You got accepted. Your visa is coming through. Now comes the part that keeps everyone up at night: what do I actually pack?
The internet is full of generic packing lists. This one is different. It is specifically for international students heading to Chinese universities on CSC or other scholarships, and it is based on what students who already went through this process wish they had known.
The short version: bring less than you think, bring the right documents, and leave room in your suitcase for the things you will buy once you land.
Documents (the most important section)
Lose your clothes and you buy new ones. Lose these documents and you are in serious trouble. Pack originals in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage, and keep digital copies in your email and cloud storage.
Must bring (originals):
- Passport (valid for at least 12 months beyond your program start date)
- X1 or X2 student visa (already stamped in your passport)
- Admission letter / JW201 or JW202 form
- CSC scholarship certificate
- Physical examination record (Foreigner Physical Examination Form, stamped and signed)
- Passport-size photos (bring at least 10 to 15; white background, 33mm x 48mm is the standard in China)
- Highest degree certificates and transcripts (originals plus notarized copies)
- Language proficiency certificates (IELTS, HSK, or MOI letter)
Also bring (copies are fine):
- Acceptance letter or pre-admission letter from your supervisor
- Recommendation letters (originals if you have them)
- Your study plan or research proposal (the version you submitted)
- Travel insurance documents (if applicable until the university insurance activates)
- Bank statements or proof of funds (just in case, even though CSC covers your expenses)
Digital backup: Email yourself scanned copies of every document above. Also save them on a USB drive and in a cloud service like Google Drive. You will need these scans for various registrations during your first weeks.
If you are still sorting out documents, our guides on medical examination requirements and how to get acceptance letters cover the details.
Clothing
Chinese cities vary wildly in climate. What you pack depends entirely on where you are going. Read our weather guide by city once it is up, but here are the general rules.
The core wardrobe:
- 5 to 7 T-shirts or casual tops
- 2 to 3 pairs of jeans or trousers
- 1 warm jacket or winter coat (if heading to northern China: Beijing, Harbin, Shenyang, Dalian)
- 1 light waterproof jacket (monsoon season is real in southern and central China)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you will walk a lot on campus)
- Sandals or flip-flops (for dorm showers and warm weather)
- Underwear and socks for at least 10 days (laundry cycles in dorms take time)
- 1 formal outfit for university ceremonies or official events
- Sleepwear
Do NOT overpack clothing. China has Taobao, Pinduoduo, and countless street markets where you can buy affordable clothes after arrival. If you wear international sizes (XXL and above), bring what you need since larger sizes are harder to find locally.
Shoes warning: If your foot size is above EU 45 (US 12), bring enough pairs from home. Chinese shoe stores rarely stock above that size.
Electronics
Bring:
- Laptop (your most important tool for research, assignments, and staying connected)
- Phone (unlocked, so it works with a Chinese SIM card)
- Universal power adapter (Chinese outlets use Type A, C, and I plugs; a universal adapter covers all of them)
- Power strip with 2 to 3 outlets (dorm rooms often have limited wall sockets)
- USB drives (at least 2; one for document backups, one for general use)
- Chargers and cables for all devices (including a spare phone charger cable)
- Earphones or headphones.
- External hard drive (optional, but useful if your research involves large files)
Don’t bring:
- Hair dryers or high-wattage appliances (many dorms ban them due to fire regulations; buy a low-wattage one locally if needed)
- Desktop computers (too heavy and fragile for international shipping)
Before you fly: Install a VPN on all your devices. You cannot download VPN apps once you are inside China because VPN websites are blocked. See our VPN setup guide for step-by-step instructions.
Toiletries and Personal Care
Pack enough for the first week. After that, you can buy everything locally at supermarkets, Watsons, or on Taobao.
Bring a small supply of:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant (this one is important: most Chinese stores do not carry Western-style deodorant sticks, especially antiperspirant. Bring a 2 to 3 month supply and then order refills on Taobao or have family ship them)
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel size for the first few days)
- Contact lenses and solution (if applicable; your brand may not be available locally)
- Prescription medications with a doctor’s letter (see the medications section below)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ is easy to find in China too, but bring one tube to start)
Don’t bother bringing:
- Large bottles of anything (you will find it in China)
- Razors (widely available and cheap)
- Makeup and skincare (China has a massive skincare market; anything you need is available)
Medications
This is a section people underestimate.
Bring:
- A 3 to 6 month supply of any prescription medication you take regularly
- A letter from your doctor (in English) listing your medications, dosages, and the medical reason
- Common cold medicine, pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), and allergy medication from brands you trust
- Any specific over-the-counter medication that works for you (some Western brands are not available or significantly more expensive)
Why this matters: Chinese pharmacies carry excellent medications, but the packaging is entirely in Chinese and the active ingredients may differ from what you are used to. Having your own supply while you figure out the local pharmacy system is a smart buffer.
