Zhangzhou Fujian, China Travel Guide
Spring (March-May): Pack light layers. T-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, and a Light jacket or sweater become useful for cooler evenings. Bring rain gear, like a light Waterproof jacket and an Umbrella, as rainfall increases. Summer (June-August): Focus on lightweight, breathable clothing made from cotton or linen. Shorts, t-shirts, and dresses offer comfort in the heat.
Autumn (September-November): Pack comfortable layers, similar to spring. T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and a light to medium jacket or sweater work well. This season generally provides pleasant weather. Winter (December-February): Bring warmer layers. Sweaters, long pants, and a light to medium Winter jacket provide comfort. A Scarf becomes useful on cooler days.
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for sightseeing and navigating city streets.
Sandals or flip-flops for warmer weather and seaside areas like Dongshan Island.
Consider Hiking boots for extensive trekking in rural or mountainous areas, especially around the Tulou.
Careful organization of your travel documents ensures a smooth journey. Keep originals secure and backups separate.
China uses 220V, 50Hz. Plug types are mainly Type A (two flat pins) and Type C/I (three-pronged). A universal Travel adapter with multiple plug types is highly recommended. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Chinese mobile service providers. Purchase local SIM cards (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) at airports or official stores. eSIM options are also available through providers like Airalo.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is necessary for accessing international social media, Google services, and certain international websites in China. Download and set this up prior to your arrival (NordVPN / ExpressVPN). The Baidu maps app or Amap are the most accurate navigation apps. WeChat and Alipay are essential for daily life, messaging, and payments. Didi Chuxing is the dominant ride-sharing app. Pleco is an excellent offline Chinese dictionary.
Bring your standard camera gear. Be mindful of humidity and dust, especially during the summer months or in rural areas. Retailers like B&H Photo offer a range of equipment.
Utilize cloud storage or an External hard drive to back up important photos and documents. Regular backups provide peace of mind.
Pleco (offline Chinese dictionary), Baidu Translate (requires internet), and Google Translate (requires a VPN) are useful.
A well-stocked personal health kit contributes to peace of mind. Include basic items like Band-Aids, antibacterial wipes, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines, and rehydration salts. Adventure Medical Kits offer complete solutions.
Pack specific brands of toiletries you prefer, as they may be difficult to find locally. Hand sanitizer is always an item to carry. Water filters or Purification tablets are generally not necessary if you rely on bottled water, but become useful for extensive rural trekking. LifeStraw offers personal water filters.
For exploring the Tulou areas and natural landscapes.
For relaxation and activities on Dongshan Island.
Items that enhance cultural interactions or simplify your journey.
These items contribute to your comfort and security during your travels. A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs offer comfort for long train or bus journeys. Luggage locks, a Money belt for valuables, an Anti-theft bag, and an RFID-blocking wallet enhance security. Nordace offers modern travel bags.
Carry a Reusable water bottle (fill with filtered or boiled water), a Reusable shopping bag (to reduce plastic waste), and Reusable utensils for street food. An Umbrella or Light rain jacket is useful for sudden showers. A Small backpack works well for day trips.
Reduces plastic bottle waste.
For markets and groceries.
For street food and takeaways.
Eco-friendly charging.
Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization and to separate clean from dirty items.
Consider a capsule wardrobe to maximize outfit options with fewer items. Always leave a little room for souvenirs!
