Zhangjiajie, Huaihua, China

The Perfect Packing List for China in Summer

Vast and beautiful, China is one of those destinations that beckons for travellers to visit, and it really must be seen to be believed. If you’ve been grappling with the idea of booking a tour through China, we’ve crafted the perfect packing list for China in summer, otherwise known as the most popular time to visit this fascinating country.


Travel to: China


What to pack for China in summer

Clothing and footwear

  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking tops: The weather will be humid during the summer months, and while there will be air-conditioning at most museums, malls, and restaurants, you’ll find that lightweight fabrics will serve you best in this weather. If you’re wondering where to find the very best lightweight travel clothes, start your search at a camping or outdoor stores, as they tend to stock high-quality travel clothes that are built to be worn and can handle a bit of sweat.  
  • A light jacket: Though summer in China will be hot and humid, a light jacket will come in handy in aggressively air-conditioned environments.
  • A light sweater: Similarly to the above suggestion of a light jacket, sometimes you’ll find that the air-conditioning is too harsh, and this is where a light jumper or cardigan will help. 
  • Hiking pants or shorts: If you invest in a quick-dry pair, you’ll benefit from being about to quickly rinse and wash these each night in case they get sweaty, or dusty. Bring something which dries quickly, such as hiking type shirts and pants.
  • Modest clothing: Some clothing covering the knees and shoulders for visits to religious sites is recommended for a visit to China, especially in the Muslim areas.
  • Smart casual clothes: Across China, the dress code is fairly casual, but if you’re attending any evening events, you’ll want to keep a nice shirt or smart casual outfit in your suitcase.
  • Good quality socks: It might seem like an unnecessary investment, but trust us when we say that quality socks are an item that should not be overlooked.
  • Skirts and dress: Avoid spaghetti straps, but keep a few dresses or skirts in your luggage for days you want to wear something comfortable.
  • Sunhat and sunglasses: Remember that you’ll be travelling in summer, so you will need to protect yourself from the heat.
  • A light scarf: The weather will be hot, but don’t underestimate the power of UV rays across China. By carrying a bright scarf or shawl, you can keep your shoulders and arms protected without feeling as though you are wearing too many layers.
  • Flip-flops: Perfect for showering, or for when you’re walking around your hotel or hostel.
  • Dark coloured sneakers: As most of your days in China will involve plenty of walking, you’ll want to pack a comfortable pair of sneakers. You might want to avoid light-coloured shoes as the streets are quite dusty, so your white shoes won’t stay clean for long.
  • Walking sandals: Consider purchasing a sturdy pair of shoes made for hiking or walking so you can spend the day sightseeing without any issues.
Great Wall of China
Is the Great Wall of China at the top of your bucket list?| © Diego Jimenez / Unsplash

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen: In case you missed our above warnings about how powerful the UV rays can be in China over summer, here is another reminder to pack sunscreen.
  • Toilet paper: You may want to think about bringing along some toilet paper. Chinese toilets, especially in rural areas, will not have any toilet paper, so it’s better to plan than to be caught in a tricky situation.
  • Spare glasses and contact lenses: Surprisingly, it’s difficult to obtain a set of prescription glasses or contact lenses in China, so best to pack an extra.
  • Hand sanitizer: Most public toilets in China will not offer soap, so a small bottle of hand sanitizer will do the trick.
  • Moisturiser: It might be easy to find in China, but if you have sensitive or unusually dry skin, it is best to pack a small, refillable bottle of your favourite body or face moisturiser to combat dry skin.
  • Tampons: Tampons are near impossible to find in China, so you’ll want to pack a small supply of your favourite brand from home.  
  • Shampoo bar: Our personal favourites include those sold at Lush, but there are many alternatives on the market, and it’s great for the environment if you want to reduce your plastic usage.
Fenghuang, Xiangxi, China
There’s something beautiful around every corner in China!| © Diem Nhi Nguyen/Unsplash

Other essential items

  • A pollution mask: The pollutions levels are high, so you might want to think about packing a medical face mask. Don’t worry about looking out of place: nearly everyone wears one.
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN): Many websites are banned in China due to strict censorship. To break the wall, you need to install a workable VPN in advance of your trip.
  • Packing cubes: Forget about rummaging through your bag to find your favourite t-shirt. With packing cubes, you can separate your clothing into sections which means you’ll (mostly) always be able to see what you’re looking for.
  • Snacks: Sometimes, it helps to carry a few of your favourite tea bags or coffee sachets while you’re on tour. If you find yourself always hungry between meals, you could pack a few muesli bars, instant soups, or noodles to tide you over.
  • Money belt: Okay so, it might not look very trendy or cool, and your friends might laugh at you, but a money belt or pouch will be a lifesaver on this trip. Keep some cash, a few cards, and your passport in here while you’re travelling.
  • A silk sleep sack: Perfect for any overnight trains or to roll up into a ball and use as a pillow, most camping stores will stock an affordable option.
  • Portable phone charger: If you’re travelling with multiple devices, like a kindle, an iPhone or a GoPro, a portable charger will ensure you can charge on the go.
  • A small daypack: With all the sightseeing you’ll be ticking off during your travels, you’ll need a small daypack to throw your items. 
  • A power adaptor: There are three different plugs used in China: a three-pronged angled pin, two flat pins (the most common) or two small round pins. Depending on your country of origin, you will need an adapter and a converter.
  • Travel insurance: Not necessarily an item you will physically pack, but travel insurance is an essential item you should not travel without.
  • Mosquito repellant: Make sure you purchase a bottle of good quality insect repellant and use it regularly.
  • Reusable water bottle: China offers plenty of free drinking fountains in public areas, and the water in China is fine to drink. However, if you want to be sure about the quality of the water, consider packing a filtered water bottle such as the LifeStraw so you can avoid having to purchase pre-bottled drinking water which is expensive, and pollutes the environment.

