Open ChinaTravel · 2026

How-to · Packing

The list everyone wishes they'd read.

China in 2026 is mostly normal — but a few small things will save you a day of frustration. Install these apps and pack these items before you fly.

Install before you fly (this matters most)

  • Alipay + bind a Visa/Mastercard. Most countries can do this from home. See the setup guide.
  • WeChat — for messaging locals, QR menus, and as a backup payment.
  • Didi (the Chinese Uber) — English UI, takes Alipay.
  • Trip.com — hotels, HSR tickets, domestic flights.
  • Apple Translate (built-in) or Baidu Translate — camera-mode for menus.
  • A VPN, just as a backup — Astrill, ExpressVPN, or LetsVPN. Most VPN websites are blocked from inside China, so install at home.
  • Travel eSIM from Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad. Buy the QR code now, install it, activate when you land.

Eight things people forget

  1. Passport photocopies — for hotel check-in if scanners are down, and for the police if you ever lose the original.
  2. A power bank — you'll be on Didi/Maps/Translate all day. Buy on Taobao or at any 7-Eleven if you forget.
  3. Universal adapter — China uses Type A (US flat) and Type I (Australian slanted). Most hotels have one socket of each but don't bet on it.
  4. Cash for emergencies — ¥200–500 in small bills. 99% of places take Alipay/WeChat, but a temple ticket booth in rural Yunnan might not.
  5. Tissue packs — public toilets rarely have paper. Pharmacies sell them everywhere; just remember to grab a pack each morning.
  6. Reusable water bottle — every HSR station and most malls have free hot water dispensers.
  7. Imodium and electrolyte tablets — Sichuan and Xi'an street food will test you eventually.
  8. Comfortable walking shoes — the Forbidden City alone is 8 km of paving stones.

Three things to leave at home

  • Wads of US dollars — useless. Card-bound Alipay does everything.
  • A laptop, if you're not working — your phone covers translation, maps, payments, tickets.
  • "Modest" clothing for tourist sites — China's dress code is casual everywhere. Wear what you'd wear in Tokyo.

Seasonal add-ons

  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Beijing and the north drop below freezing. Thermals, a real coat, gloves.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Yangtze cities are punishingly humid. Quick-dry shirts, a folding fan, sunscreen.
  • Shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): Layers. The when-to-go guide has the details.

Once you've packed, the next reads are the visa rules, getting around, and the 7-day starter itinerary.