What to Pack for a China Trip: A Senior Traveller's Checklist

Packing for a trip to China can feel overwhelming — especially when you're 60+ and want to travel light without forgetting the things that matter most. The key is striking the right balance: enough to be comfortable anywhere, but not so much that your suitcase becomes a burden.

This guide is written specifically for senior travellers heading to China with ExploreChina Holidays. We've been operating since 1985, backed by China Travel Service (CTS), which means we know the destinations, the climates, and the practical realities you'll face on the ground. Use this checklist to pack with confidence.

Your Documents (the most important layer)

Before anything else goes in the suitcase, make sure your paperwork is in order. We recommend carrying both physical copies and phone backups (photos or scanned PDFs stored in a secure folder).

• Passport — valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Make two colour photocopies of the photo page and keep one separate from your passport.
• Australian visa for China — ensure the visa type matches your tour dates. Check the validity carefully — single-entry visas typically allow 30 days.
• Flight itinerary and tour vouchers — print two copies, keep one in your day bag and one in your main luggage. A digital copy on your phone is a helpful backup.
• Travel insurance certificate — including emergency contact numbers and your policy number. Never travel to China without comprehensive coverage that includes medical evacuation.
• Medicare card and private health insurance card — for any medical needs on the trip.
• Emergency contact list — your family contacts back home, your ExploreChina tour leader's number, and the Australian Embassy in Beijing (+86 10 5140 4111). Keep this in your day bag at all times.

Health & Medical Kit

China has excellent pharmacies in major cities, but brands and ingredient names differ significantly from what you're used to in Australia. Having the basics in your suitcase saves time, stress, and the challenge of finding the right product in an unfamiliar pharmacy.

• Prescription medications — pack in original labelled bottles. Bring enough for the full trip plus a week's extra in case of flight delays or itinerary changes. Carry a doctor's letter (in English and Chinese) listing each medication, dosage, and its medical purpose. This letter is also helpful at customs.
• Basic first-aid kit — band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters, and a small pair of tweezers.
• Digestive aids — this is the number-one item seasoned China travellers recommend. Pack a good probiotic, antacids or heartburn relief, and rehydration salts. Even experienced travellers find that the change in cuisine, water, and cooking oils can upset digestion for the first few days.
• Pain relief — paracetamol and ibuprofen, or your preferred painkiller. You can buy these in China but brands and dosages differ.
• Motion sickness tablets — useful for winding mountain roads (especially the drive to sections of the Great Wall or rural villages) and internal flights between cities.
• Insect repellent — particularly important if visiting the Yangtze River, Guilin, or rural areas in warmer months. Mosquitoes can carry different strains than in Australia.
• Hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes — great for train journeys, restaurant tables, and public spaces. Small packs are easy to keep in your day bag.
• Thermometer — a basic digital thermometer is light and gives you peace of mind if you feel unwell.

Climate & Clothing by Season

China is vast — Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and the Yangtze River all have different climates even in the same month. The rule of thumb is to dress in layers that you can add or remove throughout the day.

Spring (March–May)

Mild but unpredictable. Temperatures range from 10°C–22°C depending on the city. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, long-sleeve cotton shirts, a warm fleece or cardigan, comfortable trousers, and a scarf for windy days. Spring can bring rain, so a compact umbrella is worthwhile.

Summer (June–August)

Hot and humid, especially in Shanghai and along the Yangtze. Shanghai can hit 35°C+ with humidity over 80%. Light, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen) are essential. Pack a wide-brimmed sun hat, polarised sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen. An electric handheld fan is a lifesaver — locals carry them everywhere in summer. Stay hydrated and take advantage of the air-conditioned coach between stops on your tour.

Autumn (September–November)

Arguably the best time to visit. Cool and clear, typically 10°C–25°C. Layers still apply — a light jacket for mornings and evenings, long-sleeve shirts for midday. Comfortable closed walking shoes are essential for the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Xi'an's ancient streets. The autumn colours in Beijing's parks are beautiful and worth the walks.

Winter (December–February)

Beijing and Xi'an can drop well below freezing, from 0°C down to -10°C at night. Pack thermal underwear, a warm winter coat, gloves, a beanie, and a thick scarf. Winters are very dry, so moisturiser and lip balm are essential to prevent dry skin. Indoor heating is good in hotels and restaurants but can vary on trains and at some attractions.

Footwear (invest here)

Your shoes will make or break your trip. A China tour involves more walking than many people expect — the Forbidden City alone covers several kilometres, and the Great Wall requires climbing steps on uneven stone. Comfortable, broken-in footwear is non-negotiable.

