The 12 that genuinely matter
A universal power plug
China uses Type A and Type C (and G in parts), two/three flat or round pins, 220 V. A simple universal adapter is the single most-used thing you'll carry.
A power bank over 5,000 mAh
You'll live on your phone for pay, map and messages. Mine was at 20% by 6 p.m. in Chengdu — a dead phone is a dead wallet here.
A reusable water bottle
Hot water taps are everywhere in hostels and hotels for free. Boil, fill, walk. Saves you buying ¥2–3 bottles all day.
Light layers, not one heavy coat
Cities run hot in summer and cold in winter; building AC/heating is strong. Two mid layers beat one 12-layer coat on almost any trip.
Small-to-medium walking shoes
You will walk more than you think. Flat, broken-in shoes; leave the dress shoes home.
Alipay or WeChat set up before you fly
Not an item, but the most important "packable." Link a card while you still have Wi-Fi at home.
¥200–300 in small notes
Keep ¥10/¥20 notes for tiny stalls, temple donations and anything a QR code can't cover. That's it — no more.
A translation app with offline packs
Download Chinese–English before you go; some city corners have weak signal and you'll be grateful.
Personal meds in original packaging
Bring more than you think, labelled. Pharmacy names differ by region.
A light rain shell
Summer showers are sudden; a compact windproof layer beats an umbrella you forget.
An earphone / noise-canceller
Nice on high-speed rail and in busy malls; makes long waits bearable.
One "real" outfit you'll actually wear
Casual is king. One slightly nicer set of clothes is plenty for any dinner you plan to attend.
The 5 that usually just become bag weight
My experience cutting weight: skip the big water jug (bottles are everywhere and cheap), skip the fancy sun-hat (a cap covers most), skip the in-shoe inserts (proper shoes handle it), skip the large toiletry set (hostels and hotels sell single-use packs in small shops for ¥1–5), and skip the second phone case / extra cables — one of each is enough.
Before you pack, pack your phone: Alipay or WeChat linked, maps downloaded, currency converted. The hardware in the bag is easy; the software is what actually gets you across the street.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a plug adapter for China?
China uses Type A (two flat prongs), Type C (two round pins) and Type I (three slanted pins for larger appliances). If your appliance came from the US or Japan it usually works directly on Type A. EU and UK adapters do not fit — bring a universal travel adapter or pick up a ¥30 one at the airport duty-free.
Can I take my power bank on the plane to China?
Yes, in your carry-on only — never checked luggage. Under 100Wh (roughly 20,000mAh) is fine without asking. 100-160Wh needs airline approval at the check-in counter. Over 160Wh is banned. Make sure the markings on your battery are readable; customs and airport staff check the label, not the model number.
What medications are restricted?
Anything containing opioids, strong sedatives, psychoactive ingredients or specific listed cough-suppressant ingredients has strict rules — certain painkillers, cough syrups and anxiety medications are affected. The specific list can vary by customs officer and airport. Check China's customs restricted-medications list before you pack, bring a prescription in English, and some airlines also require you to declare medications when booking.
How much cash should I bring?
¥1,000-3,000 is enough to cover the first day or two while your apps and cards are still settling in, then rely on mobile payments. Foreign cards are backup only. Cash beyond a couple thousand is not very useful in the big cities — Shanghai and Beijing are more cashless than most places in the US.
Should I bring toilet paper?
Public restrooms in major cities usually have paper, but many do not — train stations, smaller temples and older markets are spotty at best. Two or three packs in your pocket solves it forever and weighs nothing. Paper towels and hand sanitizer are the same low-weight, high-return category.