggage can make or break your trip. It helps with planning, packing, and staying organized while away — and sometimes determines whether you can bring back souvenirs. There's a wide range of checked suitcases, carry-on bags, duffels, weekenders, underseat bags, and backpacks on the market. Beyond that, you've got hardside and softside options with various organizational features. Amid what you might call the Golden Age of luggage, it can be hard to sift through your offerings.

To figure out what brands stand out from the rest, our Travel + Leisure team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage ranging from carry-ons and checked suitcases to duffels, weekenders, garment bags, and other types of travel bags — assessing capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design through a series of tests and simulations. We've rolled suitcases through obstacle courses, threw them off tables, and hit them with baseball bats to see how well they'd perform in different travel scenarios like rough baggage handlers. We even recreated an airplane set in our New York City lab to lift bags into real overhead bins and underneath seats. We continue testing each bag in our real-life travels for a minimum of six months to make sure it stands up to planes, trains, automobiles, and anything else life may throw at it.

Our team has tested bags from many different brands, and below you'll find our current favorites. We will continue to update this article as we test even more luggage brands and new bags.

Best Overall

Backed by a 10-year warranty, Samsonite luggage is compact yet spacious, easy to maneuver, and exceptionally durable.

Because Samsonite has such a wide variety of designs and price points, some bags perform better than others.

After our most recent set of luggage tests, Samsonite has risen to the top as our favorite overall luggage brand. Samsonite luggage is generally lightweight and compact on the outside, with spacious interiors to maximize packing and a variety of styles to choose from. We especially love the brand for its versatility, with an impressive variety of bags at different price points so you can find whatever suits you whether you're looking for something affordable or luxurious.

The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on holds the spot as the best overall carry-on we've ever tested, while the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside takes the cake as our favorite checked suitcase . The Samsonite Bartlett Carry-on Softside Spinner earned perfect scores during our tests, impressing us as a solid softside suitcase for under $100. We also loved the organizational features — including multiple tech sleeves and included packing cubes — of the Samsonite Just Right Carry-on Spinner .

Almost all of the suitcases sustained hardly any damage after we hit them with a baseball bat and shoved them off a table. Samsonite luggage also maneuvers without a fuss, even on carpeted floors and gravel. Prices are more than reasonable, and while you'll have to make any returns within 30 days, the brand backs its products with a 10-year warranty.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 10-year warranty

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Best Overall, Runner-up

The suitcases are durable, smooth-rolling, and spacious, and the brand has a generous 100-day return policy.

Some are harder to pull on two wheels, and the checked models are a bit heavy. 

All Travelpro luggage we tested earned high scores for maneuverability, durability, capacity, and overall design. The brand's hardside and softside models were a hit in the T+L lab, and there are both carry-on and checked options with spacious interiors and expandable capacities. We also appreciated the various organizational features, like zipper panels, cross straps, and pockets.

With self-aligning spinner wheels and sturdy telescoping handles, Travelpro luggage is also easy to maneuver on hard floors, carpet, and even gravel (though some suitcases are slightly harder to roll on two wheels than four, especially when packed full). We particularly love the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner with its sleek wheels and a textured handle that helps maintain a comfortable grip, and we think the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Large Check-In Trunk Spinner makes a stylish investment piece if you're looking for something large, durable, and built to last. Even Travelpro's rolling garment bag impressed with its high capacity for the size. And, while the carry-ons are generally lightweight, one thing to note is that the larger checked models weigh almost twice as much when empty.

After shoving the suitcases off a table and whacking them with a baseball bat, we were pleasantly surprised by their durability. We only noticed a couple superficial marks — no scratches or dents, and nothing that wouldn't wipe clean. Travelpro offers a generous 100-day return policy and backs its luggage with warranties ranging from 10 years to a lifetime, though it can be difficult to connect with their customer service department to initiate returns or repair requests at times.

The Details: 100 day return policy | 10-year to lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best for Staying Organized

Away Travel

Beyond aesthetic appeal, Away flaunts plenty of pockets and compartments that keep all of your items in place.

The hardside suitcases might scratch under heavy use.

Away luggage has a minimalist-modern aesthetic and a sophisticated yet practical appeal. We're huge fans of the brand's suitcases and weekenders and particularly love The Everywhere Bag that's perfect for overnight trips, quick weekend adventures, and use as a personal item on longer trips. The checked baggage and hardside carry-on luggage pieces are light yet durable and easy to wipe clean. They didn't sustain any dents from our baseball bat tests, but there were a few scratches after we shoved them off a table. There are so many sizes to choose from, including one of our favorite trunks we've ever tested. We liked the dual main compartments, compression systems, expanders, and dirty laundry satchels of the roller bags.

The suitcases were a breeze to maneuver on their 360-degree spinner wheels, and carrying The Everywhere and The Garment Bag was comfortable with the padded shoulder straps. The Garment Bag also has interior padding that keeps all of your longer clothing items protected and helps to minimize wrinkles. Away is certainly not the cheapest luggage brand out there, but it's also far from the most expensive. Considering the 100-day return window, lifetime warranty, and stylish designs, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to pretty much any traveler.

The Details: 100 day return policy | Lifetime warranty

A perfect choice for organized travelers, Paravel luggage has lots of added features and a sophisticated appeal.

The suitcases don't expand, and the lighter colors are prone to scuffing.

