There are so many wonderful things about Beijing; from the historic sites to the parks and restaurants, all amazing. Beijing is one of the most beautiful capitol cities. However be aware – there are several things you need to know before you go…. this packing list for Beijing will save you.
Personal VPN
Download a personal VPN like NordVPN prior to entering the country. This is no joke – the moment you enter China airspace you will notice that many of your regular apps will not work. Definitely not Google, or Netflix. You may also wish to look into a proxy masker, too. Have local copies of any important documents, and download locally some movies and/or books. You may even want to download WeChat and a translation app.
Power Adapter
China has no universal standard plug – the most common is the two flat prongs, but often you will see EU and UK type plugs with round or angled prongs. Depending upon where you will be, better to be prepared with a universal power adapter like this one. A big plus to this version are all the extra USB ports which are useful for all of your devices in the event plugs are scarce in the hotel room.
Female Urination Device
Ok, have you heard about the toilet situation? Yeah, its true. It’s actually worse than what you’ve heard. You squat over a hole in the ground. And they are often dirty and gross. If we were out camping, this would be one thing, but these squat toilets are everywhere – even in the cities. And if you are in China for business, try doing the squat in a suit. Or worse, a skirt. Not fun. In hotels and office buildings, there is often an option for a western style toilet, but there could be a long line. Other buildings like universities, tourist attractions, and rest stops may not even offer an option. Be prepared with the female urination device.
Travel Toilet Paper
While we are on the subject of toilets, you should be prepared for restrooms which may not be maintained and which don’t have any toilet paper. This is not just a possibility, more like a probability. It happened to me more than a few times. You’ll be really glad you packed a travel size roll of toilet paper. Don’t forget to throw in your hand sanitizer.
Travel First Aid Kit
Moreso in China than in other countries, you will definitely want to travel with your own first aid pack. First and foremost, bring along something to settle an upset stomach, such as Imodium or pepto bismol tablets. You’ll be eating a lot of things you don’t normally eat. On one of my trips there my colleagues weren’t even sure they could translate some of the food they ordered. You’ll be glad to have this so you don’t waste any of your trip sick in bed. You’ll also want the standard stuff you take to any country, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, cold medicine, band-aids, etc.
Face Mask with Filter
You want to have one on hand when traveling in China. You may have heard that the Beijing marathon was so polluted that runners were not allowed to compete without using face masks, and the pollution has only gotten worse since. It is a regular occurrence that the pollution index reaches 100 times the allowable average (250 ppm instead of 25 ppm). Better to have this with you just in case the smog is unreasonable.
Packing Cubes
If you’ve seen my posts, you know I am a believer in packing cubes. After using them on the Inca Trail and being able to fit all of my gear in one small backpack for the full five days on the trail, I am a convert. I particularly like these slim Packing cubes, which are great for backpacks and carry-ons. These should definitely be on your packing list for Beijing.
Clothes
Of course clothes are on your packing list for Beijing. here’s what to keep in mind.
Read about how to pack for winter travel!
Beijing is a modern, western city and tends to be more fashionable than many more rural places within China. However it is a good idea to maintain a somewhat more modest attire. Even if you are in China in the summer (it can get very hot), leave your revealing clothes back home. You’ll feel especially out of place if you venture out to the countryside. And, China is a country of weather extremes. Expect very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Depending upon the season, you will want to remember a hat and scarf, or a sun hat and sunglasses.
