China packing tips

Parent Cafe
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<p>We’re leaving in 6 days for China and will be gone for two weeks. I would love to hear any tips on packing light and must have items. I’m not an inexperienced traveler (spending way too much time on the travel forums lately too) but this trip seems to be different than others we have taken.</p>

<p>For one thing we’re traveling around quite a bit and going from the Southern area where the temps can be as low as 59 or as high as 85 degrees. When we go to Beijing, temps should be in the low 70’s and can go down to 39 degrees. I am usually cold but have recently started having hot flashes which makes getting dressed interesting on a normal day. :slight_smile: Layers and some fleece?</p>

<p>Another is our activities - lots of walking, bike riding and in one area maybe canoe or small boat ride. None of the places we will visit are really rural but I understand the bathrooms might be a bit primative. (Yes, taking tissues and hand sanitizer).</p>

<p>Shoes - I don’t wear heels anyway so wouldn’t take them but while sneakers would be the most practical, they’re a little too casual. I’m planning to wear just a few colors - black, white, red and pink and perhaps not taking my jeans. Sandals would be great if it was just a little warmer, I have several pairs of good walking sandals. At work I wear clogs and slip on Clarks, just not sure if either would work for 8 hour walking days. Suggestions for not too very expensive shoes that I wear for everything?</p>

<p>Son is 14 and lives in t-shirts, jeans and hoodies, none of which are the recommended travel clothes. I’m thinking of getting him some zip off pants at Kohls but realize that a fun alternative to packing much would be to just buy t-shirts as we go. He’s smallish too, which seems to be an advantage for China clothes shopping.</p>

<p>Any other must have items?</p>

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<p>Bullets aunt (she was a travel agent) gave us the best piece of advice, put everything you intend to take on the bed and the money too. Now remove half of the clothes and items (shampoo, etc) and double the money. :D</p>

<p>Seriously reduce the amount of shoes. Bullet and I took our kids to Italy 2 years ago for the winter Olympics, and we went to Rome and Venice. Rome was 80 and Turin was 30 degrees, so I know about weather change. I took one pair of heels, and my clarks. I walked all day in them. I actually also brought them on board and changed into them, knowing my feet would swell. </p>

<p>Part of Bullet’s aunts statement is true, if you need something you can always buy it. Bullet packs for the what if scenarios, I on the other hand have gotten very proficient in making sure all of my outfits are interchangeable.</p>

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<p>I spent three weeks in China 4 years ago, my drawstring linen pants were my lifesaver. I could wash them by hand and they’d be dry in the morning, and they’re lightweight enough for packing. I brought 2 pairs of sneakers, lightweight jogging/walking (like New Balance) and a pair of black keds, which I wore for dressing “up”. I took 2 t-shirt style “slinky” shirts and one pair of “slinky” pants (black). Jeans took up too much room in my bag, and if you’re flying within China (going from one location to another) your entire allotment can only weigh 50 pounds. Not a lot. </p>

<p>Also, sunscreen. And I wore a hat every day. </p>

<p>Have fun!!! I loved China, and would go in a minute if I could.</p>

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<p>You are correct about the need to be small to buy clothes off the rack.LOL My husband and I had a 24 hour layover in Hong Kong and left the airport to do some sightseeing. It was very humid and we took a trip on a rather dirty bus, so I wanted to get a clean shirt for the long flight home. Though I am not a large woman ( a size 8 to10 or medium) I could not wear even the largest shirts I found. It was a little depressing…
I hope you have a great trip. I have found Birkenstocks to be extremely comfortable for long days, as well as Dansko clogs. Chico’s has great travel clothes as they pack very well and are versatile.</p>

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<p>I love my clarks, they are comfortable and more stylish than the bierkenstocks. </p>

<p>Just, that is not so unusual, we were allowed 75 pounds per person to Italy, but other countries allow only 50.</p>

<p>It made me also laugh because as we were checking in at RDU, there was a women retuning to a South American country. Her bag was so overpacked, they had it duct taped. As she had it weighed it weighed @80 punds over and the airline was going to charge her @1000 to allow it. She immediately started digging out stuff, and handing it to the people she came with. What was funny is you can see that instead of taking a pr of shoes out she just grabbed, so single shoes were coming out. She eventually got it down to the point she only pd 350, but I am sure when she arrived at her destination the only shoes she would be wearing for awhile were the ones that were already on her feet. It really was comical to see things just being tossed on the ground, and the counter agent was getting so frustrated, because they made her re-weigh after only 2 or 3 items came out, each and everytime. Now lets be real, I don’t think a pair of shoes and jeans weigh that much. It was also a little disturbing to see her underwear on the ground :(</p>

