Planning a trip to China? This comprehensive checklist ensures you’re fully prepared for your Chinese adventure. Go through each item and make sure you’ve covered all the essentials before you depart.
Travel Documents & Legal Requirements
Essential Documents
- Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining)
- Chinese Visa (if required for your nationality)
- Need help with visa application? Click here for our complete China Visa Guide →
- Travel Insurance with medical and theft coverage
- Flight Confirmations (printed and digital copies)
- Hotel Reservations (especially for your first night)
- Emergency Contact Information (embassy, family, insurance)
Digital Backups
- Scanned Documents uploaded to cloud storage
- Digital Photos of important documents on your phone
- Email Copies sent to yourself
- Hotel Business Cards (in Chinese) for taxi drivers
Health & Medical Preparation
Medical Essentials
- Prescription Medications (with extra supply)
- Prescription Labels translated to English/Chinese
- Medical Alert Cards (allergies, blood type, emergency conditions)
- Vaccination Certificates (if required)
- Health Insurance international coverage verified
- Basic First Aid Kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers)
- Anti-diarrheal Medication for dietary adjustments
Air Quality Protection
- N95 Masks for polluted cities
- Saline Nasal Spray for dry air
- Eye Drops for irritation
- Throat Lozenges for respiratory comfort
Technology & Communication
Internet & Communication
- VPN Subscription (essential for accessing Western websites)
- Need VPN recommendations? [VPN guide coming soon – bookmark this page for updates]
- Phone Compatibility checked (China network standards)
- International Phone Plan or Chinese SIM card research
- WeChat App downloaded and set up
- Alipay/WeChat Pay research completed
China-Specific Apps
- Amap (高德地图) downloaded for navigation
- iOS Maps updated with offline China maps
- Didi (滴滴打车) downloaded for ride-hailing
- Meituan (美团) downloaded for food delivery
- Offline Translation Apps downloaded and tested
- Offline Maps downloaded for backup navigation
Electronics
- Phone Chargers and backup cables
- Power Bank (minimum 10,000mAh)
- Universal Travel Adapter with USB ports
- Camera Equipment with extra batteries and memory cards
- Portable Phone Stand for video calls
- Portable WiFi Device research (if needed)
Financial Preparation
Money & Payments
- Chinese Yuan (CNY) cash for immediate expenses
- Small Denomination Bills for tips and street vendors
- Major Credit Cards with international access
- ATM Cards tested for international withdrawals
- Bank Travel Notifications completed
- Emergency Cash hidden in multiple locations
- Money Belt or hidden wallet for security
Digital Payments
- Mobile Payment Apps setup completed
- Currency Exchange rates checked
- Spending Budget planned and allocated
Home & Pet Care Arrangements
Pet Care
- Pet Boarding/Sitting arrangements confirmed
- Pet Food & Supplies stocked adequately
- Pet Medical Information left with caregiver
- Veterinary Contact information provided
- Pet Insurance contact details accessible
Home Security
- Neighbor/Friend house-check arrangements
- Mail/Package collection organized
- Plant/Garden care arranged
- Home Insurance contact information accessible
- House Keys given to trusted person
Work/School Arrangements
- Leave Requests approved and confirmed
- Work Handover completed
- Auto-Reply Email set up
- Important Meetings rescheduled
- School Absence procedures completed
Accommodation & Transportation
Accommodation
- Hotel Reservations confirmed with contact details
- Backup Accommodation options researched
- Check-in Requirements understood
- Hotel Amenities verified (WiFi, breakfast, etc.)
Transportation
- Airport Transfer plans arranged
- Domestic Transportation options researched
- Train Booking Apps downloaded (if planning train travel)
- Flight Status monitoring set up
Clothing & Personal Items
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
- Seasonal Clothing based on travel dates and regions
- Comfortable Walking Shoes (broken in)
- Rain Gear (umbrella or jacket)
- Layered Clothing for temperature changes
- Formal Attire (if visiting upscale venues)
Personal Care
- Toiletries (including Western brands hard to find in China)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Personal Hygiene Products (deodorant, feminine products)
- Skincare Products for climate adaptation
- Travel-size Laundry Detergent (for longer trips)
Cultural Preparation
Cultural Awareness
- Basic Mandarin Phrases learned
- Cultural Etiquette research completed
- Tipping Customs understood
- Dining Etiquette basics learned
- Business Card Protocol (if applicable)
- Appropriate Gifts from home country (if visiting friends)
Emergency Preparedness
- Emergency Contacts in China arranged
- Local Emergency Numbers memorized
- Embassy Contact Information saved
- Time Zone Adjustment preparation
China-Specific Essentials
Unique Necessities
- Tissues (essential for dining and public restrooms)
- Toilet Paper (not always provided in public restrooms)
- Hand Sanitizer (many restrooms lack soap)
- Wet Wipes for general cleanliness
- Personal Chopsticks (optional but hygienic)
- Reusable Shopping Bags (environmental requirements)
Comfort Items
- Snacks from Home for dietary preferences
- Travel Pillow for long journeys
- Water Bottle with filtration
- Comfortable Daypack for sightseeing
- Emergency Food (suitable for dietary restrictions)
Safety & Security
Personal Security
- Travel Locks for luggage
- Copies of Important Documents stored separately
- Emergency Contact List in multiple languages
- Travel Insurance policy details accessible
Digital Security
- Password Manager set up and tested
- Two-Factor Authentication enabled
- VPN Testing completed before departure
- Cloud Storage for important files backup
- Backup Communication method established
Final Preparations
Last-Minute Checks
- Weather Forecast for arrival destination checked
- Flight Status confirmed
- Airport Transportation arranged
- Luggage Weight verified
- Carry-on Restrictions reviewed
- Currency Exchange rates checked
Departure Day
- All Electronics fully charged
- Essential Documents in carry-on
- Medications in carry-on
- Travel Itinerary shared with family/friends
- Final Weather Check completed
🔄 This Checklist is Continuously Updated
This comprehensive checklist is constantly being expanded and refined based on traveler feedback and changing conditions in China. We’re continuously adding detailed guides for each checklist item to help you prepare more effectively.
📌 Currently Available Detailed Guides:
- China Visa Guide – Complete visa application process
🚧 Detailed Guides Coming Soon:
- VPN Selection and Setup Guide
- China Mobile Payment Complete Setup
- Flight Booking and Airport Navigation
- Accommodation Booking Strategies
- Cultural Etiquette Deep Dive
- Health and Safety Precautions
- Regional Packing Guides
- China-Specific Apps Installation Guide
- Pet Care Arrangements for Travelers
Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates and new detailed guides. Have suggestions for additional checklist items? We’d love to hear from you!
💡 Pro Tips
- Print this checklist or save it to your phone for easy reference while packing
- Check off items as you complete them to ensure nothing is forgotten
- Start preparing at least 2-3 weeks before departure for visa processing
- Keep backup copies of all important documents in separate locations
- Test all apps and services before departing to ensure they work properly
Last updated: [2025-06-28]
Remember: This is your ultimate preparation companion. Take your time going through each section, and don’t hesitate to reach out for specific guidance on any item. Safe travels, and enjoy your incredible Chinese adventure!