Documents and money
Carry your passport, visa or other entry documents when required, insurance details and the first hotel’s Chinese address. Save booking confirmations offline and keep a separate copy of important contact information.
Bring the bank card linked to your payment app, a backup card and some renminbi cash. Make sure your phone can receive bank verification messages during the trip. Keep payment information separate from copies you share with travel companions.
Clothes and footwear
Choose layers around the places you are visiting, not only the season in your arrival city. Check rain, temperature and the planned walking for each stop. Mountain viewpoints can have different conditions from the city where you sleep.
Bring comfortable shoes you have already worn, a light rain layer and sun protection suited to your trip. For winter Harbin, plan warm footwear, gloves and indoor breaks as part of the day. A longer trip can include a laundry stop instead of more clothes.
A small everyday kit
Carry tissues, hand sanitizer, a water bottle or drinking water, and the day’s address and booking details. Add the items your family uses regularly rather than relying on finding the same brand immediately.
Check the voltage rating on electrical devices and take a plug adapter suited to your accommodation. An adapter changes the plug shape; it does not convert voltage. Ask the hotel about sockets or equipment if a particular device matters.
Medication and insurance
Keep prescribed medication in its original packaging with the prescription and a doctor’s letter where appropriate. Check the entry rules for the specific medicine before traveling, especially for controlled ingredients; a prescription alone does not establish that an item can be imported.
Choose travel insurance that covers the destinations and activities you plan, and understand its medical-assistance contact and claim process. Discuss personal health preparation with your clinician before departure.
Luggage and transport rules
Check the airline and railway rules for size, weight, liquids, batteries and restricted items. Keep essential documents and valuables in your hand luggage. Read the current power-bank rules for domestic flights before packing; the rules for an international flight can differ.
Allow room for purchases and make sure you can manage your bags between a vehicle, station and hotel. Historic streets and small guesthouses can involve steps or a final walk.
Common questions
Should I pack for a whole month?
If you are staying longer, choose accommodation with suitable laundry arrangements and pack for the gap between washing days.
Can I bring my usual medicine?
Check the rules for its ingredients and quantity before traveling, using Customs and the relevant official advice. Keep the prescription and original packaging.