What to pack for China

There are a couple of things to keep in mind no matter when or where you’re going. Dust storms are common in the interior and north (even in cities), which means you should avoid light-colored clothing or anything you don’t want to get dirty.

While disposable dust masks are for sale everywhere in China, including at the airports, we recommend buying a washable cloth version before your trip as they are better for the environment.

Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for anyone traveling to China, as many of the ancient landmarks and attractions will require you to be on your feet for long periods of time.

Generally speaking, if you’re traveling in summer (June, July and August), you can expect it to be hot, hot, hot – no matter where you are. When packing, make sure you have a hat, loose-fitting pants, t-shirts and some long-sleeve shirts for extra protection from the sun.

If you’re traveling in the Chinese interior (Chengdu, Hunan, Xi’an), the summer weather will usually be dry, but if you’re near the coast (Shanghai) or in the south (Yangshuo), you can expect some summer storms. Packaging a lightweight raincoat and waterproof shoes is a good idea if you're in either of these regions. 

If you’re planning to explore China in winter (December, January and February), you can expect it to be anything from chilly to freezing, depending on where you are. Be sure to pack warm clothes for sleeping (thermals are a good idea), thicker socks and at least two lightweight fleeces (in case one gets wet) even if you’re traveling in the south. Even in areas like Yangshuo, temperatures in January can drop to around 43°F at night.

If you’re traveling in the interior or north of China during winter, you should pack all of the above plus a few extra thermal layers, warm gloves, a scarf, waterproof shoes and a warm jacket. Remember that it’s not unusual for Beijing temperatures to drop to 18°F in the middle of winter and Xi’an sometimes gets snow in January.

Heading to China in autumn (September, October or November) or spring (March, April and May)? Let’s talk layering and how it will be your best friend.

In interior and northern destinations like Beijing and Xi’an, autumn and spring temperatures can swing from mild and comfortable 67°F to a cold 45°F, so packing lightweight items that can be layered up and stripped off as needed is a good idea. You should also include a warm jacket.

There are some areas in the south and on the coast where the shoulder season is mild and pleasant. Yangshuo, for example, gets plenty of days that hover around 72°F in spring and autumn and the temperature rarely drops below 60°F, even in late November. Your best bet is to pack mainly lightweight layers and a fleece just in case you need it.

See our ultimate packing list for a more comprehensive list of items you should bring on your trip to China.
Read more about weather in China