    Great Wall of China with autumn foliage in the surrounding area
    Walk along the Great Wall of China | © Hanson Lu/Unsplash

Why you should visit China

From the dazzling skyscrapers in Beijing, the historic Great Wall of China, the more than 5,000 years of history, or the traditional villages dotted along the countryside, travellers in China are treated to plenty of encounters filled with both traditional and modern experiences. And let’s not forget about the natural landscapes, including Guilin, Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains), or Zhangjiajie that will take your breath away.

As for the local cuisine, dishes are absolutely packed with flavour; perfect for intrepid adventurers and food lovers seeking new experiences. 

Zhangjiajie, Huaihua, China
Zhangjiajie, Huaihua, China| © Joshua Sortino/Unsplash

When should you visit China?

Deciding when you should book a life-changing tour through China can be difficult, as there are a few considerations to keep in mind. It will depend on what you want to see and do, and where you want to visit. Here, we break it down for you:

High season (May-August)

The summer months of June through to August are considered to be the best time to visit, but this is also known as the high season for travellers to visit China, so the number of visitors will start to increase from May onwards. Accommodation prices peak during the first week of the May holiday period, and travellers should keep in mind that prices are steep, crowds are thick, and it can be difficult to secure accommodation – unless you book early.

The weather will be hot, the skies will be clear, and the rainfall across the country will be minimal. All in all, it might be busy, it might be a little crowded, but in our eyes, summer is the best time to visit China.

Shoulder season (February-April, and September-October)

If you’re flexible as to when you can travel, the shoulder months (also overlapping with autumn and spring), are a great time to visit. This is when the weather will be more relaxed, but not unbearably cold, and there are far fewer tourists at the major attractions.

Low season (November-February)

The winter period is when tourism seems to slow down across the country but will pick up around Chinese New Year. The weather will be chilly, and the far south is the only part where you’ll find slightly warmer temperatures, but if you’re searching for a bargain and fewer crowds, China’s low season might be ideal. Just keep in mind that this is considered to be the rainy season, and flight cancellations are to be expected.

The must-do experiences in China

Walk along the Great Wall of China: You can’t visit China without visiting the Great Wall. While you’re there, take time to photograph the Jiankou section, attend the Crouching Tiger portion, hike to the better-maintained Jinshanling, and make your way through the crowds at Huangya Pass.

Sample local cuisine: Forget about what your local takeaway joint serves, as traditional Chinese food boasts far more than fried rice, dim sum, or chop suey. When in China, it’s far more exciting, and varies regionally, so sampling as many local cuisines as you can is essential during your travels.

Make your way to Chengdu: Existing as the capital of China’s Sichuan province, the city is also home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here, visitors can explore the city, but most importantly, visit the conservation centre or visit the endangered giant pandas.

Panda in the tree in China at Chengdu
Watch pandas in Chengdu | © Chester Ho/Unsplash

Visit the Terracotta Army: You might have seen photos of the Terracotta Warriors, but nothing compares to experiencing this ancient site for yourself. Head to Xi’an, located in central-northwest China, to tick this encounter off your list.

Explore Beijing: As one of the biggest cities in the world, you’d be hard-pressed to tick off all its highlights in a few days, but the least you can do is try. Take time to visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Bird’s Nest, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Marvel at Shanghai: If futuristic-looking skyscrapers are your thing, you’ll love Shanghai. But it’s not all about modern architecture. You can visit the Yu Garden, or the Longhua Temple, or spend time in the Old City.

Shanghai skyline at night
Visit Shanghai during your travels | ©Adi Constantin/Unsplash

How to get around China

It might be a vast country, but public transport in China is relatively easy to manoeuvre if you’re travelling solo. If you’re going with a group tour, you can sit back and allow yourself to be guided by a local expert instead.

  1. Car: Unless you speak the language and are confident in your driving ability, there are far too many restrictions and complications that make driving in China reasonably tricky. If you want to travel by road, it’s best to find a group tour which suits your plans.
  2. Air: Cheap and easy to plan and organise, but be aware that delays are frequent.
  3. Bus: Like most places around the world, coaches are the most affordable option, but are incredibly slow.
  4. Train: Catching an overnight train or a high-speed train is an experience in itself. Prices will vary depending on where you are travelling to and from, and when.

No matter what season you visit China, you’re sure to have an incredible, life-enriching experience, but there’s just something about China in the summer that makes it extra impressive. Make sure you’ve collected all the essentials, and then the only thing left to do is wait until you can board your flight!

What have we missed? Any essential items? Let us know in the comments below!

Gemma is a travel-lover from Melbourne. When she's not surrounded by the great outdoors, Gemma can be found spending her time with family and friends or planning her next trip overseas.

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