Packing tips: What should you take on your China tours?

China is a vast country. It spans from the majestic plains and ice sculpture festivals in the north, to tropical beaches and high humidity further south. However, there are also vast forests, lakes, high altitude mountains and sprawling cities to visit as part of your China tours.

And for the first time traveler to China (or even experienced China tour visitors) this incredible diversity can lead to some headaches when it comes to packing. So here are a few useful hints to consider when taking China tours from the UK.

• It goes without saying that you need to pack your passport. But there are some restrictions and visa requirements to observe, such as the length of validity remaining on your passport. A tourist visa is required for visiting China, which is valid for 3 months and must be applied for in advance with the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. Emperor Tours can help with this and are currently running a special deal, offering a free Chinese visa with every group UK China tours booking (saving you £84 for postal applications or £66 for applying in person).
• Most China tours involve a lot of walking, so wherever you’re going and whatever time of the year, comfortable and sturdy shoes are a must.
• If, like many visitors on a China tour, you are booked to visit temples or religious sites, it is advisable to take footwear which is easily removed.
• The weather can be unpredictable throughout China and some areas are prone to monsoon conditions one day and blisteringly hot sun the next. So when packing from the UK for a China tour, try to consider every eventuality. Bring a lightweight and easily folded rain coat and sturdy umbrella for rainy conditions and sun cream and a hat for when the weather’s good.
• Layering is essential, so bring light clothes made out of natural fibers which keep you cool in the heat and can be easily layered in cooler climates.
• China is a very safe country for tourists, but obviously that still doesn’t mean you want to be walking round with large amounts of cash. There are many banks in the large cities like Beijing and Shanghai which have English services at the ATM, or you may prefer to bring travelers cheques. Remember though that when changing money, you’ll need your passport.
• China tours are an excellent way to take in all the sights of this fascinating country, but obviously to see so much, you need to be prepared to travel. Try to pack everything into one easy to transport bag if you can and bring a smaller bag to keep personal documents and money on your person.

Taking China tours from the UK are the perfect way to not just witness China’s history and culture, but to feel a part of the action, with knowledgeable guides who will help you experience more. So get packing for the trip of a lifetime.