China packing checklist: build a list from your season, trip type and travel companions, tick items off, then save or sh...

Packing List

Build a list from your trip traits, tick it off before you go, and know nothing is missing

① Pick your trip traits

Pick as many as you like — matching items stack onto the list below

Weather & season

Destination type

Travel style & company

Trip length

Health

② Tick the list off

Ticks save to the server live; open the share link on another device to continue

Special notes for China Power banks must stay with you, never checked in; install a VPN before you fly; keep your hotel address in Chinese on your phone; ¥500–1000 in cash is enough for emergencies.

Print it, stick it on your suitcase and tick items off one by one

Practical info

A few things you will need right after landing - worth a quick check before you fly.

Toilets Public toilets are widespread and free, split into squat and sitting types. Why mostly squat? Shared sitting toilets are hard to keep hygienic; squatting avoids direct contact, which many find more sanitary (especially women). Most blocks include 1-2 western sitting toilets, marked on the door. Why no toilet paper? Locals habitually carry their own, and stocked paper gets taken or adds cost — so always carry tissues; some toilets keep paper by the sink or entrance. Technique: feet either side of the pan facing the door — easy once you get the hang of it; if you have knee problems, hunt for a sitting toilet. Don't flush paper — pipes are narrow and clog; use the bin beside the pan.

Voltage & plugs China runs on 220V / 50Hz, plugs A, C and I. US two-pin plugs fit directly; European/UK plugs need an adapter.

Drinking water Tap water isn't drinkable — boil it or buy bottles; free filtered water machines are common at stations and hotels, and most hotels give free bottled water. Chinese people love hot tea, often in glass flasks — that's why stations and trains offer free hot water.