China Packing List, In the Right Order

China packing breaks down into documents, payment, connectivity, daily items, and medicine. Work through them in that order and you will miss less.

Payment and connectivity especially need to be set up before you leave. Use the checklist below as-is.

The bottom line: set up payment and internet first

The first two items are mobile payment and internet access. Once those are ready, most on-the-ground problems solve themselves.

Handle everything else with the list below.

Documents and bookings

• Passport, plus a copy and photo stored separately.
• Round-trip ticket and hotel confirmations, printed or saved.
• Travel insurance certificate.
• A simple itinerary in English or Chinese.

Payment and connectivity

• Install Alipay and WeChat Pay and link your cards in advance.
• Arrange an eSIM or roaming.
• Carry a little cash.
• Bring a power bank. All-day app use drains battery fast.

Power and adapters

China runs on 220V, and its wall sockets differ from Korea's. Korea's round-pin plugs often do not fit directly, so bring a plug adapter.

A small power strip lets you charge several devices at once.

Daily items and medicine

• Tissues and wet wipes, since some public restrooms are not stocked.
• Comfortable shoes, as sightseeing involves long walks.
• Basic medicine such as digestive aids, painkillers, ointment, and bandages.
• A mask and moisturizer help in dry regions.

Bring prescription medicine together with its prescription.

Regional extras

• Highlands: sunscreen, sunglasses, a warm layer.
• Desert: hat, dust mask, moisturizer.
• Extreme cold: insulated gloves, heat packs, thick socks.

Requirements shift with region and season, so revisit the list once your dates are set.