Perfect for organized travelers , Paravel takes the cake for additional features. We loved the dual compartments, many pockets, dividers, and removable laundry bags. While the suitcases don't expand, the compression pads make fitting everything a cinch. The Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus was one of our top carry-on bags thanks to its sleek design, roomy interior that makes packing a breeze, and slick wheels that were great on every surface. We also love the super cute Paravel Mini Fold-up Backpack that earned perfect scores in every category, as well as our pick as best overall mini backpack . Not only does the bag fold up small so you can pack it in larger bags, but it also has a high capacity that can even fit a tablet, making it the perfect eye-catching style to wear on any vacation.

Most Paravel luggage pieces held up well during our durability tests, though the lighter-colored hardside models are prone to scuffing. The suitcases are also easy to pull, push, and roll over various flooring materials. What's more, Paravel luggage is undeniably stylish with a sophisticated appeal and a cool mid-century flair. Prices are somewhat steep, but in the end, we think it's worth the investment.

People / Jhett Thompson

Most Spacious

Delsey Paris

The brand's large-capacity suitcases are impressively spacious yet lightweight, with built-in expanders and smooth-rolling wheels.

The hardside models are prone to scuffing.

Delsey is a go-to for large-capacity luggage . This brand carries both hardside and softside suitcases, including surprisingly spacious carry-ons and checked baggage in multiple sizes so you can find the best design for your needs. We were thrilled by how much they fit, noting that they could easily pack all items on our packing list with room to spare, even without expansion functions.

The suitcases maneuver well on their four spinner wheels, even over carpet, cracks, and bumps. Most models are also lightweight, so lifting them into an overhead bin is no problem. We checked the Chatelet Air 2.0 Carry-on and matching Chatelet Air 2.0 Medium Checked bag on four different long-haul international flights and each time they made it to the luggage carousel with only minor scuffs that were easily wiped away. We appreciate Delsey's accessible price points, plus the brand backs its luggage with warranties ranging from five to 10 years.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 5-to-10-year warranty

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Colors

They come in both neutrals and so many colorful designs, including limited-edition options.

Some of the carry-ons are on the smaller size.

You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store with all of the colorful suitcase options from July — and if you tend to gravitate toward neutrals, July has those, too. After we tested over a dozen bags in our lab on on our airplane set, some of our favorites included the July Carry On (includes a portable charger), the July Checked Plus (the largest suitcase in July’s range), the July Checked Plus Light (a great lightweight option), and the July Trunk Set (a stylish, zipperless two-piece set). 

We found the bags to be very durable against our baseball bat tests, although we noticed that the bags with aluminum corner bumpers tended to scuff more easily specifically on the corners. One of our favorite features was that some bags, including the Carry On Pro SnapSleeve , feature a multi-stop telescopic handle that you can adjust to 20 different heights, when many suitcase handles only stop at three heights.

Different bag styles are available in different colorways, and you can choose from delightful shades of blues, greens, pinks, reds, shadow lavender, plum, yellow, sand, and more, most of which will easily stand out on any baggage carousel. We did notice that some of the carry-ons tend to be much more spacious than others, so be sure to check the dimensions to find a size that will fit everything you need.

The Details: 100 day return policy | Limited lifetime warranty on luggage; 5-year warranty on soft bags and accessories; 2-year warranty on small leather goods

Best for Smaller Bags

Calpak luggage is compact yet still spacious enough to hold the essentials, and maneuvering it is a piece of cake.

The two-year warranty is substantially shorter than most other brands.

If you're looking for something you can stash in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, Calpak might be your best bet. We loved the duffles, backpacks, and suitcases with a particular appreciation for the Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage , our best overall underseat bag . We love that it glides smoothly, has a sturdy exterior, and can even fit a laptop, making it perfect for weekend getaways or even business trips.

Even when packed full, we found each Calpak suitcase to roll beautifully on both two wheels and four. We also like the Compakt Small Garment Bag , which is perfect to transport of one or two formal pieces inside a carry-on suitcase. The Stevyn Duffel Bag was very comfortable to tote with its shoulder strap and features a separate shoe compartment to keep your items clean if you're in the market for something smaller. Though the two-year warranty is shorter than most other brands, we think Calpak's prices are more than fair.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 2-year warranty

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Budget

Amazon basics.

Amazon's luggage is not just budget-friendly but also lightweight and sturdy with unexpectedly large capacities.

Color options are limited, and the suitcases don't have USB ports or other smart features.

We can confidently tell you there's much more to love about Amazon Basics luggage than a budget-friendly price tag. The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner also landed on our list of the best lightweight luggage after earning a perfect score in all categories. We especially love that even though it is a light suitcase, it's sturdy with wheels that easily maneuver over gravel and carpeting. More pockets would have been appreciated, but both the carry-on and checked models easily fit everything on our packing list without the expanders, which adds another 15 percent to the capacity.

The hardside suitcases have extra-thick thermoplastic shells that passed our durability tests with flying colors — no scratches or dents in sight. They were generally easy to maneuver, too, albeit a little more difficult on gravel. Color options are limited, and while most Amazon Basics carriers don't have TSA locks or smart features, the designs exceeded our expectations.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 3-year warranty

Best Splurge

This splurge-worthy luggage brand boasts expandable main compartments, ample pockets, impact-resistant exteriors, and smooth spinner wheels.

The price might be hard to justify, and the checked bags are somewhat heavy when empty.

