What to pack forChina
in November
64° / 50°F
8 days of rain. Sunset around 4:55pm.
Typical November, from ten years of weather
8 days
of rain
4:55pm
sunset
Type A/C/I
plugs
0 of 49 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Apply for your Tourist visa
China requires a Tourist visa before arrival. It is an online application and cannot be sorted at the border.
Passport valid past your dates
China wants 6 months left on a passport past November. Check the expiry date now.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies for China. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
Copies of your documents
Photograph your passport, cards, and insurance. Email them to yourself. Ten seconds now saves a very bad afternoon.
Travel insurance
Most home health plans stop at the border. A quote takes two minutes.
eSIM
An eSIM works the moment the phone is switched on in China, with no SIM counter to find.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
Polarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Knockaround Paso Robles Sport Polarized Sunglasses Pink Silver Smoke$38 at REIKnockaround Paso Robles Sport Polarized Sunglasses Pink Silver Smoke$38Shop at REI
Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 at REIKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 was $38Shop at REI
Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comPremiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38Shop at Backcountry.com
Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comFast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38Shop at Backcountry.comTick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Travel first aid kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Filter water bottle
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickGrayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$99.95 at REIGrayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$99.95Shop at REI
Go Series Water Filter 22oz Bottle$44.95 at Backcountry.comGo Series Water Filter 22oz Bottle$44.95Shop at Backcountry.com
LifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle$44.95 at REILifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle$44.95Shop at REI
Grayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$89.95 at REIGrayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$89.95Shop at REIPower bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIAnker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80Shop at REI
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIBioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95Shop at REI
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIGoal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120Shop at REI
Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIAnker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40Shop at REIHeadlamp
Dark by 4:55pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job.
Dark by 4:55pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dash 450 Rechargeable HeadLamp$69.95 at Backcountry.comDash 450 Rechargeable HeadLamp$69.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Fenix HM50R V2.0 Rechargeable Headlamp$59.95 at REIFenix HM50R V2.0 Rechargeable Headlamp$59.95Shop at REI
Storm 450 Headlamp$38.47 at Backcountry.comStorm 450 Headlamp$38.47 was $69.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Coast RL10R Rechargeable Headlamp$29.95 at REICoast RL10R Rechargeable Headlamp$29.95Shop at REICarry-on backpack (35–45L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at MatadorMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador GloberiderSee price at MatadorMatador GloberiderSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Pacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180 at Backcountry.comPacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180Shop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265Shop at Backcountry.comDaypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiConsuelo 22L Daypack$120Shop at Cotopaxi
Osprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Botanica$65.97 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Botanica$65.97 was $110Shop at Backcountry.com
Isabella 3.0 20L Daypack - Women's$66.75 at Backcountry.comIsabella 3.0 20L Daypack - Women's$66.75 was $89Shop at Backcountry.com
Arcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 at Backcountry.comArcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 was $110Shop at Backcountry.comCarry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dry bags
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95 at Backcountry.comTuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Wildwater 35L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$35.75 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Wildwater 35L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$35.75 was $65Shop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag 15$33.73 at REIOsprey Wildwater Dry Bag 15$33.73 was $45Shop at REI
Race Dry Bag - Double Roll$43.99 at Backcountry.comRace Dry Bag - Double Roll$43.99Shop at Backcountry.comOral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Electrolyte Salt Capsules - 100 Capsules$27.30 at REISaltStick Electrolyte Salt Capsules - 100 Capsules$27.30Shop at REI
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Mixed Berry$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Mixed Berry$19.99Shop at Backcountry.com
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99Shop at Backcountry.com
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Perfectly Peach$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Perfectly Peach$19.99Shop at Backcountry.comAnti-diarrheal + probiotics
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera. Don't have one? Check these out.
VPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
AirTag / tracker for bags
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at MatadorMatador Packing Cube SetSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Gear Cube Set$58.99 at Backcountry.comMatador Gear Cube Set$58.99 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at Samsonite3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50Shop at Samsonite
Ultralight Packing Cube$24.95 at Peak DesignUltralight Packing Cube$24.95Shop at Peak DesignLaundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Laundry BagSee price at MatadorMatador Laundry BagSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Knack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10 at Knack BagsKnack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10Shop at Knack Bags
Nathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24 at REINathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24Shop at REINoise-cancelling headphones
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REISoundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200Shop at REI
JBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220 at REIJBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220Shop at REI
Sony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Lavender (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at SonySony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Lavender (M4 2nd Gen)$300Shop at Sony
Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones WH-1000XX/W$650 at SonySony 1000X THE COLLEXION Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones WH-1000XX/W$650Shop at SonyNice to have
You could skip every one of these
Cap
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Flatbrim Trucker Cap$17.50 at Backcountry.comFlatbrim Trucker Cap$17.50 was $35Shop at Backcountry.com
Advocate Trucker Hi Pro Cap$21.60 at Backcountry.comAdvocate Trucker Hi Pro Cap$21.60 was $36Shop at Backcountry.com
Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap$15 at Decathlon AmericaKiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap$15 was $24.99Shop at Decathlon America
Advocate Trucker Lo Pro Cap$20.97 at Backcountry.comAdvocate Trucker Lo Pro Cap$20.97 was $34.95Shop at Backcountry.comHand sanitizer
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REINoshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13Shop at REI
Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50Shop at REI
Noshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9Shop at REIShort cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comUSB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99Shop at Backcountry.com
Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (6 ft., 240W, Upcycled-Braided)$35 at REIAnker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (6 ft., 240W, Upcycled-Braided)$35Shop at REI
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignUSB-C CableSee priceShop at Peak Design
Cable Kit$19.99 at Peak DesignCable Kit$19.99Shop at Peak DesignLanguage app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Passport holder
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at MatadorMatador BetaLockSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
TSA Cable Lock$15.95 at Backcountry.comTSA Cable Lock$15.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Pacsafe ProSafe 620 TSA Accepted Luggage Locks$17.95 at REIPacsafe ProSafe 620 TSA Accepted Luggage Locks$17.95Shop at REI
Travel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 at Eagle CreekTravel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekToiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comDK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Toiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comToiletry Bag$50Shop at Backcountry.com
Hanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Buddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99 at Backcountry.comBuddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99Shop at Backcountry.comTravel pillow
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Blackout Travel Pillow$39.99 at Backcountry.comBlackout Travel Pillow$39.99 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Zempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40 at REIZempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40Shop at REI
Exhale Neck Pillow$29 at Backcountry.comExhale Neck Pillow$29 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Foam Core Pillow$34.95 at Backcountry.comFoam Core Pillow$34.95Shop at Backcountry.comThe basics
You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
Toiletries kit
Travel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at MatadorMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at MatadorMatador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comHuppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99Shop at Backcountry.com
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIDr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95Shop at REIDeodorant
Don't have one? Check these out.
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100 at REIAnker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100Shop at REI
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignDual Slim Charger$64.95Shop at Peak Design
Anker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25Shop at REIUnderwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Women's Merino Bikini Underwear - Boxed$35 at REISmartwool Women's Merino Bikini Underwear - Boxed$35Shop at REI
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comEveryday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34Shop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99Shop at Decathlon America
REI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95Shop at REISocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21 at REIInjinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21Shop at REI
Balega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 at REIBalega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 was $19Shop at REI
Balega Women's Enduro No-Show Socks$13.73 at REIBalega Women's Enduro No-Show Socks$13.73 was $18Shop at REI
Woolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 at REIWoolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 was $20Shop at REISleepwear
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle CreekPackable Tote Bag$49 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Packable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplPackable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95Shop at rumpl
Grocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125Shop at Backcountry.com
Chrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125Shop at Backcountry.comPen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170Shop at REI
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REISoundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130Shop at REI
Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REIShokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120Shop at REI
JBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95 at REIJBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95Shop at REISunglasses case
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Don't have one? Check these out.
Take this list with you
It keeps your ticks. Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.It keeps your ticks. Open it again on your phone when you are standing over the suitcase.