What power bank can I bring to China?

Power banks must have CCC (China Compulsory Certification) marking and be under 100Wh (watt-hours). Most 10,000-20,000mAh power banks are fine. They will be checked at airport security and train stations. Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on.

Do I need to bring toilet paper to China?

Yes. Most public toilets in China do not provide toilet paper. Always carry a pack of tissues or wet wipes with you. Hotel rooms usually have toilet paper, but public restrooms at attractions, train stations, and restaurants typically do not.

How much cash should I bring to China?

Bring $200-300 USD worth of RMB as backup. China is essentially cashless - Alipay and WeChat Pay work everywhere. However, occasionally digital payments fail or some small vendors prefer cash. Exchange at the airport upon arrival for convenience.

What should I wear in China?

Dress casually and comfortably. Chinese dress modestly - avoid revealing clothing at temples and religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll walk a lot. In cities, casual Western clothing is fine. For business meetings, formal attire is expected.

Can I buy toiletries in China?

Yes, but brands differ. If you have specific preferences or sensitive skin, bring your own. Sunscreen, deodorant, and tampons can be hard to find in some areas. Watsons and Mannings pharmacies carry Western brands in major cities.

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China Packing List 2026

What to bring (and what to leave home). Essential items for China travel including power bank rules, toilet paper, seasonal clothing, and the must-have items every traveler needs.

The Absolute Essentials

Don't leave home without these:

★

Passport

Needed for trains, hotels, attractions. Carry everywhere.

★

Power Bank (CCC certified)

Phone dies fast with heavy app use. Must have CCC logo for trains/planes.

★

Toilet Paper / Wet Wipes

Public toilets rarely provide paper. Always carry.

★

eSIM or VPN

Internet access. Trip.com eSIM recommended.

★

Phone with Alipay & WeChat

Cashless society. Set up before arrival.

★

Cash (RMB)

Backup for when digital payments fail. $200-300 sufficient.

•

Universal Adapter

China uses 220V, Type A/C/I plugs.

•

Hand Sanitizer

Useful when soap unavailable.

What to Wear by Season

🌸

spring

(March–May)

LayersLight jacketLong sleevesComfortable walking shoes

Weather varies by region. North can be cool, South warm and humid.

☀️

summer

(June–August)

Light breathable clothesSun hatSunglassesUmbrella (sun & rain)

Hot and humid most places. Rainy season in South.

🍂

autumn

(September–November)

LayersLight sweaterJeansJacket for evenings

Best weather overall. Comfortable temperatures.

❄️

winter

(December–February)

Warm coatThermal underwearGlovesWarm hatWaterproof boots

North (Beijing, Harbin) is freezing. South (Shanghai, Guangzhou) is mild.

Tech & Electronics

Power Bank 10,000-20,000mAh

Must have CCC certification mark. Under 100Wh for flights.

USB-C/Lightning Cables

Multiple cables - you'll use phone constantly.

Phone Case with Card Slot

Keep hotel card/cash handy.

Portable Door Lock

Extra security for hotel rooms (optional).

Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Trains and cities can be loud.

⚠️ Power Bank Rules (Very Important)

Must have CCC certification logo on the device
Capacity must be under 100Wh (most 20,000mAh are ~74Wh)
Will be checked at every airport and train station
Keep in carry-on, not checked luggage
Buy one in China if yours doesn't have CCC (Miniso, electronics stores)

Health & Toiletries

Prescription Medications

Bring original packaging + doctor's note.

Basic First Aid

Band-aids, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines.

Insect Repellent

Essential for summer, especially rural areas.

Sunscreen

High SPF. Sun can be intense, especially at altitude.

Motion Sickness Pills

If prone to car/bus sickness on winding roads.

🧻 The Toilet Paper Situation

This catches every first-time visitor off guard. Here's what you need to know:

✓Public toilets do NOT provide toilet paper - at attractions, train stations, parks, restaurants

✓Hotels do - but quality varies

✓Carry pocket tissues everywhere - buy a 10-pack at any convenience store upon arrival

✓Wet wipes are gold - for hands, face, and when toilet paper runs out

✓Many toilets are squat style - practice your squat or use Western-style at malls/hotels

💡 Pro tip: Put a pack of tissues in every bag/pocket. You'll thank yourself later.

What NOT to Bring

Save space and leave these at home:

Large amounts of cash

Cashless society. $200-300 is plenty as backup.

Non-CCC power banks

Will be confiscated at airports and train stations.

Expensive jewelry

Unnecessary attention. China is safe but why risk it.

Books/maps

Everything is on your phone. Save the weight.

Too many clothes

Laundry services cheap and widely available.

Printable Checklist

Copy this checklist to your notes app before packing:

□ ESSENTIALS

□ Passport

□ CCC-certified power bank

□ Toilet paper / wet wipes

□ eSIM or VPN

□ Phone with Alipay/WeChat set up

□ Cash (RMB 1,500-2,000)

□ Universal adapter

□ CLOTHING

□ 5-7 underwear

□ 5-7 socks

□ 3-4 shirts/tops

□ 2 pants/shorts

□ 1 light jacket or warm coat

□ Comfortable walking shoes

□ TOILETRIES

□ Toothbrush & toothpaste

□ Deodorant

□ Sunscreen

□ Prescription medications

□ Hand sanitizer

□ TECH

□ Phone charger

□ Power bank + cable

□ Earbuds

Packing Tips from Travelers

🎒 Pack Light

You'll be carrying luggage through subway stations (often no escalators), up hotel stairs, and through crowded streets. A 40L backpack or small rolling suitcase is ideal.

🧺 Laundry is Easy

Hotels offer laundry service (¥20-50 per load). Many Airbnbs have washing machines. Pack for 5-7 days and wash as needed.

👟 One Pair of Shoes

Bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes that work for cities and light hiking. You'll walk 15,000+ steps daily.

📱 Download Offline Maps

Download offline maps in Amap or Google Maps before arrival. Screenshot hotel addresses in Chinese.

Packing FAQ

Can I buy clothes in China?

Yes, but sizing differs. Western sizes (L, XL) are often smaller in China. If you're tall or plus-size, bring enough clothes. Uniqlo, H&M, Zara have Western sizing.

Do I need a voltage converter?

China uses 220V. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) accept 100-240V - just need a plug adapter. Check your device label. Hair dryers and curling irons may need a converter.

Can I bring my medication to China?

Yes, bring prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's note. Declare if bringing large quantities. Common OTC meds (ibuprofen, antihistamines) are fine.

Is there anything I can't bring into China?

Don't bring: fresh food, seeds, plants, large amounts of cash (over $10,000 must be declared), drones (restricted), and obviously illegal items. Medications containing codeine or other controlled substances may require documentation.

Ready for your China trip?

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