If you want the crème de la crème of luggage, Tumi is where it's at . The suitcases and underseat bags fared better than the duffel we tested, but all in all, we were impressed. Our favorite by far is the Alpha International Expandable 4-wheeled Carry-on that looks compact but includes plenty of organizational compartments and even comes with its own removable garment bag. There was plenty of space to pack everything on our list in every Tumi bag, even without the expanders. This brand also stands out for its organizational, smart, and security features. We're talking ample pockets, removable garment bags, laptop sleeves, USB ports, lockable zippers, and TSA-approved locks.

Whether you go softside or hardside, you can count on reliable durability — we even jumped on the bags and rode on top of them and not one feature broke or dented. We observed virtually no scuffs or scratches after whacking the bags with a baseball bat. Tumi luggage is easy to maneuver, thanks to the spinner wheels, but bear in mind the checked sizes are pretty heavy when empty. If you can swing the steep price, we think the brand is an excellent choice for long trips, frequent fliers , and those who like to stay organized.

The Details: 30 day return policy | 5-year warranty

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Most Durable

Briggs & riley.

Briggs & Riley

With ballistic nylon or shock-absorbing polycarbonate exteriors, Briggs & Riley suitcases can really take a beating.

This is one of the more expensive brands, and the checked models are slightly heavy when empty.

The most durable luggage we tested comes from Briggs & Riley . The brand carries softside suitcases with ballistic nylon exteriors that resist premature wear and tear, as well as hardside models like the Sympatico Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner with shock-absorbing polycarbonate shells that promise to protect your cargo from getting crushed. We were impressed by how well they stood up to our shoves and bat swings — no dents or scratches to speak of.

Durability aside, Briggs & Riley suitcases roll effortlessly on hard floors and carpet, over bumps, and around tight corners. They also have decent capacities, many with built-in expanders. This is one of the more expensive luggage brands, but it's backed by a lifetime guarantee. We wouldn't be surprised if the suitcases last 10 or more years. Not only that, but there are a few options for remedying potential damage, including self-repair kits, authorized repair centers, or shipping back to Briggs & Riley for a tune-up.

The Details: 30 day return policy | Lifetime warranty

People / Tamara Staples

Best Design

Thoughtfully designed, each Béis bag we tried comes with extra, often removable, features so you can customize your packing.

These are large bags and we had a hard time fitting some weekenders under airplane seats.

Shay Mitchell's luggage brand quickly won our hearts with each bag's thoughtful design, customizable inserts, and removable compartments. The bags are certainly large and can fit everything you need for a long vacation or quick weekend getaway — just be mindful that not all of the duffel-style bags will work as personal items. The Weekender is one of our favorites: like Mary Poppins' bag of wonders, this tote seems to expand as you pack it, fitting every item on our list.

When it comes to rolling bags, the 29-inch Large Check-in Roller is our best checked bag for organization . Similar to its weekenders, carry-on bags, and backpacks, Béis' check-in bag is huge and can fit everything you need and more. All of the Béis suitcases we tested also sported durable wheels that smoothly navigated different types of surfaces without gettings tuck, as well as easy-to-use handles that make running through the airport a breeze.

The Details: 45 day return policy | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure/

Other Luggage Brands We Liked

Even though these brands did not make our main list, they still have some worthwhile suitcases and bags to consider.

Monos :  Monos items have a nice, sleek look that are generally easy to maneuver. However, when we tested its large check-in suitcase, we found that it carried less items than some of its competitors.

Arlo Skye :  We love this brand's smooth design and stand-out colors, but considering the higher price-point, these bags don't roll quite as smoothly as some other brands.

Roam : We're big fans of Roam's The Check-in hardside suitcase as well as the designs of other Roam bags; however, after one-month of real-world travels, we found these luggage pieces to be more prone to scratching than other brands we tried.

The T+L team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage, including carry-ons, checked suitcases, duffels, weekenders, garment bags, backpacks, and more in our New York City testing facility. We've tried at least six models from many top-rated brands, performing a range of assessments to evaluate the capacity, maneuverability, durability, design, and overall value. We weighed each bag, then packed it with enough clothes and personal items to get through a four-day trip (more for the larger checked bags).

To see how the luggage would perform in a real-life environment, we rolled them on different flooring materials, across gravel and carpets, over bumps, and around corners. We also threw each piece off a table and whacked it a few times with a metal baseball bat to test for potential wear and tear and how prone it was to scratching or denting. In addition, we recreated an airplane set in our lab, where we hoisted the carry-on suitcases into real overhead bins and stuffed them underneath seats to see how easy they were to lift and how portable they felt.

After lab testing, each suitcase and bag was sent out for real-world testing, and our T+L editors brought the bags on vacations, weekend trips, and overnighters. To test each bag's true durability, convenience, and longevity, we tested each bag on planes, trains, buses, and even cruise ships, checking in after one month, three months, and six months to give our feedback. Considering standout features, size, and price, we created categorized ranked lists of every luggage piece we tested. The luggage brands with the highest average ratings were ultimately chosen for this list of our favorites, which we will continue to update as we test eve more luggage.

How We Chose These Brands

The T+L team tested at least six bags per brand on our winners list to ensure a broad sample size. We tested underseat luggage , checked luggage, and carry-on luggage as well as duffel bags, garment bags, and backpacks, and gave each individual bag a score based on its capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and overall value.

Next, we created rankings based on the total average scores of all the bags we tested for that brand. We also thoroughly read through all of the tester insights on each luggage item from these three tests to evaluate each bag's details and features. Finally, we determined whether or not we would recommend a bag and its overall brand.

Tips for Buying Luggage

Get to know the brand.

