Smart China Trip

Packing List

Organise documents, power, medicines and your day bag, then check the rules for every transport leg.

  • Verified 3 Oct 2026
  • 4 min read
  • Personal baggage · Mainland travel
01

Keep these in your hand luggage

  • Passport, visa or entry evidence, transport and accommodation confirmations, plus offline Chinese addresses and emergency contacts. Document copies may help replacement but do not substitute for originals at borders or boarding.
  • Essential medicines in original packaging with prescriptions and ingredient details, in a reasonable trip quantity and declared where required. Confirm controlled drugs, syringes and refrigerated medicines with customs, the embassy and airline beforehand.
  • A backup card, some renminbi, charging cable and a light change of clothes. Distribute critical backups between companions and avoid keeping every card and note in one wallet.
02

Plugs, voltage and batteries

Check device labels against the destination supply, commonly 220V in mainland China. A travel plug adapter generally changes the pin shape, not voltage; do not directly plug in an incompatible hairdryer or similar device. Hotel sockets and USB ports vary.

Power-bank energy matters: up to 100Wh normally needs no airline approval; over 100Wh through 160Wh requires approval and is quantity-limited; over 160Wh is prohibited. Domestic CCC and recall rules also apply. Protect terminals and carry the bank in your cabin bag.

03

Your day bag and clothing

  1. 1

    Pack layers for the region

    Check destination temperatures and rain for your week, and bring comfortable walking shoes and suitable rain protection. One monthly checklist does not cover northern, southern and high-altitude regions alike.

  2. 2

    Add practical small items

    Add tissues, hand-cleaning supplies, a refillable bottle, daily medication and contact details as needed. Check venue-specific restrictions on sprays, blades, selfie sticks and large bags.

  3. 3

    Recheck when transport changes

    Rail and air rules differ, and items allowed on an international flight may not suit a domestic connection. Review each operator’s restrictions, especially batteries, liquids, lighters and medical items.

Check before you go

A prescription does not by itself guarantee permission to import medicine. Confirm controlled narcotic, psychotropic or other regulated ingredients individually, and do not carry luggage for people you do not know well.

04

Common questions

Is a CE mark enough for a domestic flight?

Do not treat CE or other markings as a substitute for CCC. Check CAAC requirements, clear markings, energy rating and recalls, and follow security inspection.

Will every hotel supply toiletries and adapters?

No guarantee; local rules and hotel services vary. Ask beforehand and bring essentials, especially personal medicines and suitable power accessories.

05

Read next & sources

Getting AroundDomestic FlightsWhen flying beats the train, booking names, baggage and power-bank rules.ReadPlanningChina Pre-Trip ChecklistWhat to sort early and what to check before you fly: documents, payments, internet, bookings, backups.ReadFood & EtiquetteEveryday EssentialsReading menus, explaining allergies and diets, water, toilets and plugs.ReadTrip plannerPut your trip on the mapPick cities, plan the days, see travel times at a glance.Plan your journey

Sources

  1. Domestic-flight power-bank CCC and recall rules中国民航局 / CAAC · 2025-06-26
  2. Air travel: baggage and batteries中国民航局 / CAAC · 2023-03-16
  3. Customs baggage and restricted items中国海关 / China Customs
  4. China travel health advice英国外交部 / UK FCDO
  5. Using electrical devices in Beijing北京市政府 / Beijing Government

Sources support the relevant rules, last reviewed 3 Oct 2026. Routes, budgets and practical suggestions are editorial guidance, not official guarantees. Recheck rules and service availability before travelling.