Your Packing Checklist: Xiamen

Warm Weather Essentials

Summer (June-August) is hot and humid. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics.

Summer Attire

Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses.
Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella for frequent showers.
Quick-drying materials for outdoor time.

Cooler Seasons & Layering

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are mild. Winter (December-February) is cool and dry.

Layering for Comfort

Light jackets, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts for spring/autumn.
A light scarf for warmth and versatility.
Closed-toe shoes and warm scarf for winter's humidity.

Footwear Considerations

Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes for Gulangyu Island, botanical gardens, and city streets.

You will walk a lot.

Casual Footwear

Sandals/flip-flops are good for summer, beaches, and around accommodation.

Ideal for relaxed wear.

Rain Protection

Waterproof shoes are beneficial during the rainy summer season.

Keep your feet dry.

Your Travel Papers

Critical Documents

Careful organization of your travel documents guards against complications.

Original Passport with Valid Visa.
Photocopies of Passport (photo page, visa page) kept separate.
Digital Copies (cloud storage or email).
Travel Insurance Policy details (digital and printed).

Printed/Digital Copies of Reservations (flights, hotels, tours).
Detailed Itinerary.
Doctor's Note for Prescription Medications.
Emergency Contact Information (local numbers, embassy, family).

Powering Your Journey

Power & Connectivity

China uses 220V, 50Hz electricity. Plug types include A, C, and I.

Device Readiness

A universal travel adapter with surge protection.
Unlocked mobile phone supporting Chinese mobile carriers' bands.
Local SIM card or eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) for immediate connectivity.

Apps & Backup

Modern travel relies heavily on technology.

Digital Toolkit

Baidu Maps or Amap for navigation.
Google Translate (offline Mandarin pack) or Pleco.
WeChat for communication and payments.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive for photos and documents.

External Hard Drive

Carry one for local backups as an alternative.

Vpn

Necessary for Western websites/apps blocked in China (ExpressVPN, NordVPN).

Stay Healthy & Safe

Personal First Aid

A well-stocked personal health and wellness kit addresses minor ailments quickly.

Kit Contents

Band-aids in various sizes, antiseptic wipes or spray.
Pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen), antidiarrheal, allergy medicine.
A small thermometer.

Sun & Insect Defense

Xiamen is a coastal city at sea level; altitude sickness is not a concern.

Protection Gear

Insect repellent (DEET/Picaridin) for mosquitoes.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+), wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Bottled water or filtered water bottle for drinking.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude

Xiamen is at sea level.
Altitude sickness is not a concern.
Enjoy exploration without altitude worries.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness remedies for ferry rides (e.g., to Gulangyu).
Useful for longer bus or train journeys.
Pack if you are susceptible to motion sickness.

Gear for Your Adventures

Hiking & Exploring

Small backpack for water and snacks. Comfortable, broken-in hiking or sturdy walking shoes.

Wulaofeng, Xiamen Botanical Garden trails.
Moisture-wicking clothing.
Day pack.
Sturdy shoes.

Beach & Water Fun

Swimsuit, lightweight quick-drying beach towel, rash guard for sun protection.

Xiamen's beaches.
Sun protection.
Quick-dry towel.
Swimwear.

Cycling & Rentals

Bicycles are easily rentable, especially along Huandao Road for scenic coastal rides.

Huandao Road bike rentals.
Snorkeling/diving gear: rent locally if needed.
No car/motorcycle rental without Chinese license.
Specialty items: good camera, travel tripod.

Camping Gear

Bring Your Own

If planning to camp in surrounding rural areas.
Tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment.
Rentals are not widely available for tourists.
Official camping sites are limited within Xiamen city.

Consider Renting If available

Snorkeling/Diving Gear: generally better to rent locally.
Motorcycle/Scooter: less common for tourists, not for short-term rental.
Specialty Vehicle Rentals: not recommended for tourists due to license requirements.
Consider rental for quality and availability.

The Little Things

Comfort & Security

These small additions make a noteworthy difference in your overall travel experience.

Travel Smart

Neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs for long journeys.
Luggage locks (TSA-approved for checked bags).
Money belt/hidden pouch for passport and cash.
RFID blocking wallet for cards and passport.

Eco-Friendly & Local Items

Beyond the obvious, a few additional items contribute significantly to your convenience.

Conscious Packing

Reusable water bottle (refill at hotels).
Foldable reusable shopping bag.
Travel utensils for street food.
Umbrella or compact rain jacket (especially July-Sept).

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Mug

For coffee or tea.

Bamboo Toothbrush

An eco-friendly choice.

Solid Toiletries

Shampoo bars, soap bars.

Reusable Tissues

Fabric handkerchiefs.

Destination-Specific Items

Weather-Specific

An umbrella or compact rain jacket.
Lightweight scarf for sun protection.
KN95 mask for air quality if needed.

Hard-to-Find Locally

Specific brands of Western toiletries.
Preferred over-the-counter medications.
Certain specialty foods or dietary supplements.

Packing Pro Tip

Pack light but smart. Consider quick-drying fabrics for summer and layers for cooler seasons.

Make a list and check it twice.

Your Packing Checklist