The Only China Packing List You'll Ever Need (Updated for 2026)

Kurokun

Stay2CN Community Update | Newbie Q&A | May 2026

I've seen so many "China packing lists" online that are either way too basic or bizarrely specific ("bring 47 chopsticks just in case").

Here's what you ACTUALLY need, based on 3+ years of living and traveling here. No fluff.

Essentials (Don't Leave Home Without These)

VPN subscription: Download and TEST it before you leave. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are the most reliable in China right now. Have a backup.

Unlocked phone: Needs to support Chinese 5G bands (n41, n78 ideally) AND work with international SIM cards.

Power adapter: China uses Type A, C, and I plugs. 220V. Most modern chargers handle dual voltage, but check your hair dryer.

Passport copies: Digital AND physical. You'll need them for hotels, train tickets, and random checks.

Cash: ¥1,000–2,000 in small bills. Mobile payment rules, but cash is your backup.

Clothing (Season-Dependent, But General Rules)

Layers are everything. China has wild temperature swings — subway cars are freezing, outdoor markets are sweltering.

Comfortable walking shoes: You'll walk 15,000+ steps daily without trying. Bring shoes you can actually walk in.

One "nice" outfit: For business meetings, fancy restaurants, or visa photos.

Rain jacket: Compact, packable. Sudden downpours happen in every season.

Tech & Gadgets

Portable charger: Your phone will die fast from constant map/translate/payment use. 10,000mAh minimum.

Noise-canceling headphones: For high-speed trains, noisy restaurants, and the occasional construction site outside your hotel.

E-reader or tablet: Downloaded books/movies for long train rides. Remember: Netflix doesn't work without a VPN.

Medicine & Health

Prescription meds: Bring enough for your entire stay plus 2 weeks extra. Getting foreign prescriptions filled in China is complicated.

Basic first aid: Band-aids, painkillers, Imodium, antihistamines. All available in China, but brands/ingredients differ.

Hand sanitizer: Squat toilets don't always have soap.

What You DON'T Need

❌ Toilet paper — every hotel and restaurant has it
❌ Water filter — bottled water is ¥2 everywhere
❌ Gifts for locals — nice but unnecessary
❌ Formal business suits — unless you're in finance, smart casual is fine
❌ Too many clothes — laundry services are cheap and fast

The 5-Kilo Rule

Leave 5 kg of space in your luggage. You'll buy stuff. Tea, souvenirs, clothes, random electronics from Huaqiangbei. Everyone does.

What did you pack that you never used? Or what did you wish you'd brought?

Stay2CN Team