Complete Packing List for Studying in China

Your current smartphone will work in China if it is unlocked. Most modern phones support Chinese networks. Install a VPN before arrival to access blocked services.

Tip: Make sure your phone is carrier-unlocked so you can use a Chinese SIM card.

Essential for coursework, research, and accessing the CSC portal. Most laptops support 100-240V universal voltage, so they will work in China without a voltage converter.

Tip: Check the power adapter label — if it says "100-240V", no voltage converter is needed.

China uses 220V/50Hz electricity. Plug types are A (2-pin flat), C (2-pin round), and I (3-pin angled). Bring a universal travel adapter. Most modern electronics support 100-240V and only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter.

Tip: China voltage: 220V, 50Hz. Plug types: A, C, I. Universal adapters are widely available.

Hotel rooms and dormitories often have limited outlets. A power strip with multiple sockets and USB ports is extremely useful. Make sure it supports 220V.

Tip: Bring one from home or buy locally — they are inexpensive in China.

Many international websites (Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, etc.) are blocked in China. Install and test a reliable VPN on all your devices BEFORE you arrive. Once in China, downloading VPN apps can be difficult.

Tip: Test your VPN before departure. Have backup VPN options ready.

Useful for backing up important documents, storing large files, and transferring data. A 1TB external drive or a 128GB+ USB drive is recommended.

Tip: Keep a backup of all important documents on a USB drive in case of laptop failure.

Noise-canceling headphones are great for studying in shared spaces and for long flights. Bring a spare pair in case you lose one.

Tip: Noise-canceling is worth the investment for dormitory life.

Great for reading textbooks and research papers without carrying heavy books. Kindle or similar devices work well, but note that Kindle store access may be limited in China.

Tip: Download books before arrival. Kindle store access is restricted in China.

A power bank is essential for long days on campus. For air travel, the rated energy must not exceed 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh). Power banks are strictly prohibited in checked luggage and must be carried in your hand luggage.

Tip: ≤100Wh (≈27,000mAh): carry-on only. 100-160Wh: airline approval needed, max 2 pieces. >160Wh: prohibited.

You will need this to swap your home SIM card for a Chinese SIM card upon arrival. A small paperclip works too, but the proper tool is more convenient.

Tip: Keep it in your wallet so you don't lose it.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in China. Bring several photocopies — you will need them for university registration, bank account opening, and police station registration.

Tip: Make both physical copies and digital scans stored in cloud storage.

X1 visa is for long-term study (over 180 days). X2 visa is for short-term study (180 days or less). Apply at the Chinese embassy/consulate in your home country with your admission notice and JW form.

Tip: X1 visa holders must convert to a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival.

The original admission letter sent by your Chinese university. Some universities send both physical and electronic versions — check if the original is required for registration.

Tip: Keep it in your carry-on luggage, not checked baggage.

JW201 is for Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) students. JW202 is for self-funded or university-sponsored students. This form is required for X-visa application.

Tip: JW201 = CSC scholarship. JW202 = self-funded or institutional exchange.

Complete the official Physical Examination Record for Foreigners. Must be filled in English, signed by a doctor, stamped by the hospital, and include all lab reports. Valid for 6 months.

Tip: Download the official PDF from campuschina.org. Do not do the exam too early — it expires in 6 months.

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Bring 8-10 copies of both 1-inch (25mm x 35mm) and 2-inch (35mm x 49mm) photos with white background. You will need them for visa applications, residence permits, student ID, and university registration.

Tip: White background is standard in China. Bring digital versions too.

Bring original diplomas, transcripts, and degree certificates. Some universities require notarized and/or authenticated copies. Verify your university's specific requirements before departure.

Tip: Get documents notarized AND authenticated by your home country's Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassy.

CSC scholarship recipients should bring the Scholarship Approval Letter. This document confirms your funding status and is required for university registration.

Tip: Make copies — you may need them for bank account setup to receive your monthly stipend.

Essential if you are going to northern China (Beijing, Harbin, etc.) where winter temperatures can drop below -10°C. Even southern cities like Shanghai can get cold and damp in winter.

Tip: Northern China winters are extremely cold. A thick down coat is a must.

Thermal base layers are invaluable for winter in northern China. They are lightweight, packable, and provide excellent warmth under regular clothes.

Tip: Bring 2-3 sets. They are also available in China at reasonable prices.

Southern China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai) has rainy seasons and high humidity. A lightweight, packable rain jacket is very useful.

Tip: Umbrellas are cheap and everywhere in China, but a rain jacket is better for cycling.

You will walk a lot on campus and around the city. Bring comfortable, durable shoes. One pair of sneakers and one pair of casual shoes is a good combination.