• Primary walking shoes — supportive, broken-in before the trip, with good grip. Lightweight walking shoes or trail runners are better than heavy hiking boots. Make sure they have non-slip soles — polished stone and marble walkways in temples and museums can get slippery, especially after rain.
• Evening shoes — a comfortable pair of flat loafers, ballet flats, or smart sandals for dinners and evening strolls. Hotels and restaurants do not require formal footwear.
• Slip-on shoes for airport and temple security — you'll remove your shoes at airport security, some train stations, and certain temple entry points. Slip-ons make this process far easier than laced boots.
• Hotel slippers — most Chinese hotels provide disposable slippers, but you may prefer to bring your own for comfort.

Technology & Connectivity

Staying connected in China is different from anywhere else. A little preparation before you leave makes a big difference.

• Smartphone with a Chinese SIM or eSIM — ExploreChina tours can advise on the best SIM option before departure. You'll need mobile data for WeChat (China's essential messaging and payment app), maps, and translation tools.
• VPN (install before you leave) — Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked in China. The most important rule: install your VPN and test it at home before departure. You cannot access VPN provider websites after you arrive in China.
• Power bank (10,000 mAh) — essential for day trips when you're out from morning until evening. Many of our tours visit scenic spots for hours at a time without easy access to charging points.
• Multi-port USB charger — China uses the same two-pin flat socket as Australia, but a multi-port charger lets you charge your phone, power bank, and camera from one wall socket overnight.
• Camera or phone with a good camera — you'll capture more memories than you expect. Consider a lightweight camera if phone photography isn't your thing.

Toiletries & Personal Care

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss — most hotels provide basic toiletries, but quality varies. Pack your own for comfort and familiarity.
• Moisturiser and lip balm — essential in dry Beijing, cold winter weather, and air-conditioned hotels. Dry lips and skin are the most common minor complaint travellers report.
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — sunscreen brands sold in China may use different SPF standards. Bring your preferred Australian brand.
• Tissues and wet wipes — some public toilets do not provide toilet paper. Carrying a small pack of tissues in your day bag is standard practice among experienced China travellers.
• Hand sanitiser — comes in handy before meals at markets, street food stops, and after visiting public attractions.
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash — hotels supply these but if you have sensitive skin or prefer specific brands, bring travel-size bottles.

Day Bag Essentials

A small day pack (cross-body bag or light backpack) should carry what you need while your main luggage stays at the hotel or on the tour coach.

• Passport (with photocopy kept in the hotel safe)
• Small amount of cash in Chinese yuan (RMB) — around A$100–200 equivalent
• Reusable water bottle — many attractions have filtered water dispensers
• Compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket
• Snacks — nuts, muesli bars, dried fruit, or ginger biscuits for long travel days
• Reading glasses and polarised sunglasses
• Small notepad and pen — for capturing Chinese phrases or tour highlights
• Lip balm and hand cream
• Travel-size hand sanitiser

What NOT to Bring

• Heavy winter coat if travelling in spring, summer, or autumn — layered clothing is more versatile than one bulky item that takes up half your suitcase.
• More than one pair of formal shoes — comfortable walking shoes and a pair of smart flats are all you need.
• Expensive jewellery or valuables — hotel safes are available, but leaving expensive items at home removes any worry.
• Hairdryer or travel iron — all hotels on ExploreChina tours include hairdryers, and irons are available on request or in laundry rooms.
• Large guidebooks — a single compact guidebook or a good app on your phone is plenty. Your ExploreChina tour leader provides expert local knowledge at every stop.
• A full separate outfit for every day — aim for mix-and-match pieces that work in layers. Most hotels offer laundry or dry-cleaning service if needed.
• Electrical appliances for 110V — China uses 220V (same as Australia), so voltage converters for small electronics are unnecessary.

Preparing Before You Go

A few simple steps before departure will make your trip smoother:

• Check your passport validity — at least six months remaining from your return date.
• Register with Smartraveller — the Australian government's travel advisory service at smartraveller.gov.au. Register your trip so the embassy can contact you in an emergency.
• Make copies of everything — scan your passport, visa, itinerary, and insurance certificate. Email copies to yourself and leave a set with a family member at home.
• Check prescription expiry dates — ensure you have enough medication for the entire trip plus a week's buffer.
• Download offline maps — Google Maps works poorly in China without a good VPN. Download maps.me or use the Baidu Maps app (your tour leader can help set it up).
• Install WeChat — this is China's essential app for messaging and payments. Your ExploreChina tour leader may use WeChat for group communication during the tour.

Final Pro Tip

Pack your carry-on bag as though it's your only bag. In the unlikely event your checked luggage is delayed, you want enough to manage comfortably for 48 hours: a full change of clothes, all prescription medications, essential toiletries, and your phone charger. Many seasoned China travellers also recommend keeping a printed copy of your packing list inside both your checked bag and your carry-on, so you can track everything at a glance.

With the right preparation, you can focus wholeheartedly on what really matters — experiencing China's incredible history, breathtaking scenery, and genuine hospitality. Every ExploreChina tour includes a dedicated bilingual tour leader who'll help you settle in, answer questions, and handle all the logistics so you can relax and enjoy the journey of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions