Hangzhou Packing List: What to Pack by Season

Packing for Hangzhou depends heavily on the season. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C, winters are damp and cold with indoor heating that varies by building, and spring brings persistent rain. This guide provides detailed packing lists for each season plus electronics, documents, and health essentials you should not leave home without.

Packing by Season

Spring (March–May)

Spring in Hangzhou is beautiful but unpredictable. Temperatures swing from 8°C in early March to 25°C by late May, and the “plum rain” season (梅雨季) arrives in mid-May bringing weeks of drizzle. Layering is essential.

• 2–3 short-sleeve T-shirts (cotton or merino blend)
• 2 long-sleeve shirts or light button-ups
• 1 lightweight fleece or cardigan
• 1 water-resistant windbreaker or light rain jacket
• 1 compact travel umbrella (or buy one locally for ¥15)
• 2 pairs of long pants (one quick-dry for rainy days)
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (waterproof recommended — Vans or sneakers get soaked in rain)
• 1 pair of slip-on shoes for temples and indoor use
• Light scarf for temple visits (shoulders should be covered)
• 5–7 pairs of underwear and 3–4 pairs of socks

Summer (June–August)

Hangzhou summers are among the hottest in China. July and August average 33–38°C with 70–85% humidity. You will sweat through clothing daily. Pack light, pack extra, and prioritize sun protection.

• 5–7 lightweight T-shirts or tank tops (moisture-wicking synthetic or linen — avoid heavy cotton)
• 2 pairs of lightweight shorts or linen pants
• 1 light sundress or skirt (for women)
• 1 UV-protection sun hat (wide-brimmed, not a baseball cap)
• Sunglasses with UV400 protection
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply every 2 hours — the UV index regularly hits 10+)
• 1 cooling towel (chill it in water and drape on your neck)
• 1 portable handheld fan (or buy one locally for ¥10)
• Mosquito repellent with 20–30% DEET (mosquitoes are fierce near West Lake at dusk)
• 1 compact umbrella (for sudden afternoon thunderstorms, not rain — they pass in 30 minutes)
• 1 pair of breathable walking sandals (for when your shoes are soaked)
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (still needed for hiking and temple stairs)
• 7+ pairs of underwear (you will change at least twice daily)

Autumn (September–November)

Autumn is the best season to visit Hangzhou — cool, dry, and stunning with fall colors. Early September can still be warm (28°C), while November drops to 8–15°C. The temperature range means layers are key.

• 3 short-sleeve T-shirts
• 2 long-sleeve shirts
• 1 medium-weight jacket or fleece
• 1 light down vest (packable, great for November evenings)
• 2 pairs of pants (one casual, one for hiking)
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes with good grip (wet leaves on stone steps are slippery)
• 1 compact umbrella (occasional rain in September, dry by October)
• 5–7 pairs of underwear and 4 pairs of socks
• Light gloves and a beanie for late November mornings

Winter (December–February)

Hangzhou winters are damp and penetratingly cold. Daytime temperatures hover around 3–8°C, dropping below 0°C at night. The cold feels worse than the number suggests because Hangzhou’s humidity makes it a “wet cold” that seeps through clothing. Indoor heating is inconsistent — hotels and malls are heated, but older restaurants and temples are not.

• 1 down jacket rated to -10°C (essential — do not bring a wool coat, it absorbs moisture)
• 1 set of thermal underwear (top and bottom, merino wool preferred)
• 2 warm sweaters or fleece pullovers
• 2 pairs of thick pants or jeans (consider thermal-lined pants for outdoor sightseeing)
• 1 warm scarf (wrap it over your nose on especially cold days)
• 1 pair of insulated gloves (touchscreen-compatible is ideal)
• 1 warm hat or beanie
• 1 pair of waterproof boots or shoes with good grip (stone steps at temples get icy)
• 1 pair of thick wool socks
• 5–7 pairs of underwear and 5 pairs of socks
• Face mask or balaclava (for air pollution on bad days and cold wind)
• Hand warmers (buy locally at convenience stores, ¥5 for a pack of 10)

Electronics and Tech

China’s digital ecosystem is intense — you will use your phone for everything from payments to navigation to ordering food. A dead phone means you are stranded, so power management is critical.

• Phone charger: Bring your wall charger AND a USB cable. China uses 220V/50Hz — most modern chargers handle this automatically (check the label: “100–240V”).
• Power bank: 20,000 mAh recommended. You will use your phone constantly for Alipay, maps, translation, and Didi. A 10,000 mAh bank gives about 1.5 full charges; 20,000 mAh gives 3–4 charges. Note: power banks above 20,000 mAh or with unclear capacity labels may be confiscated at airport security.
• Universal travel adapter: China uses Type A (flat two-pin, same as USA/Japan) and Type I (three-pin angled, same as Australia/New Zealand). If your plugs are European (Type C/F) or UK (Type G), you need an adapter. Buy one before arrival — they are hard to find in Hangzhou outside of airport shops.
• Phone mount/car holder: Useful for using your phone as a GPS in taxis and Didi rides.
• Earbuds/headphones: For translation app audio output and long metro rides.
• Laptop: Only if you need it for work. A phone plus tablet is sufficient for most travelers. Hotel Wi-Fi is generally reliable.
• E-reader: Kindle works in China but the Kindle store may be blocked behind the Great Firewall. Download books before arrival.