Tip: Large shoe sizes (EU 45+/US 11+) can be hard to find in China. Bring enough pairs.

You may need formal clothing for university ceremonies, scholarship interviews, graduation events, or formal dinners. A suit or formal dress is recommended.

Tip: Western formal wear is acceptable for all occasions in Chinese universities.

Bring traditional or cultural clothing for international student events, cultural festivals, and presentations. It is a great way to share your culture and make friends.

Tip: Universities often host international cultural festivals where you can wear traditional dress.

Many Chinese universities have swimming pools that are either free or very low-cost for students. If you enjoy swimming, bring a swimsuit.

Tip: Swimming is a popular sport on Chinese campuses. Pools are usually affordable.

Bring enough underwear and socks for at least two weeks. While you can buy these in China, finding your preferred brands and sizes may take time, especially for larger body types.

Tip: Larger sizes can be difficult to find. Bring enough from home.

Comfortable sleepwear for dormitory life. Chinese dormitories typically have shared bathrooms, so a bathrobe can also be useful.

Tip: Bring a bathrobe for shared bathroom facilities.

Summer in China can be very hot and sunny, especially in southern and western regions. UV protection is important.

Tip: Summer temperatures can exceed 35°C in many Chinese cities.

If you take prescription medications, bring enough for your initial period plus extras. You MUST carry the original prescription and a medical diagnosis letter. Prescription drugs are generally limited to a 7-day supply for personal use.

Tip: Original prescription REQUIRED. Keep medicines in original packaging with your name on the label.

Basic over-the-counter pain relief. These are available in China but having familiar brands from home is helpful during your first few weeks.

Tip: Chinese pharmacies carry these but brand names differ. Ask for 布洛芬 (ibuprofen) or 对乙酰氨基酚 (paracetamol).

If you have allergies, bring your preferred antihistamines. Air quality and different pollens in China may trigger allergies you did not have at home.

Tip: Spring in northern China can have high pollen counts. Pollution may also trigger sensitivities.

Stomach adjustments to new food and water are common for international travelers. Loperamide (Imodium) or similar can be very helpful in emergencies.

Tip: Also consider bringing oral rehydration salts. They are lifesavers if you get food poisoning.

Useful for long bus or train journeys within China. High-speed trains are smooth, but buses and taxis in mountainous areas can be challenging.

Tip: Especially useful if you plan to travel to mountainous regions like Guilin or Zhangjiajie.

If you regularly take vitamins, bring a supply. While available in China, specific brands or formulations may be harder to find.

Tip: Chinese pharmacies carry common vitamins but may not have your preferred brands.

Include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, and tweezers. Small injuries happen, and having basics on hand saves time.

Tip: A compact kit fits easily in your luggage and is invaluable in dormitory life.

Bring an extra pair of glasses and a copy of your prescription. Contact lens solution and accessories should also be packed. Eyecare in China is affordable but communication can be challenging.

Tip: Bring a copy of your eye prescription in case you need to order glasses in China.

Pack travel-sized toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant for your first week. You can buy full-sized products at any supermarket in China.

Tip: Toiletries are inexpensive and widely available. No need to pack large bottles.

Bring your preferred brands of personal hygiene items, especially if you have specific needs. While available in China, your exact brand may not be found.

Tip: Some Western personal care brands are available in major cities but at higher prices.

A compact, quick-dry travel towel is useful for the first few days before you can purchase regular towels. Also handy for travel and gym use.

Tip: Regular towels are cheap in China but bulky to pack. Buy them after arrival.

Staying hydrated is important. Chinese universities have hot water dispensers everywhere. A bottle with insulation is ideal for both hot and cold drinks.

Tip: Hot water is available everywhere in China — insulated bottles are very practical.

Rain is common in southern China and during summer months everywhere. A compact, wind-resistant umbrella is a daily essential.

Tip: Umbrellas are cheap in China but quality varies. A sturdy one from home is worth bringing.

For carrying books, laptop, and daily essentials around campus. A comfortable, medium-sized backpack is ideal for student life.

Tip: Pickpocketing is rare on campuses but common in tourist areas. Choose a bag with secure zippers.

A reliable laptop is the most important study tool. Ensure it can handle your coursework requirements — programming, design, data analysis, etc.

Tip: Make sure it supports 100-240V so it works in China without a voltage converter.

Despite digital tools, physical notebooks are still widely used in Chinese classrooms. Bring a few good-quality notebooks and pens.

Tip: Stationery is very affordable in China, but bring your favorites from home.

If your field requires specific reference books, especially in non-STEM fields, bring them. English-language academic books can be expensive or hard to find in China.

Tip: English academic books are available in major cities but often at high prices.

Store digital copies of all important documents (passport, visa, transcripts, photos) on a USB drive. Keep it separate from your laptop.

Tip: Also store copies in cloud storage (OneDrive, Dropbox) accessible in China.

Engineering, science, and business students may need a scientific calculator. Check if your program has specific model requirements.

Tip: Some Chinese exams only allow specific calculator models. Check with your department.

Bring at least one international card for emergencies and online purchases. Note that Visa/Mastercard are not widely accepted for everyday payments in China — mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) dominates.

Tip: Notify your bank before traveling to avoid your card being blocked.

Carry some cash for your first few days. China is largely cashless, but you will need cash before you can set up mobile payments. Entry: carrying over USD 5,000 equivalent in foreign currency requires customs declaration. RMB limit: 20,000 yuan per person.

Tip: Declare at customs if carrying >USD 5,000 equivalent. RMB limit: 20,000 yuan.

To open a Chinese bank account (required for receiving scholarship stipends), you typically need your passport, residence permit, student ID, and Chinese phone number. Some banks may require additional documents.

Tip: Bank of China and ICBC are commonly used by international students.

CSC scholarship students should bring or memorize their home country bank details for the initial stipend transfer, if applicable. Most stipends are deposited to a Chinese bank account after you open one.

Tip: Open a Chinese bank account ASAP after arrival to receive monthly stipends.

A compact wallet or card holder for your student ID, metro card, and campus meal card. Mobile payments mean you rarely need cash, but a wallet is still useful.

Tip: Campus cards are used for meals, library access, and dormitory entry.

Install and test a reliable VPN on your laptop and phone BEFORE arriving in China. Once inside China, downloading VPN apps is difficult. Many international services (Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked.

Tip: Test your VPN before departure. Have at least 2 backup VPN options ready.

WeChat (微信) is the essential app for life in China — messaging, payments, official announcements, and more. Download it before arrival and set up an account if possible.

Tip: WeChat Pay requires identity verification — easier to set up with a Chinese bank account.

Download Google Translate or another translation app with an offline Chinese language pack. Useful for signs, menus, and everyday communication before you learn basic Chinese.

Tip: Google Translate works offline if you download the language pack beforehand.

Google Maps does not work well in China. Baidu Maps and Amap are the dominant navigation apps. Download them before arrival.

Tip: Amap (Gaode) often has better public transit directions than Baidu Maps.

DiDi is China's equivalent of Uber. Essential for getting around, especially when you first arrive and do not know the public transport system.

Tip: You can use DiDi with international credit cards, but Alipay/WeChat Pay integration is smoother.

Mobile payment is king in China. Print or save a guide on how to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay as a foreigner. You will need your passport and a Chinese bank account for full functionality.

Tip: Tourist versions of Alipay (Tour Pass) allow temporary use without a Chinese bank account.

ALL narcotics and psychotropic substances are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. This includes opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and synthetic cannabinoids. Possession can result in severe criminal penalties including imprisonment and deportation.

Tip: China has zero tolerance for drug offenses. Penalties are severe.

All weapons (including firearms, knives, swords), ammunition, explosives, and replica weapons are strictly prohibited. This includes self-defense items like pepper spray and tasers.

Tip: Replica weapons and toy guns are also prohibited.

Items made from endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, certain furs, turtle shells, etc.) are prohibited under CITES and Chinese law. Customs uses X-ray detection and sniffer dogs.

Tip: Even small ivory trinkets or jewelry are illegal.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants are prohibited due to agricultural biosecurity concerns. This includes home garden seeds and fresh produce from your home country.

Tip: Dried fruits and commercially packaged nuts are generally allowed.

All meat (raw or cooked) and animal-derived dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt) are prohibited without official quarantine certificates. This includes homemade and commercially packaged items.

Tip: Commercially canned meat products may be allowed but are subject to inspection.

Entry: You may carry e-cigarette devices (max 2) and pods/cartridges (max 6, total liquid ≤12ml). From Hong Kong/Macau: max 1 device and 3 pods (≤6ml). Selling or distributing e-cigarettes in China is illegal.

Tip: Limits: 2 devices + 6 pods (≤12ml total liquid) for standard entry.

Carrying foreign currency cash exceeding USD 5,000 equivalent upon entry requires written customs declaration. RMB cash limit: 20,000 yuan per person. Failure to declare can result in fines or confiscation.

Tip: Declare at the red channel if carrying >USD 5,000 equivalent or >20,000 RMB.

Medicines containing ephedrine (e.g., pseudoephedrine cold medicines like Sudafed), morphine, codeine, or strychnine are strictly controlled. Carry original prescription and medical diagnosis. Quantity generally limited to 7-day supply.

Tip: Ephedrine, codeine, and morphine-containing medicines require original prescription and diagnosis letter.