When it comes to researching a new luggage brand, you're already well on your way. For more information on a specific brand, you can check out its website, read customer reviews on products you like, or even take a peek at the items in person. Buying new luggage (whether a singular piece or luggage set ) can be a pricey investment, so be sure you like a brand's style, warranty options, and overall quality before you make that purchase. This is especially important when it comes to splurging on luxury luggage pieces .

Know your organizational preferences

Material and size are important, but some of the best luggage brands stand out for their organizational features. This may include dual main compartments, various pockets, a shoe separator, zippered sections, a toiletry bag , a removable laundry bag, a garment bag, a laptop sleeve, and maybe even a USB port with a power bank pouch — some Arlo Skye luggage includes the power bank itself. While it's not a top priority for all travelers, this can make packing and accessing your belongings much easier.

Look for durability

The best luggage stands up to wear and tear for several years to come. Both softside and hardside luggage options can be very durable. It's really a matter of whether you want to safeguard your packed items from getting crushed or protect the exterior of the suitcase from superficial blemishes (though many softside and hardside models we tested check all the boxes).

Think about mobility

You should also think about maneuverability. When you're running into the airport to check your bags before heading to security, you'll want a suitcase that doesn't hold you back. Four-wheel spinner suitcases tend to be easier to pull and push over different surfaces compared to suitcases with just two wheels, and they're even better if they have a sturdy telescoping handle. Grab handles and padded straps are ideal for other types of luggage, and a lightweight design will make your travel experience much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll see a range of hardside and softside models when browsing luggage, and many of the best brands offer both. What you purchase really comes down to personal preference. Some people appreciate how crush-resistant hardside suitcases protect their belongings. They're also easy to wipe clean and have a sleek, modern appearance.

On the other hand, softside suitcases are typically (but not always) lighter in weight and more flexible, so you can often pack more in them. After testing both types, we can tell you they're often just as durable as hardside options, and they won't dent like hardside bags do. Although a textile exterior might be trickier to clean, it can be better at concealing scuffs and dirt. Regardless of the type of luggage, you can find several effective products to clean suitcases available.

Size limits for carry-on luggage vary among airlines . That said, most allow suitcases no larger than 24 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Some are a little more strict, with limits set around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Keep this in mind if your suitcase has an expander, as the additional inch or two could put it over the allowed size limit. We recommend checking the airline's website if you're not sure whether your luggage will pass as a carry-on.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, commerce writer Theresa Holland pored over our in-house testing insights, checked return policies, read the fine print for warranties, and evaluated price ranges to create a comprehensive roundup of the best luggage brands out there today.

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China travel guide, travel tips, attractions, & funny stuff!

China Packing List for 2024 | What You NEED To Bring

January 11, 2024 By China Mike

What’s worth packing and what’s worth leaving behind? Get some expert tips with this China packing list as you prepare to travel to China!

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I will be compensated if you decide to use some of these tools.

General Packing Tips for China

Before we dive into China-specific recommendations for what to pack, let’s begin with general travel packing best practices. Some of these may seem obvious, but it’s important to remind yourself as you start packing.

No matter where you travel, when you’re packing for an international trip, it’s highly recommended that you:

• Pack Lightly. Unless you’re a luxury traveler who can afford to hire people to carry your bags every step of the way, you want something that you can comfortably handle.  Many times you’ll be forced to carry your luggage up & down stairs — for instance in subway stations and train stations (where there are no porters). I’m also a big fan of backpacks that can be used as your only piece of luggage (carry-on). Personally, I use the Tortuga Setout , which is amazing because it can open up like a suitcase and has pockets for everything I need.
• Leave Room for Gifts and Souvenirs . For most people, you come home with more than you left with. If you’re packing your bag to capacity (in room or weight), you’re setting yourself up for disaster. Leave some room for gifts and souvenirs. Of course, another option if you’re planning on doing some serious shopping is to ship a package back home.
• Don’t Bring Too Many Clothes. Experienced travelers wear the same outfits over and over (washing in your hotel or laundry service). Pack neutral colored clothes that are easily mixed and matched. Also, avoid white and light colors that show dirt easily.
• Dress Casually: Unless you’re traveling on business or planning on going to upscale restaurants, I’d recommend packing for comfort. I recommend having at least one “respectable” outfit if you have any interest in hitting any nightclubs. And if you’re in the shaggy, backpacker category, it also helps to look respectable in certain situations (such as applying for China visa extension or sneaking in 5-star hotels).

• Choose Your Fabrics Wisely . Don’t bring jeans (unless you absolutely can’t live without them). Jeans not only take up a lot of real estate in your bag, they take forever to dry. Instead, I love the hiking/travel type pants (made of synthetic fabrics) which are durable, wrinkle-resistant, and dry quickly overnight.
• Pack High-Quality, Comfortable Shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking so don’t skimp here. Not only are high-quality shoes (e.g. genuine Gore-tex) hard to find in China, you’ll have problems finding your size unless you’ve got dainty Chinese-like feet. Personally, I travel with a pair of light hiking boots and a pair of Chaco sandals . I used to travel with flip-flops but there were too many times when I wished I had an extra strap in the back keeping them securely on.
• Pack a Light Jacket. Even if you’re traveling in the summer, pack a light jacket. There’ll be plenty of uses (e.g., airplane, air conditioned buses or movie theaters, early morning hikes, chilly boat rides). While fleece is comfortable, I personally think they take up too much room (it’s all about real estate!).  Instead, I prefer the quick-dry running/hiking type of light jackets (high warmth to size ratio).  For additional layers, thermal underwear or Under Armor-type shirts also pack light with good warmth.  I also pack a light, waterproof jacket that packs small (umbrellas are cheap and easy to find in China).
• Leave your expensive jewelry at home.  You don’t want to have to worry about losing them while on the road.

