Dear international students, are you ready to embark on an exciting study journey in China? As you face this brand-new environment, do you ever worry about forgetting something important while packing your luggage?

Today, we’ve prepared a detailed packing checklist for studying in China, hoping it will help you start your journey here smoothly.

Essential Documents

I know that my passport and admission letter are a must to bring!

You may also bring some 1-inch and 2-inch ID photos as backups for unexpected needs!

Tips：If your student visa is an X1 visa, please remember to apply for a residence permit within 30 days after entering China.

Please remember to check the admission guide provided by the university to confirm whether you need to bring any additional documents or materials. Keep these documents together with your passport and admission letter, and make sure to carry them with you instead of placing them in checked luggage.

It is also recommended to make photocopies or electronic backups of these important documents, so that you can quickly provide the required proof whenever needed.

When preparing your documents, you can also carry a small amount of RMB cash and one international credit card with you.

 Study & Life

Shopping in China is simple and convenient. Whether it’s a supermarket or convenience store on campus, or shopping malls outside, you can easily find everything you need for daily life.

You only need to bring a small number of daily and study supplies to help you get through the “adjustment period” when you first arrive in a new environment.

 Clothing

China is vast, with significant climate differences across regions, so you can prepare your clothing according to the climate of the city where your university is located.

In September, China is in autumn, and most areas have mild weather. We recommend that, besides your undergarments, you bring only a few T-shirts and light jackets for easy changing and washing. If your luggage has enough space, you may also bring 1–2 warmer coats (such as a down jacket or trench coat) to prepare for the coming winter.

If space allows, we also suggest bringing one formal outfit and one set of traditional clothing from your home country, which will be useful for occasions such as academic presentations or cultural exchange events.

In addition to preparing two pairs of comfortable walking shoes, you may also bring one pair of formal leather shoes for large-scale campus activities after the semester begins.

Toiletries

You only need to bring a small amount of toiletries, as you can easily purchase them after registration at nearby stores around the university or through online shopping platforms.

Bedding

Before preparing your bedding, please first confirm the bed size in your dormitory or rented apartment, and check with the school or landlord whether bedding is provided. If not, you can either bring your own or purchase it on campus or at nearby stores.

Study Supplies

Just prepare a few notebooks and pens; other items can be purchased after arriving at the university.

 Gadgets & Electronics

Before packing your electronic devices, please note that the standard voltage in China is 220V, and the power sockets may be different from those in your country. It’s a good idea to prepare a power adapter in advance. The standard socket is shown in the picture below.

Mobile Phone

As an essential tool for travel in the digital age, your mobile phone can be prepared in advance by downloading some apps that you may find useful in China.

Payment Apps: WeChat, Alipay, UnionPay, and others.

In China, mobile payment is extremely popular. You can conveniently use your phone to make payments in everyday situations such as supermarkets, restaurants, convenience stores, and public transportation.

Map Apps: Amap and other similar apps.

The Amap (Gaode Map) app offers maps in up to 14 languages, providing accurate coverage of locations across China. It also marks key places such as universities, airports, train stations, restaurants, and hotels, helping you quickly get familiar with your surroundings.

Ride-hailing Apps: DiDi, CaoCao, and other similar apps.

Ride-hailing apps are widely used in China, offering you a variety of vehicle types and price options almost anywhere you go.

Laptop

During university, writing papers and doing research will rely heavily on a computer. If you plan to bring a laptop, don’t forget to pack the charger. You can also choose to purchase a laptop after arriving in China.

Power Bank

According to the regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), passengers are not allowed to bring power banks on domestic flights if they do not have the 3C certification mark, have unclear or fake 3C marks, or belong to recalled models or batches. If you plan to bring a power bank when entering China, please make sure to follow this regulation.

The 3C mark is the symbol of China’s Compulsory Certification system. “3C” stands for “China,” “Compulsory,” and “Certification.”

Other Electronic Devices

You may bring items such as a keyboard, camera, or tablet according to your needs. However, please note that all portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries must be carried in your hand luggage when boarding.

Essential Medicines

In China, it is very convenient to seek medical treatment and purchase medicine. You only need to bring a small amount of personal over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for your own use, which will be checked by customs upon entry.

If you need to bring prescription medicine due to your medical history, please also carry the doctor’s prescription along with a list of the medications.

Before preparing these medicines, you need to review China’s drug control policies to ensure that the medicines can be brought into the country without issues. Please check using the link below.

According to the relevant regulations of the Chinese government, it is strictly prohibited to bring into China items such as opium, morphine, heroin, marijuana, and other addictive narcotics or psychotropic substances; as well as all kinds of weapons, imitation weapons, controlled knives, ammunition, and explosives. For detailed information, please refer to the Catalogue of Prohibited Imports and Exports of the People’s Republic of China and the Catalogue of Restricted Imports and Exports of the People’s Republic of China (Order No. 43 of the General Administration of Customs).

http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/302266/302267/356445/index.html

Dear international students, we hope this checklist helps ease your “travel anxiety” and better prepare you for life in China!

Source： Study at SJTU