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<p>I went to China last year in March. It was cold in Beijing all the time, including the day we visited the Forbidden City, and esp. on the Wall where they still had snow and 35 mile an hour winds on a 35 degree day. You might consider adding a good coat and gloves to your burdens (if you go to the FC first, look for the vendors selling ‘Russian’ hats. Nice ‘n’ warm ‘n’ cheap). Good quality walking shoes are your friends, and don’t worry about being too casual…I found the formality to be on a level with Florida…which is to say not much (your tour may be more elegant than ours was but feet come first!). Bring or buy a big enough scarf to cover your head and mouth/nose if you are all susceptible to bad air quality because the sky in China tends to be white/gray from pollution. The only good air we had was on the Wall…did I mention 35 mile an hour winds right out of Mongolia? </p>

<p>If there’s a Target near you, they frequently sell Charmin in small rolls that will go in a handbag or backback. More comfortable to use than tissues. Those little Wet-Naps in the foil packets are handy as well if you want to wipe off dirt. I would also carry small change with me everywhere…the vendors are very tenacious and it’s difficult to say no 47x. I also bought some small toys, little pigs that oinked from Bed, Bath and Beyond for about $1 ea. When I ran across little children, I’d give them one. When I’d show them how to make it oink, their eyes grew huge. Great ice-breaker with parents too as last year was the Year of the Pig. </p>

<p>If you want to buy clothing, look for men’s sizes in pjs, shirts, etc. Buy the bigger men’s sizes for fit. </p>

<p>If you are sweet, you will meet sweetness. My mother and I were in one store where an American (from our tour unfortunately) was very demanding and demeaning to the owner. After she left, so pleased with herself for beating him down on prices, we apologized for her bad behavior, were scrupulously polite, with lots of smiles and praise for the goods. The owner not only brought out higher quality merchandise for us, he gave us a much better price. I can only assume he knew she’d ask us what we paid…which she did. (G) </p>

<p>If you can pick up two or three phrases in Chinese, it’s a big help. Everytime I said anything beyond ‘ne hao’ (hello), the person would instantly assume I must work in China. Probably they were just being flattering, but it’s funny. </p>

<p>The most fun was going to a pharmacy – Mother had picked up a little cold. Communicating in sign language, the white-clad pharmacy ladies (there were about 15 sales ladies standing around discussing what Mom meant when she sniffled) gave her some tea bags to brew up. I don’t know what was in it, but it cleared up the problem in two days. </p>

<p>I envy you. I’d go to China again in a heartbeat. Oh, about luggage loads, be advised that if you are flying internally, the weight limit is different on a Chinese airline than on an international airplane. Chinese airlines however are like flying was in the '70’s here…food, attentive service and smoking.</p>

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<p>One last thing…if you are stopping over in Tokyo, the Narita airport has tons of shops with anime and electronics. Since you’ve got a 14 yr old boy with you, this may be Mecca for him.</p>

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<p>Great tips! regarding the last post, Son would LOVE to go to Japan for the electronics, but we’re visiting his sister in China because that’s where she is. No layover. :frowning: </p>

<p>I’ve been working on my Chinese and have mastered a few phrases, but I’m a bit worried about the tone thing and will probably insult someone when I mean to say something nice. Such a hard language!</p>

<p>No tour for us! Besides visiting our daughter I’ve arranged (with her help) flights, train rides and accomodations. We’re staying in small bed and breakfasts and even a hostel that (according to reviews) have friendly helpful owners.</p>

<p>I guess I’ll look over my shoes and see which ones will work for all purpose. My problem is that all of my Clarks are clogs or loafers - not alot of support, but perhaps that’s okay for everything except the Great Wall, and I could stick in a pair of sneakers for that.</p>

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<p>I tried out my Chinese on some students at my Ds college when they had an international day. They assured me that they take words in context, even if the tones are not quite right. You’ll be appreciated for whatever speech you can manage, and with Chinese around you, the tones will improve. </p>

<p>If going to HK, you’ll find great electronics there as well, though there is something amazing about the scope of the Japanese electronics world. </p>

<p>Noveliso, great story about the way a gentle, kind approach opens doors.</p>

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<p>kathiep–please post stories on your return so we can vicariously enjoy a trip to China too!</p>

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<p>DS and DW did two weeks in Central China and Tibet, two years ago in mid-May. </p>