My “Must-Have” Essentials for China

Below I’m going to walk through a few basic items on my personal China packing list, but for the sake of convenience, I’m also offering it as a download.

If you would prefer to have a printable checklist to help you pack for your trip to China, click the button below and I’ll send it directly to your email inbox.

The following are the things that I  must have when I’m traveling around China – and I recommend you do the same.

• Sunglasses & Hat : It gets bright when you’re out hiking the Great Wall! This hat is great because it is uni-sex and protects you from the sun!
• Earplugs & Eye Mask : I find this helps when taking buses, train or planes in China. You can’t go wrong with this one from Amazon that doubles as an eye mask and a holder for your ear plugs.
• Deodorant (and other favorite toiletries), which may not be easy to find in China. We’ve been loving this all natural deodorant!
• Quick dry towel —can also use as small blanket on cold bus rides. Also, small washcloth. This pack of 3 on Amazon comes at a great price and is the perfect size!
• Small luggage lock for zipper .  Plus a larger lock and thin cable for securing your bag. You have a lot of different options for these on Amazon but this one is a great price and not that big and bulky .
• “Sleep sack” — basically thin sleeping bag liners that also cover a pillow (I prefer the silk like material ones which are comfy and dry super-quick) .  You’ll feel clean no matter where you’re sleeping (such as a cheap hostel or overnight train).
• Travel coffee mug —for tea or brewing coffee like French Press. I need my (gourmet) coffee.
• Copies of passport and other documents , such as credit card numbers, embassy contact info, etc (also save docs on a USB thumb drive and your email account)

China Packing List | Worth Considering

These are the items which I like having, but I don’t consider them  essential . Take a look and consider if it’s something you might want as well.

• Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
• Small daypack (I recommend packs from Pacsafe )
• Small flashlight  (or can buy cheap ones in China)
• Money belt (In my opinion this one is important because safety is a big concern for me! I personally love this money belt on Amazon .)
• Sleeping pills
• Netbook (mini-laptop) or iPad
• Business cards and photos —to give/show to people you meet
• Mosquito repellent (if during summer—Western brands seem to be more effective)
• Mosquito net
• Knife, fork & spoon (camping type made of hard plastic)
• Hand sanitizers—catching on in Asia but not as common

Final Thoughts on What to Pack for China

There it is, folks! Your China Packing List – with everything you should bring on your trip to China, broken down into three parts.

General Packing Tips…

Must have essentials (including my favorite items)…

and a list of other items worth considering.

Just remember to pack smart, stay comfortable  and stay safe . Let your senses be taken over with the beautiful landscape, rich cultural history – and definitely the delicious food! Keep your mind and heart open, and you’re sure to have an experience of a lifetime!Also – don’t forget to sort your travel insurance! We’ve put together a roundup of the  best travel insurance for China travelers .

Free Download: My China Packing Checklist

Has this list of what to pack for China been helpful? If so, then you might even find value in the China packing checklist I’ve put together. Just click on the button below and I’ll send it immediately to your email account. Just print it off and you’ll be good to go.

Enjoy your trip & safe travels!

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About China Mike

China Mike offers trusted resources about China and its history based on more than a decade of study and personal travel experience. His knowledge and writing on China has been used and referenced by universities, news publications and numerous online blogs.

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Travel China the smart way! Expert tips and travel advice for China tourists and expats.

PLANNING A TRIP TO CHINA? Start Here

What to Pack for China in 2024 (+ Free PDF Checklist!)

January 27, 2024 By Josh Summers

What should you pack for your trip to China? Whether you’re an experienced traveler or this is your first time going overseas, it helps to know what is and isn’t available in a country like China so you can pack accordingly. I’d like to share with you recommendations on what to pack for China (and what not pack) based on my own experience.

I don’t want to point out the obvious for you here (i.e. should you bring a good travel camera ?) but I do want to share a few things that most travelers to China tend to overlook.

There’s a big difference between traveling to Beijing or heading off into the mountain villages of Sichuan.

What you pack will be different as well.

As you’re thinking through what to pack for China, carefully read through my suggestions below and plan accordingly. Based on the 10 years I’ve been traveling and living in China, I think you’ll be glad you did.

• Hard-to-Find Essentials in China
• Often Overlooked China Packing Tips
• Non-Essentials, but Very Helpful

One more thing .

To make things easier for you, you can also download my China packing checklist, a free one-page PDF that can help make sure you’re not forgetting anything as you pack.

Fill in this form and I’ll send it to you immediately:

Add your email above to receive the free China travel packing checklist PDF download!

Hard-to-Find Essentials | What to Pack for China

Below are a few items that I’ve had a hard time finding during my travels around China.

That’s not to say they can’t be found , but it’s certainly worth thinking about as you consider what to pack for China.

There are import stores in the big cities like Beijing and Shanghai where you can stock up on hard-to-find items, but since those places are often out of the way, I find it best to just plan ahead and pack it before you leave.

It’s better this way because then you not only get to pick your favorite brand but you also probably get a better price.

• Deodorant : I know quite a few travelers who just buy toiletries as they go but deodorant is one item that I specifically advise travelers to buy ahead of time. It’s not commonly used here in China (a fact which you’ll quickly discover if you travel on a crowded city bus!) and therefore the choices – if there are any – are quite scarce.
• Quick-Dry Clothes : Washing machines are everywhere here in China…driers are not. One of the best decisions I made was to start buying quick-dry briefs and quick-dry shirts . If you’re traveling around China during the summer, expect to be washing your clothes once a day or once every other day.

