Lei Li
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Three hours. That's how long my clients waited at the Forbidden City ticket line because they didn't pre-book. Forget the glossy brochures — if your packing list doesn't include a digital payment setup, comfortable walking shoes, and a charged power bank, your Beijing trip will hit rough patches before you even see a hutong.
I've been guiding tours in Beijing for over six years. I've seen tourists shivering in thin jackets in March, sweating in jeans in July, and struggling to pay because they only brought credit cards. This packing list is built from real mistakes. Let's get it right.
Documents & Money: Don't Leave Home Without These
Must-Have Documents
Passport & Visa — Photocopy both the information page and your Chinese visa. Keep the copy separate from the originals. I also take a photo on my phone (stored offline).
Flight & Hotel Confirmations — Print them out. Immigration officers sometimes ask for hotel bookings. Also, have a digital backup.
Travel Insurance — Not mandatory but strongly recommended. A friend of mine broke his ankle at the Great Wall — the hospital bill without insurance was shocking. Get one that covers medical evacuation.
How to Handle Payments
Here's the catch: cash is still king in many small shops, hutong eateries, and taxis. But large attractions, restaurants in central areas, and hotels accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
My recommendation: bring ¥1,000–¥2,000 in small bills (20 and 50 yuan notes) for street food, local markets, and backup. For card payments, notify your bank before you travel. Some places add a 2-3% surcharge for credit cards — ask first.
Important: most ATMs accept foreign cards (look for Bank of China or ICBC ATMs). But don't rely on it — some smaller ATMs reject foreign cards. Withdraw cash at the airport arrival hall.
Weather-Ready Clothing: Pack for the Season, Not the Instagram
| Season | Temperature Range | What I Recommend | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | 5-20°C | Layers: long-sleeve t-shirt, light fleece, windbreaker. A lightweight scarf for dust. | Only bringing shorts — spring evenings are chilly. |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 25-35°C (humid) | Breathable cotton tees, quick-dry pants, sun hat, UV umbrella. I always carry a towel for sweat. | Jeans — too hot and slow to dry if it rains. |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 10-25°C | Layers again: t-shirt, sweater, light jacket. September is lovely; November gets crisp. | Underestimating the wind — a windproof outer layer is gold. |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | -15 to 5°C | Thermal underwear, fleece, down jacket, wool hat, gloves, scarf. Thermal socks are a must. | Wearing sneakers — your toes will freeze. Choose insulated boots. |
Rain and Dust
Beijing gets occasional sandstorms in spring and sudden summer showers. Pack a compact umbrella (can be used for sun or rain). A foldable rain jacket is better than a bulky poncho. Also, bring a bandana or dust mask if you have dust allergies.
Footwear: Your Most Important Decision
I always tell my clients: you'll walk 15,000 to 25,000 steps per day. The Forbidden City alone is a 4-hour walk with minimal seating. The Great Wall has steep steps and uneven stones. Do not bring new shoes — wear ones you've broken in for at least two weeks.
Best options:
- Supportive walking shoes (e.g., Hoka, New Balance, or Skechers with memory foam) — use these for full-day sightseeing.
- Lightweight sneakers or loafers — for evening walks in hutongs or casual dinners.
- Closed-toe sandals (summer only) with good grip — avoid flip-flops on Beijing's dusty streets.
One horror story: a client wore high-tops with no cushion to the Great Wall. She had blisters by the first hour and missed half the sites. Don't be that person.
Tech & Connectivity: Stay Online, Stay Safe
SIM Card / WiFi
Without internet, you can't use maps, translation apps, or book tickets. Options:
- eSIM (like Airalo) — install before you fly. Works instantly, but data speeds can be slower.
- Physical SIM — buy at the airport (China Telecom/Unicom stores). They ask for your passport. Usually ¥100 for 15 days with 20GB.
- Pocket WiFi — rent online and pick up at airport (e.g., Klook). Charge it fully every night.
VPN — If you need access to Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Facebook, install a reliable VPN before arriving. My groups use ExpressVPN or Astrill. Do it at home — trying to set it up inside China is frustrating.
Power Bank
Must-have. Phone batteries drain fast with constant navigation and photos. Get a 20,000mAh+ power bank. Some cafes and attractions have public charging stations, but they're often occupied.
Adapters
China uses 220V with two-flat-pin sockets (same as Australia/New Zealand). If your plug is different, bring a universal adapter. Most hotels have USB ports, but a backup adapter helps.
Health & Hygiene Staples
Public restrooms in Beijing are generally clean at tourist sites, but some hutongs and older stations lack toilet paper. Always carry a small pack of tissues and hand sanitizer. I also keep a few wet wipes — great for greasy fingers after street food.
- Medications: Paracetamol, ibuprofen, motion sickness pills (for long bus rides), diarrhea medicine (change in diet can upset stomach). Most drugs are available at pharmacies, but reading Chinese labels is hard.
- First aid kit: Plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister pads (life-saver after the Great Wall).
- Sunscreen: SPF50+ even in winter. The sun at high altitude (Great Wall) burns quickly.
- Insect repellent: Summer evenings near water or parks can have mosquitoes. DEET-based works.
Personal Care
Hotel toiletries are often basic (shampoo, soap) but bring your own toothbrush, toothpaste, and lotion. If you have sensitive skin, pack your own products. Also, bring a small bar of laundry soap if you plan to hand-wash clothes.
My insider tip: Skip the fancy travel pillow. Instead, bring a foldable shopping bag — useful for impromptu market finds and as a small cushion on stone steps.
Bonus Tips from My Tours
For the Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling)
- Wear layers even in summer — the wall is breezy and some tower interiors are cool.
- Pack snacks and water — prices on the wall are 3x higher.
- Bring a small backpack, not a shoulder bag. You need hands free for stability.
For Temple of Heaven / Summer Palace
These parks have lots of walking paths. A foldable hat or sun umbrella is smart. Also, local seniors practice tai chi there mornings — don't disturb them, but feel free to watch quietly.
Digital Wallet Setup
If you can get Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to your foreign card before the trip, life becomes easier. But be warned: setup can take days, and some functions are only available with a Chinese bank card. As a foreigner, cash + card combo is most reliable.
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