Know the import rules: China has strict rules about bringing medications. General rule: personal use quantities (under 3 months supply) of most medications are fine. Controlled substances (anything containing codeine, opioids, certain stimulants) require special documentation. If you take controlled medications, contact the Chinese embassy in your country before packing them.
Money and Financial Preparation
You do not need to bring huge amounts of cash. But you also cannot arrive with nothing.
Bring:
- USD 200 to 500 in cash (or equivalent in your local currency to exchange at the airport)
- An international debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard for the first few days before your Chinese bank account is set up)
- Notify your home bank that you will be using your card in China to avoid blocks
Know this: Cash and international cards are limited in usefulness in China. Almost everything runs through WeChat Pay and Alipay. You will need a Chinese bank account and a Chinese phone number to activate these. Our guide on opening a Chinese bank account walks you through it, and the WeChat Pay and Alipay guide explains mobile payments.
Food and Snacks from Home
This is personal, but a lot of students appreciate it during their first weeks.
- Spices and seasonings you cannot live without (especially if you are from South Asia, West Africa, or the Middle East; Chinese supermarkets carry some international spices but selection is limited)
- Instant noodles or snacks from your home country (comfort food matters when you are adjusting)
- A small water bottle or thermos (Chinese people drink a lot of hot water; a good thermos fits right in)
Our Chinese food guide covers what to expect at campus canteens and how to find food that matches your dietary needs.
What to Leave Behind
Don’t bring:
- Too many clothes (seriously, bring half of what you think you need)
- Textbooks (libraries and digital resources cover most things; heavy books eat your luggage space)
- Kitchen equipment (dorm kitchens are rare; if you end up somewhere with a kitchen, buy pots and pans on Taobao for less than what shipping them internationally would cost)
- Excessive amounts of home-country food (customs may confiscate fresh food, meat products, and some spices)
- Anything you would not want to lose (expensive jewelry, irreplaceable items)
- Bedding (buy it on arrival; many universities sell bedding packs during orientation week; see our dormitory life guide for details)
Luggage Tips
Most international flights to China allow:
- 2 checked bags at 23 kg each (verify with your airline; some allow 1 bag on budget fares)
- 1 carry-on bag (usually 7-10 kg)
- 1 personal item (backpack or small bag)
Pack strategically:
- Put documents and electronics in your carry-on. If your checked luggage is lost or delayed, these are the things you cannot replace quickly.
- Leave 20 to 30% of your suitcase space empty. You will buy things after you arrive, and you want room for souvenirs when you eventually visit home.
- Vacuum seal bags help compress bulky items like winter coats and blankets. You can fit significantly more into the same suitcase.
The First 24 Hours: What You Need Immediately
Pack a separate small bag (inside your carry-on or as your personal item) with everything you need for the first 24 hours in case your checked luggage is delayed:
- Passport and documents
- Phone, charger, and power adapter
- Cash (CNY or USD)
- One change of clothes
- Basic toiletries (travel size)
- Any medication you take daily
- A snack and water bottle
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before you leave for the airport:
- All documents in carry-on (originals plus copies)
- VPN installed and tested on all devices (see our VPN setup guide)
- Home bank notified about international travel
- Emergency contact numbers saved offline on your phone
- University international office contact details saved
- Airport pickup confirmation from university (if provided)
- WeChat installed and set up (your main communication tool in China; if possible, have a friend already in China help you verify your account)
- Travel insurance active until university insurance kicks in
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FAQs
Q: Can I ship extra luggage to China separately? A: Yes. International shipping services like DHL and FedEx work, but they are expensive (expect $100 to $300+ per box depending on weight and origin). A cheaper option is to ask family to ship a box via sea freight (takes 1 to 3 months but costs significantly less). Some students also use services like SendMyBag.
Q: Should I bring gifts for my supervisor or roommates? A: A small token from your home country is a thoughtful gesture but not expected. Something lightweight and culturally representative works well. Nothing expensive and nothing that could be misinterpreted as a bribe in an academic context.
Q: I wear hijab. Should I bring extra or buy in China? A: Bring enough from home to start. Hijabs and modest fashion are available in Chinese cities with Muslim populations (especially in areas near Hui communities and in western China), but selection varies. Taobao has options, though quality and sizing can be inconsistent.
Q: What about bedding? A: Dorm beds in China are typically 90cm x 200cm (single). Western-size sheets will not fit. Buy bedding after you arrive at your university’s welcome fair, the campus shop, or on Taobao. Most new students get a bedding set for 80 to 200 CNY.
Part of our pre-departure preparation series. Bookmark this page and check items off as you pack.