Documents and Paperwork

Keep physical copies of important documents in a separate bag from the originals. China still relies on paper for many processes.

• Passport: Required for hotel check-in, train ticket purchase, and entry to some attractions. Carry it with you at all times — police can request ID.
• Passport photocopies: 2 copies of the photo page and visa page. Store separately from your actual passport.
• Hotel bookings: Print confirmations with Chinese addresses. Some taxi drivers cannot read English hotel names.
• Travel insurance policy: Print the policy number and emergency contact. Most Chinese hospitals require upfront payment; you claim reimbursement later.
• Emergency contacts: Write down your embassy number (US: 010-8531-4000, UK: 010-5192-4000, Australia: 010-5140-4112), local emergency numbers (110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire), and your insurance hotline.
• Flight/train tickets: Print or screenshot confirmation emails. You may need to show these at security checkpoints.
• International driving permit: Not recognized in China. Do not bother bringing one unless you plan to rent a car with a Chinese license.

Medicine and Health

Chinese pharmacies (药店) are everywhere and sell many common medications, but brand names and formulations differ from Western countries. Bring what you specifically need.

• Prescription medications: Bring the full amount you need plus a few extra days’ supply. Carry a doctor’s letter listing the generic names (not brand names) of your medications. Some common Western prescriptions (e.g., Adderall, certain painkillers) are controlled substances in China — check before you travel.
• Over-the-counter basics: Ibuprofen, antihistamines, anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium), and antacids. Chinese pharmacies sell local equivalents, but reading the labels requires Chinese literacy.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Many public restrooms do not provide soap or paper towels.
• Contact lens supplies: Bring extra solution, cases, and daily lenses. Contact lens solution is available in China but may be different brands. If you wear glasses, bring a backup pair.
• First aid basics: Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, motion sickness pills (for boat rides on West Lake and curvy mountain roads).
• Water purification: Not needed — bottled water is cheap (¥2) and available everywhere. Tap water is not drinkable anywhere in China.

What NOT to Pack (Buy Locally)

Save luggage space is precious. These items are cheap and easy to find in Hangzhou:

• Umbrellas: ¥10–20 at every convenience store. Spring rain is so common that umbrella vendors appear on every corner the moment it starts.
• Toiletries: Toothpaste, shampoo, soap, razors — all available at Watsons (屈臣氏), convenience stores, and supermarkets. International brands like Colgate, Head & Shoulders, and Gillette are widely stocked.
• Snacks and water: ¥2 for a 500ml bottle, ¥5–10 for a meal’s worth of snacks from FamilyMart or 7-Eleven.
• Heavy books: Use your phone or e-reader. Physical books are dead weight.
• Too many clothes: Laundry services are cheap (¥5–10/kg, same-day return at most hotels). Pack for 5 days and wash as you go.
• Hair dryer: Almost every hotel room has one.

What to Buy in China

Some items are significantly cheaper or better quality in China than in Western countries:

• Slippers/flip-flops: ¥15–30 at any supermarket. Essential for hotel rooms (Chinese hotels provide disposable ones, but they are flimsy).
• Travel adapter: ¥20–35 at electronics markets, though the quality varies. Better to bring one from home.
• Phone case and accessories: Huaqiangbei-sourced accessories are 50–80% cheaper than Western prices. Visit an electronics mall.
• Tea: Longjing (Dragon Well) tea bought at the source in Meijiawu or Longjing Village is a fraction of the export price. Budget ¥100–300 for 100g of good-quality tea.
• Silk products: Hangzhou is famous for silk. Silk scarves start at ¥50, silk pajamas at ¥200. Buy at the China Silk Museum shop or reputable stores on Yan’an Road.

Things you CANNOT easily buy in China: Specific Western skincare brands (bring your own if you are loyal to a brand), deodorant (most Chinese do not use it, so selection is very limited), large shoe sizes (above EU 43 / US men’s 10), plus-size clothing, specific medications (bring your own prescriptions), and tampons (pads are everywhere, but tampons are rare outside major international supermarkets).

Luggage Weight and Security

Weight Limits

Flight Type	Checked Bag Limit	Carry-On Limit
Domestic (China)	20 kg (economy)	5–7 kg
International (typical)	23 kg (economy)	7–10 kg
International (premium)	32 kg (business)	7–10 kg

Important: If you are flying domestically within China (e.g., Beijing to Hangzhou), the 20 kg checked bag limit is strictly enforced. Overweight fees are 1.5% of the full economy fare per excess kilogram, which can be expensive. Weigh your bag before heading to the airport.

Security and Anti-Theft

• Hotel safes: Use them for passports, excess cash, and electronics when you go out. Most mid-range and above hotels have in-room safes.
• Day bag: Carry a crossbody bag or anti-theft daypack for sightseeing. Pickpocketing is rare in Hangzhou but does happen in crowded tourist areas like Hefang Street and the West Lake promenade on holidays.
• Money distribution: Do not carry all your cash in one place. Split it between your day bag, hotel safe, and a hidden money belt.
• Luggage locks: Use TSA-approved locks on checked bags. Chinese airport security may open checked bags for inspection.
• Phone security: Your phone is your wallet, map, and translator in China. Use a wrist lanyard or phone leash — dropping your phone in a lake or having it snatched from your hand on a bike would be catastrophic.

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