• Plug Converter : While everybody warns you that China runs on 220v instead of 110v, that’s really not a big deal. Most of our cellphones and computers can be plugged into 220v outlets (check the plug…it will usually say “110v-220v”). The problem arises when you want to plug in your two-prong or three-prong plug into a Chinese outlet. For that, you’ll need to make sure you have a light and cheap plug converter for China .

• Pepto-Bismol : I’ve lived here in China since 2006 and every time I return after an extended stay back in the U.S., my stomach always requires about a week to adjust to the unique Chinese cuisine . Pepto Bismol or some Immodium chewables will be a lifesaver when your stomach decides that it can no longer take the local food you’re ingesting. It’s possible to buy Pepto Bismol by itself, but you can also get it as part of a medical travel pack which includes a number of commonly-used medications.
• Sunscreen : Although it is possible to find sunscreen here in China, most of it comes with some form of skin-whitener, which is popular throughout Asia (and you may not care for). Just grab a small travel tube of sunscreen for your trip here and keep it on you for that time when you’re doing a lot of walking outside.
• Unlocked Phone : If you have a smartphone that is out of contract, figure out how to unlock it for your trip to China (for example, here’s a tutorial on how to unlock your AT&T iPhone ). All you have to do once you arrive is buy a cheap SIM card (here’s how to get a SIM card for China ) and you have an instant ability to communicate. If you’re not out of contract, you can consider only connecting via Wifi or renting a phone in China .

• Install a VPN : This isn’t necessarily something you pack , per se, but it is something you need to worry about before you land in China. A VPN is a software that allows you to connect to websites and apps that are blocked in China (here’s a list of blocked websites in China for reference). I recommend using ExpressVPN since it’s been extremely reliable for China users. Just make sure you purchase and install before you travel – it’s much harder to do from within China.
• Hand Sanitizer : While this isn’t a must, I have found it incredibly useful. Even something as simple as a sink with soap can be hard to come by, so a small travel bottle of your favorite sanitizer will put your mind at ease.

Often-Overlooked China Packing Tips

What I’ve shared above deals more with the day-to-day items of what to pack for China, but there are still some aspects of international travel – especially travel here in China – that are important to keep in mind.

I’ll walk through a few of the most important ones below:

• Bring a Copy of Your Passport : You might also want to store it in a different bag than your actual passport. As an added security precaution, I make a digital scan of my passport and visa which I keep secured in the encrypted digital vault of a good password manager app .
• Don’t Bring Too Much Cash : Many people get worried about cash, especially if they’re traveling outside the big Chinese cities. Don’t be. ATMs are everywhere in China and provide a decent exchange rate. I don’t recommend using traveler’s checks, which are almost obsolete by now. My advice is to bring enough cash to live on for a few days (and split it among bags in case one gets lost/stolen), then either use your bank debit card or look into a global payment solution (I’ve recently started using this UnionPay card by eCard and it’s been awesome).
• Consider Chinese Luggage Requirements : Each airline has its own rules, but generally speaking, you can expect that most airlines won’t let you carry-on a bag that is more than 11 lbs in weight (5 kilograms). For checked baggage, it’s important to note that while the US usually allows you 50 lbs per bag, China limits you to 44 lbs (20 kilograms).

Quick Travel Tip!

If you’re worried about losing your luggage in China (which is not unheard of!), consider some travel insurance coverage before you leave.

Non-Essentials, But Very Helpful | Packing Checklist

The following are not essential things for what to pack for China, but I think you’ll find that it’s nice to have a few of them along with you.

• A China Travel Guide Book can be incredibly helpful during your journey, the only problem is that their heaviness can also be quite a burden. Thankfully most major travel publishers are doing eBook version of their guides so you can download the travel guide (with maps) onto your iPad, Android or Kindle. For those planning their first trip to China, I recommend a book I wrote called Travel to China: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go . If you’re looking for specific help with a particular city in China, you would probably benefit from city guides for major cities like Beijing , Shanghai or Hong Kong .
• A Mandarin phrasebook is also a huge help, especially if your Mandarin skills haven’t progressed beyond simple numbers and greetings. While it is definitely possible to travel to China without speaking Mandarin Chinese , there are quite a few free and paid Mandarin language resources that can be invaluable during your trip.

• Sign up for a Weixin (WeChat) account before you come to China. WeChat is an extremely popular social media app and pretty much everybody and their grandma has an account. While you’re traveling around, WeChat is one of the few ways you can grab somebody’s contact information since email isn’t as widespread or used very much.

Free Download: My China Packing Checklist

Has this packing checklist of what to pack for China been helpful?

If so, then you might find even added value in the China packing checklist I’ve put together. Just add your email below and I’ll send it immediately to your email account. Just print it off and you’ll be good to go!

Enjoy this packing checklist and enjoy all the preparations for the journey. Safe travels!

Further Reading & Resources

Traveling or Moving to China Soon?

Download "44 Tips You MUST Know Before Traveling to China". These simple but often overlooked tips could make or break your trip !

Download the Tips Here

About Josh Summers

Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.

