If you are planning on visiting China and are wondering which essentials you must bring on your journey – this article is for you.  China is a very beautiful, large country with a multitude of different regions – from mountains to flatlands, from desserts to seas, and hence there are a number of things that you should consider, before you finally zip-up your suitcase.

Generally, there are two main things that you should always keep in mind:

• The climate – it depends on the region of the country.  For example, the capital city of Beijing has a moderate climate which is similar to that of most central European countries, that means cold Winters and hot, dry Summers (except for the month of July – which can get a bit rainy).  Hong Kong, on another hand, is located right on the South China Sea, and enjoys a more humid climate, with hot (and rainy) Summers, but warm (and dry) Winters.
• The pollution – you have probably already heard that pollution is a huge problem in China.  Well – it is, and that’s why packing for China might be different than packing for most other countries.

Now, let’s look at the individual items:

– The Basics –

Skincare:

We are going to start with the skincare products first, because this is where the issue of pollution has a major role.  Especially, when mixed with humidity, pollution can wreak havoc with your skin and hair, and therefore you should consider packing these essentials:

•  a strong exfoliating scrub (to be used every night).  We recommend: Botanical Exfoliating Scrub, by Mario Badescu.
•  a light facial scrub (to be used every morning).  For example: Morning Burst Facial Scrub, by Clean & Clear (sold at most drug-stores).
•  a good purifying, pore-cleansing facial mask (or two-three) that you should apply on at least every other evening (if not every single evening, while in China).  We recommend: Cucumber Tonic Mask, by Mario Badescu.
•  a protective day cream that you should apply on every morning. We recommend: Shea Face Soothing Fluid, by L’Occitane, which was specifically designed to help protect the skin against the pollution.
• Optional: a rotating, deep-cleansing brush.  For example: Mia 1 Skin Cleansing System, by Clarisonic (sold at Sephora), or ProX by Olay Advanced Cleansing System  (sold at Walmart).
•  an SPF sunblock (minimum 30).
•  an SPF lip balm.  We recommend: Five Star Lip Protection, SPF 30, by Blistex (available at most drugstores).
•  a good, skin moisturizing lotion.  We recommend – anything by Nivea.

Haircare:

• an intense hydrating hair mask – to treat the hair from air and water pollution.  We recommend: Quenching Masque by Bumble and Bumble.

Teethcare:

• a mouthwash – to kill any mouth bacteria (in addition to air pollution, China has a big problem with water contamination as well.  As a result – you should try to avoid brushing your teeth with tap water, even if you’re staying at a 5-star hotel.  Use bottled water instead).  We recommend: Freshburst by Listerine.

Other ‘Must-Haves’:

• an antibacterial hand sanitizer.
• a small bottle of liquid soap.
• a few packs of tissues.
• a small roll of toilet paper.

– The Essential Wardrobe –
Summer:

Summers in China are usually hot, and depending on the region – can be very humid.  It can also rain a lot in such big megalopolises as Shanghai and Hong Kong, so do not forget to pack a lightweight umbrella with you, to avoid getting caught in a random downpour.

• a sunhat
• a pair of sunglasses
• a pair of sneakers or comfy loafers (and socks)
• a pair of open-toe sandals
• a pair of shirts
• a pair of pants
• (ladies) a pair of skirts, and sundresses
• several pairs of t-shirts and tank-tops
• a light sweater (for any transportation with a strong AC)
• a small, lightweight umbrella

Spring/Fall:

Spring and Fall are usually the most changeable and unpredictable seasons, therefore you should pack a variety of clothes to be prepared for basically… anything.

• a sunhat
• a pair of sunglasses
• a pair of sneakers or comfy loafers (and socks)
• a pair of shirts
• a pair of pants
• a pair of jeans
• (ladies) a few skirts (optional)
• several basic t-shirts
• several medium-warm sweaters
• a warm jacket
• a light scarf
• an umbrella

Winter:

The Winter’s wardrobe relies heavily on the region of China to which you will be traveling to.  So before you pack your suitcase – check in with the region’s climate, to make sure that you pack the appropriate clothes.

Here’s what you should pack to Beijing or Xi’an, as an example:

• a pair of sunglasses
• a pair of warm pants
• a pair of jeans
• a pair of leggings or underpants
• 2-3 long and short sleeve t-shirts
• several warm (wool or cashmere) sweaters
• an insulated, waterproof winter coat
• a warm hat and a scarf
• a pair of gloves
• a pair of warm, waterproof boots
• wool socks
• an umbrella

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