Travel Packing List for Returning Home: Divided by Season and Group

The most common mistakes on a packing list are "bringing too much" and "bringing the wrong things." Almost everything can be bought in Chinese cities, except for those items that are hard to find locally or do not meet standards: plug adapters, commonly used medications, shoes of specific sizes.

Basic List (Applicable Year-Round)

• Plug adapter: Chinese socket types differ from some regions, and the voltage is 220V. Bring a multi-socket adapter to handle all devices at once.
• Power bank: Capacity must comply with airline regulations, and it must be carried in hand luggage, not checked in.
• Common medications: Gastrointestinal medicine, cold medicine, painkillers, motion sickness medicine, allergy medicine. Bring the original foreign-language packaging and instructions as well.
• Comfortable shoes: Walking distances in Chinese tourist spots are generally long, with many boardwalks and stone paths.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: UV rays are strong on the plateau and in the south; they are not only needed in summer.
• Insulated water bottle: In most parts of China, drinking hot water is common, and tourist spots often provide hot water points.

High-Altitude Additions (Tibet, Qinghai, Shangri-La, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong)

• Windproof jacket and warm mid-layer: Day-night temperature differences often exceed 15°C.
• Lip balm and moisturizer: The plateau is extremely dry.
• Personal supplemental oxygen (depending on physical condition and doctor’s advice).
• Mental preparation for slow walking: Do not pack the itinerary too tightly.

Winter Additions (Harbin, Snow Town, Tibet in Winter)

• Layered clothing: moisture-wicking base layer, warm mid-layer, windproof outer layer. Do not wear cotton base layers, as sweat can freeze.
• Snow boots (slip-proof, waterproof), crampons, face protection, gloves, wool hat.
• Hand warmers: Can also be used to keep phones warm when kept in pockets.
• Spare batteries for electronic devices: Batteries drain quickly in low temperatures.

Seniors and Children Special Items

• Seniors: Folding cane or trekking pole, commonly used prescription medications (bring enough and include a copy of the prescription), non-slip shoes.
• Children: Familiar snacks and formula (brands may differ), commonly used medicines, lightweight stroller.
• For both: Schedule only one main activity per day and include nap time.

Items Not Needed

• Large amounts of cash (can be withdrawn after arrival, and can also be used with mobile payments).
• Lots of toiletries (available in hotels and convenience stores).
• Sturdy umbrellas (cheap locally, and raincoats are more useful than umbrellas in mountainous areas).