Reader Interactions

February 5, 2016 at 9:00 am

Thanks for the helpful post! I never went China, so I can not share with you my experience, but I am planing to visit the country next month. The checklist is gonna be very useful for packing my suitcase and knowing what I can and what I can not find there.Best regards

June 2, 2016 at 8:26 am

You have covered all aspects in respect tips for travel to China. Its really helpful for a traveller. I am planning to visit China in the month of October and your tips are quite useful. Thanks a lot.

January 15, 2017 at 12:40 am

hey, thanks for telling me! my parents let me go for an overseas inmersion trip organised by my school!

January 15, 2017 at 5:15 pm

Awesome. I hope you have a great trip!

January 15, 2017 at 12:41 am

Hey! thanks for telling me! i’m going to china in five months!

Great! Have a fun time 😉

April 20, 2017 at 1:14 am

I plan a vist free trip to guilin, I was reading on a website called ‘china highlights’ that they say ‘you need a letter from a chinese governmen recognised travel agency or tour company’ and say you can’t use a international travel company or small company. in reality can you do this with just booking dot com hotel reservations, or do we need to use an official chinese tour agency? i also read in some forum only some specific hotels are applicable, but maybe that was when the policy started. here’s what their website reported: “The Guilin 72-hour visa-free policy only permits travel with certain Guilin travel agents. China Highlights is one of them. China Highlights has been specializing in tailor-making China tours for over fifteen years.”

September 13, 2017 at 3:51 pm

Hello Josh!

I have to accompany an artist friend of mine, and this will be the first time for both of us in china. i tried to get the checklist, but for some reason i don’t get it (i have gmail) Could you help me please?

If you have time, and it’s not far from you, come and VISIT us on The 6th China Root Carving Art and Culture Festival, that will be held at Kaihua County, Zhejiang Province of China on the first week of December (we are from Hungary).

p.s.: it seems i can only write with capitals, sorry, i’m not shouting…

September 16, 2017 at 7:11 am

Hi Krisztina…I send you an email 😉 Enjoy the trip!

October 7, 2017 at 6:53 am

Hi josh we are going on a trip on the yangzee river from 27th october to 31st then to bejing until 5th november. can you advise on whether to bring lightweight or warmer clothing thanks nina

October 8, 2017 at 2:28 am

Unfortunately, you have to be ready for both! Beijing will be pretty cold starting in November, although you never know when it will really start.

November 6, 2017 at 5:42 am

Nice tips for China trip. These tips will help all China travellers. I will go to China on coming December with my family. Definitely I will follow your advice. My father already booked ticket from Trekclub for this tour. Thank you.

August 22, 2019 at 8:03 am

Just a couple of points on the above. They may well have cash points (ATMs) everywhere in China, but that doesn’t meen that you’ll be able to use them. Most will not accept VISA cards, so make sure you can withdraw from these machines before you leave the comfort of a City, where you will find ATMs that will. Secondly, I would strongly recommend taking two devices with a VPN (2 phones, laptop & phone, etc). When I was last there my phone decided to reset itself on day 2 so even though I then bought a Chinese phone and Sim card (fairly easy to do), I was without a VPN (needed for almost everything) for the whole 3 weeks. It’s not the end of the World but it can make life very difficult.

August 22, 2019 at 9:37 am

Good points, David…thanks for sharing! In regards to the ATM issue, if you’re a U.S. resident, there’s a free pre-paid UnionPay option that is accepted at every ATM in China. It’s worth checking out!

January 16, 2020 at 11:02 am

if you’re a woman, do not forget tampons if you use them. They are not available in any shop around, just pharmacies and major supermarkets that are not on every corner. only 3% chinese women use them so their availability is very limited.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Your China Trip in 2024

Having a trip to China is always exciting, but sorting out what to pack might confuse you, so we've prepared the latest ultimate packing list for you! With the packing list below, you can travel more easily without carrying heavy suitcases.

Essential Things to Pack

• Extra List If You Travel with Kids

Not Must-Have But Always Helpful Items

Double-check.

The luggage allowance for taking a Chinese domestic flight is usually 40kg for first class, 30kg for business class, 20kg for economy class, and 10kg for infants with booked seats. Therefore, to avoid extra charges for overloaded bags, you need to pack wisely.

1. Important Documents & Papers

When you're planning to travel to China, you need to prepare personal documents and papers first because the process may take a long time. Make sure the following ones are ready before you're on your trip.

Passport & Copies:

Original passport with the visa issued (if needed) and photocopies. Don't put all your eggs in one basket - pack them in separate bags in case of losing any of them. I would also suggest storing the scan where you can access it online.

Transportation Tickets:

Original air/cruise/train tickets or copies if booked online.

Confirmation Letter of Tour Booking:

Print the letter and bring it with you. It contains all your tour information, including the daily itinerary and contact of the people who will be involved in the tour operation.</p

Money & E-wallet:

Credit cards, and a small sum of cash, but never put them in the checked baggage! Visa credit cards are commonly accepted in China. Popular currency can be easily exchanged into Chinese currency at international airport.

There are three currencies in China: the Chinese Yuan (CNY), used in China's mainland; the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), used in Hong Kong; and the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), used in Taiwan.

E-wallets are quite a popular payment method in China. With WeChat Pay or Alipay on your smartphone, overseas visitors can now go cashless in China.

You can use your phone to stay connected with a prepaid SIM card that subscribes to a Cellular network plan in China.

Travel Insurance:

This works for all kinds of trips, it provides financial compensation if you face any problems on your vacation. The insurance will protect your nonrefundable trip costs, such as civil flight delays; and will compensate you for medical care if you become ill or lose your luggage.