<p>Spring clothing, zip pants, 3 changes of clothing, one great set of shoes and a light pair. No TP needed. First Day at hotel you can find a store for personal stuff. One Overnighter plus backpack each plus a spare collapsable overnighter. DS stayed another 6 weeks with CMU roommates wandering northern China. </p>

<p>Be prepared to discover that metropolitan China is very modern.
India metros areas are modern also but S finds that it is about 20 years behind China.</p>

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<p>One of the funny things my daughter has said about personal body products in China is that many of the lotions and cleansers have a bleaching agent in them. I’m not a fussy or dress-up kind of person, but I can’t imagine diong without my estee lauder moisturizer. Everything else sounds good!</p>

<p>mommusic - I’ll be happy to post my trip when I get back. You can guess I’m going to be keeping a travel diary. :)</p>

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<p>Anything hand washable, fairly lightweight, and easy to dry - Chinese dryers aren’t very efficient. For this reason, jeans aren’t too practical (other than for wearing on the plane) - for your son, zip-pants are a good idea. For everyone, a hoody (for your S) or fleece top, a rain jacket and umbrella. For shoes, definitely sneakers for touring (the Great Wall can be quite treacherous in spots) and sports, and another pair (like your Clarks) for around town. An assortment of tops, and maybe some dark slacks for you if you want to dress up for dinner (although China is very informal, especially for tourists).</p>

<p>One thing I should mention is that there are 2 kinds of bathrooms in China - some Western, some not. The latter are what are affectionately referred to as “squatters” - well, you get the idea. For those of us not used to using our leg muscles, going to the bathroom can be a challenge. So you should consider your pants wardrobe accordingly - I was grateful to be there in the summer, when my bermuda shorts were not only comfortable, but short and lightweight enough to manage when I had to use the facilities. A small roll of toilet paper and some hand sanitizer are essential, as is a package of hand wipes.</p>

<p>Another item that we found useful is a set of 2 walkie-talkies, especially if there are 4 of you touring. Our kids did the Great Wall like a race - me and H, not so much. As a result, we got separated early and I became worried when the kids did not reappear at the tour bus at the appointed time. We had accidentially left the walkie-talkies on the bus (duh), but I would have given anything to be able to ask them why they were late. Turned out that on their way down, they had gotten stuck behind a slow-moving crowd (picking their way carefully down the steps) and decided it would not be seemly to push them aside.</p>

<p>Have a great time!</p>

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<p>I just discovered that REI sells fantastic underwear - it dries in seconds. So 2 pairs of underpants should do for the entire trip! :slight_smile: If you have an REI nearby, check their clothing, too - very comfy and even stylish.</p>

<p>D traveled to China a couple of years ago with a school athletic group. They were told to avoid drinking tap water at any costs. Casual clothes were fine. They were not allowed to wear really short shorts and spaghetti straps to avoid attracting gawkers.</p>

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<p>Just remember to pack any prescriptions and any OTC medicines you <em>may</em> need. I have been in countries where Dramamine (or its equiv) are prescription only, or buying something akin to sudafed was a challenge, trying to figure out if its the same stuff you get here. As long as you have your passport, your meds, and a change of clothes, that’s the minimum you need! (That said, I VERY RARELY pack light). Also, bring an empty duffle bag for the trip home.</p>

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<p>Wrinkles don’t matter in many Asian countries. It’s the sun-spots and freckles that made a person look ‘old’. Therefore whitening and balancing the skin tone is of paramount importance. Regrettably, many of their skin products contain ingredients that have been outlawed in the Western Nations. And some products that are produced by corporations have different formulas depending on where they are sold. Be careful what you buy. It may look the same in packaging but be very different inside.</p>

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<p>LOL – I read the thread title and thought you were looking for tips on how to pack up your china, as in dishes! Having owned/run a place similar to the current UPS Stores, I would have been able to help. (Never been to China, though.)</p>

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<p>Hi, hope you have a great trip. Wish you could take me along in your suitcase.</p>

<p>When we went in Oct/Nov, my clothes were black and white color coordinated. I took 3 pairs of pants – jeans, black jeans, and nice pair for dinner (which I only wore 2-3X). I also took 2 light sweaters, 2 heavier sweaters, 2 long sleeve blouses, and two short sleeve shirts. I took some long and short-sleeved black tees for layering. I wore my one heavier jacket while traveling and packed a small rain jacket and a light weight jean jacket. I also had a pair of the stretchie gloves and a scarf for the cold.
I packed 3 pairs of shoes: sneakers which I wore most of the time, black walking shoes, and pair of dressy but kinda casual black heels. Casual – meaning jeans and sneakers – was fine. I took 6 pairs underwear which dry instantaneously. Also took several pair Smartwool socks since you can wear them 2-3X; I tried to wash them out when in same hotel for a few nights. Neighbor suggested instead of bringing detergent to use shampoo for washing clothes. I also brought a a few deflatable hangers for hanging wet stuff. Neighbor suggested a small pen like flashlight which did come in handy.</p>

