How can I prepare for my China vacation
If you ask me what I should prepare for a trip to China in autumn and winter, I would say, bring a good mood. In addition to beautiful tourist attractions, China also offers a wealth of delicious food. But remember to avoid important holidays, such as National Day (October 1-7) and Spring Festival (February).
- Clothing (Based on Climate Change)
China's Autumn and Winter Climate:
October: The weather remains mild, especially in southern cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, with temperatures mostly ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Northern cities like Beijing and Harbin will be slightly cooler, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C and lower nighttime temperatures.
November: Temperatures gradually drop, especially in northern China, potentially dropping below 0°C. Warmer southern regions will see temperatures around 10°C. Therefore, please check the temperature in your city in advance.
Recommended Clothing:
Outerwear: Bring a light outerwear or down jacket. Thicker, warmer clothing will be needed in colder weather in northern China. Autumn and winter in China can be quite windy, so a windproof outerwear is essential.
Sweater or Hoodies: A sweater or hoodie is ideal for autumn and winter, keeping you comfortable and warm.
Pants: Long pants (jeans, casual pants, etc.) are essential, and leggings can be worn for cooler nights.
Shoes: Comfortable flats, sneakers, or ankle boots are recommended. Many attractions in China require walking, especially ancient streets and historical sites.
Accessories:
Scarf: Provides warmth and adds a touch of style.
Hats: The sun can sometimes be quite strong in autumn and winter, so bring a sunhat or a winter wool hat.
Gloves: If you're traveling to northern or colder regions, bring a pair of gloves.
Wigs: If you want to look great in photos, versatile wigs are great. If you want to avoid standing out in a crowd, black, brown, or chocolate brown colored wigs are popular.
Of course, if you'd like to try out some traditional Chinese clothing or ethnic costumes, consider cities like Suzhou and Yunnan, which have unique local costumes and makeup styles.
- Document Preparation
Passport and Visa: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and your visa is in place. China is a destination that many countries require visas for, so apply for your visa in advance and keep a copy for future reference.
ID Copy: Although passports are the primary form of identification for foreign tourists in China, some hotels may require a copy of your ID. Keep a copy handy.
Travel Insurance: Accidents and emergencies are inevitable when traveling in China, so purchasing travel insurance is a wise choice.
- Photo Equipment
China offers many beautiful scenic spots, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Old Town of Lijiang, and the Guilin landscape, making them ideal for photography. Here are some recommended photo equipment and accessories:
Camera: If your friend is a photography enthusiast, a DSLR or mirrorless camera is a good choice. A lightweight compact camera or mobile phone can also be used for everyday photography.
Mobile Phone: Modern mobile phones offer excellent camera quality, so a high-quality phone is a great option, especially for taking photos of everyday sights and delicious food.
Selfie Stick: If you plan to take photos of yourself and the surrounding area, a selfie stick is very useful, especially at tourist attractions.
Waterproof Bag: If you plan to participate in water activities or photograph underwater attractions, a waterproof bag or phone case is a must-have.
Backup Batteries and Power Banks: Taking photos and using maps can drain your phone or camera's battery quickly. Bring a power bank just in case.
- Other Accessories and Essential Items
Sunglasses: Even in autumn and winter, the sun can be strong, especially in southern cities. Sunglasses are essential for eye protection.
Cosmetics/Skincare: Due to the dry weather in autumn and winter, it's recommended to bring moisturizing products like moisturizer and lip balm. If your friend likes makeup, be sure to bring seasonal cosmetics.
Medications: Bring common medications, such as cold and fever medicine, stomach remedies, and other medications. If your friend has any special health conditions, be sure to bring their own medications.
Toiletries: You may stay in different hotels during your trip, so it's helpful to bring toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, etc.).
- Special Notes
Language: English is relatively uncommon in China, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. Therefore, it's helpful to have translation software (such as Baidu Translate or Google Translate) to facilitate communication.
Cash and Payment Methods: WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted in most places in China, but some places only accept cash, especially small shops and markets, so it's worth bringing some RMB cash.
Power Plug Converter: China uses A/B/C sockets, with a voltage of 220V. Bring a power adapter to ensure your devices can charge.
- Autumn and Winter Travel Specials
Festivals: If you're visiting China in early October, avoid the National Day holiday (October 1st to 7th), as many tourist attractions are very crowded during this time. Spring Festival (February) is also one of China's most important holidays, attracting a large number of tourists. Avoiding this peak period will allow you to enjoy your trip more easily.
Autumn and Winter Cuisine: Autumn and winter are the peak seasons for many Chinese cuisines, including the eight major cuisines and ten famous dishes. Dishes like steaming Chengdu hot pot, Peking duck, hot soups, and desserts are perfect for enjoying during the colder months.
Summary:
Ensuring you're comfortable and seasonally appropriate attire, carrying necessary documents and photography equipment, and understanding local transportation, food, and customs ahead of time will make your trip to China more enjoyable and smooth. We hope this checklist helps you prepare well and have a wonderful trip!