2. Hygiene and Beauty Products

Note that the same brand products you find in China may not be as effective as the ones used at home. If you are conscious of familiar experiences, bring your own toiletries and make-up kits. Besides, a few extra items worth stressing are: 

Toiletries:

All hotels on China's mainland provide free single-use toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Things go differently if your itinerary includes Hong Kong. On April 22, the single-use plastic ban took effect. This means all the hotels in Hong Kong won't provide free toiletries, so we suggest you bring your own. However, you can buy them in your hotel or local stores.

Hand Sanitizer & Wipes:

Toilet paper, soap, and towels are free to use in your hotel while staying on China's mainland, but many public toilets won't provide them. Tissues are sold everywhere, so no need to overload your luggage.

Moisturizer:

To cope with the very dry weather of western and northern China, moisturizer can be a lifesaver.

Be aware that deodorant cannot be taken on certain flights. Often, you can find them in some supermarkets if you can't take them on board.

Feminine Products:

If you prefer tampons rather than sanitary pads, prepare your tampons because hygienic pads are more popular in Asia, so you might not find tampons in every store.

Your hotel may or may not provide single-use shavers. For convenience, you can bring your own. Remember to take the blade and battery out of your electronic shaver before checking in your luggage at the airport.

We all wish to be beautiful in the photos we take while traveling. In that case, don't forget to pack your makeup items. Perfume, cleansing water, or other items are allowed to be taken aboard, but they're limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per item.

The dress code for the Chinese is smart casual. That being said, you should pack as suggested:

Travel Type Attire:

Bring something dry quickly, such as hiking-type shirts and pants. Summer in the south of China is hot and humid, and most of the indoor environments are aggressively air-conditioned. In this case, a light jacket would come in handy. You might not see Chinese wearing revealing clothes, but it's quite ok if you dress like that. Winter in the north can be very cold and dry, so warm clothes are essential.

Meanwhile, wear comfortable shoes for long walks (China is huge, you know). Keep in mind that clothing sizes are much smaller in China - you may find it hard to get attires of the right size for Westerners.

A Respectable Outfit:

For places like upscale restaurants, nightclubs, or for important events, e.g., wedding ceremonies.

Umbrella/Hats/Sunblock/Sunglasses:

We highly recommend you to pack these items up because rainy and sunny days are both common in China.

There is no dress taboo on most occasions in China, but in some religious occasions, such as temples or mosques, it is best not to overdress.

4. Medications & Vitamins

Pepto-Bismol and antibiotic cream are usually helpful just in case you get travelers' diarrhea. Consult your healthcare provider for the use of your daily pills and vitamins, and bring your medical record as well as sufficient medications with spare portions.

In addition, the basic med-kit would include electrolyte solution, anti-colic pills, anti-inflammatory and anti-itch drugs, DEET, etc. If you bring kids with you, consult your pediatrician to know what vaccines your children need for peculiar situations.

Packing List for Kids

Traveling with kids is great - only when everything is packed right! It is common sense that kids can be more vulnerable to a new environment than adults. However, you should go over all the items and make sure your kids are satisfied.

Bring sufficient. Technically, you can find nothing other than Pampers in many supermarkets unless you search in an upscale shop, which is usually not available outside developed cities.

Baby Carriers:

It'd be safe to keep your children immobilized to deal with chaotic traffic.

Baby Formula & Food:

Stick to what your children have back home to avoid upsetting their tummies. For teens, you can always find rice, dumplings, or noodles in restaurants, no matter what destination you are visiting. One more thing: DO NOT drink tap water, ever.

A Car Seat:

Most taxis in China don't come equipped with car seats for kids. And it will occupy too much space in your luggage if you plan to pack it up. However, when you travel with Odynovo, we will arrange private cars with car seats for your kids to keep them safe on vacation.

Toys/Storybooks/Snacks:

Bear in mind that what appeals to grow-ups may be boring to kids to ensure they enjoy the trip, too. Besides cliché tricks, I find it extremely helpful to give them a simple digital camera to photograph what they are interested in. To make them engage, you can also do some homework and design games before the trip starts.

Power Converter

The standard voltage of mainland China and Hong Kong is 220V at a frequency of 50 Hz, while that of Taiwan is between 110 and 120V at a frequency of 60 Hz. Three-pronged angled and two flat style plugs are commonplace. Your hotel may (or may not) offer a converter for free, but I would suggest having your own for convenience.

Sometimes, the air quality in developed cities tends to be less interesting on winter days. Get yourself prepared. A gentle reminder: this is not for COVID as the rule has changed since December 2022. You don't need to wear a mask for it anymore.

Trekking Pole

Only when your tour involves strenuous mountain hiking or the off-the-beaten-path sections of the Great Walls, such as Jiankou , Jinshanling , Gubeikou , etc.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

You can't reach many Western websites (Facebook and Google included) in mainland China. To break the wall, you need to install a workable VPN before your trip.

WeChat Account Sign-Up

Widely used in China, WeChat (Weixin) is a popular instant messaging application that lets you text, send emojis, and even have a live chat. Get a free account with your phone number (to receive a confirmation code) to connect with your travel consultant, tour guide, or friends. It's much more efficient than sending messages and emails.

Offline Translator App:

Most Chinese don't speak foreign languages, so communication can be a big deal. An offline translator app will solve this problem. Text, images, or voice input can be translated into Mandarin.

Always remember to check your package again in case you miss something important! Or you can write to [email protected] or contact us with a simple click for a personalized itinerary. Our expert will cover everything to ensure your trip to China is smooth sailing from start to finish.

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