<p>Be sure to take plenty of toilet paper/kleenex. I had two terrible colds and was thankful for the kleenex. I brought along several antibiotics, Pepto Bismol, Tums, Claritin D, Sudafed, Advil, and lozenges/cough drops. The pollution really got to me and I felt it most in my throat. Also remember to pack anti-bacterial wipes or Purell since most public bathrooms do not have soap. Make sure to have your own sunscreen, toothpaste and skin creams/lotions (although my son buys stuff there --not for me).</p>

<p>Above all, enjoy enjoy enjoy.</p>

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<p>We do business in China and my brother lives there. There are only a few things I’d add – I’d ask your doctor for a prescription for Cipro (antibiotic) and one for phenergan (anti-nausea). Fill them and take them with you (ask doc what dose for different members of your party). Take some immodium, too. Many people get sick sometime the first week, if you are prepared with those meds, you can patch yourself up enough to keep going - and with such a short trip, you don’t want to miss a day even.</p>

<p>Also, many women I know find that skirts are much easier to manage in the squatty-potties. They are easier to keep out of the muck :stuck_out_tongue: Broomstick or crinkle skirts are wonderful.</p>

<p>Also be aware that tourist China is quite different than being entertained by the Chinese. If your daughter has made friends that may want to have you to their homes or take you out to eat, there is a precise etiquette.</p>

<p>It is a very great honor to be asked to someone’s home. Remove your shoes at the door and be on your best behavior :slight_smile: Of course, after you’ve used a squatty-potty, you’ll understand why no one wants shoes inside :slight_smile: It is much more common to be treated to a restaurant dinner.</p>

<p>First, a formal dinner is almost certain to be held in a private room, which actually adds a little ease to the situation - it becomes a private party -much like in someone’s home. Dinner is served at a huge round table with a giant lazy susan in the middle. Cold dishes and salads are placed on the table first. Here’s a trap: if you are deemed by the host to be the most honored person at the table, each dish will be turned in front of you as it arrives. No one will take anything from the table until you have taken some of that dish. If you don’t realize this, all will patiently starve :-)</p>

<p>In the areas of China we travelled in, nearly all formal dinners included shark fin soup. This is tricky to eat. Typically, you add a little vinegar from the bowl on the lazy susan and a few pieces of coriander leaves. It tastes like a wonderfully strong chicken noodle soup (heresy to my chinese friends :-). The “noodles” are the shark fin and are looked upon as a great delicacy. It helps to lift them onto your soup spoon using your chopsticks. Sometimes it is served over a candle fire, when you have eaten half of it, you should extinguish the candle if the waiter has not already done so, or it will be too hot to eat. This is one of the few things folks do seem to watch to see that you eat all of it - of course, since they may have paid $50-100 a bowl, I can see why. Two other extremely expensive delicacies you may be served are abalone (kind of like oyster, but milder), and bird’s nest soup (Nothing like it sounds! Very sweet and tastes like coconut). </p>

<p>Besides knowing these things, I found Chinese formal dinners to be more enjoyable and relaxed than American formal dinners. Taking portions from the common bowls, and therefore eating more of what you enjoy (do take very small portions to begin - there may be a <em>lot</em> of courses coming); the nearly universal kindness and friendliness we experienced, make it a great experience!</p>

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<p>Will you be in Hong Kong at all?</p>

<p>Spent 2 weeks there last summer visiting my son, I’d love to go back, but only if I can fly first class again (redeemed years worth of points for that but worth every one). Besides the oppressive humidity, was struck by how inexpensive most things were…maybe $40 US for good dinner for two, taxi anywhere for under $5, ferry across the harbor 70 cents. Everything pretty cheap. Hope you’ll find similar.</p>

<p>I have Clarks and love them but Merrells are my favorite. Maybe it’s just my feet but they’re the only shoes I can put on, brand new, and walk forever without a break-in period.</p>

<p>I was also surprised at how many Hong Kong-ers do not speak English outside Central district. At local restaurants you’d be lucky if one employee knew the language, but at many, no one, and the menus weren’t bilingual, so we skipped many of them. Even taxi drivers knew the bare minimum.</p>