MileHacker Logo
Liupanshui Travel Checklist

Liupanshui Travel Checklist

Liupanshui Guizhou, China Travel Guide

Your Planning Timeline

Follow these steps to ensure all aspects of your trip are covered.

Detailed Pre-Trip Stages

Organize your preparations effectively for a stress-free travel experience.

1

Months Before Your Trip

Visa Research

Begin researching China visa requirements for your nationality. This can be a lengthy process.

Passport Validity

Check your passport's expiration date. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date and have two blank visa pages.

International Flights

Book your international flights to a major Chinese gateway city (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guiyang).

2

Month Before Your Trip

Visa Application

Submit your Chinese visa application with the whole required documentation.

Domestic Travel & Accommodation

Book domestic flights or train tickets from your Chinese gateway city to Liupanshui (LPS) and reserve accommodation.

App Downloads & Language

Download a reliable VPN, WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Baidu Maps, Google Translate (with offline Mandarin pack), and Pleco. Start learning basic Mandarin phrases.

3

Week Before Your Trip

Confirm Reservations

Reconfirm all flight, train, hotel, plus tour reservations.

Packing & Documents

Pack climate-appropriate clothing and all essential items. Make photocopies and digital backups of important documents. Consider packing organizers from Eagle Creek.

Final Checks

Charge all electronics and portable power banks. Provide your itinerary and emergency contacts to family/friends. Obtain a small amount of Chinese Yuan.

Mandatory Bookings

Secure these items in advance to ensure smooth travel.

Reservations

  • International Flights: Book well in advance for best prices.
  • Domestic Travel: Flights/train tickets for travel to Liupanshui.
  • Accommodation: Secure your lodging for all nights.
  • Specialized Tours/Activities: Book specific tours, ski lessons, or popular activities ahead.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Familiarize yourself with local customs and important information.

Areas of Research

  • Etiquette: Understplus simple Chinese etiquette and social customs.
  • Destination Overview: Learn Liupanshui's geography, attractions, and local cuisine.
  • Travel Advisories: Read recent travel advisories from your government's foreign affairs department.
  • Home Preparation: Secure your home, stop deliveries, and pay upcoming bills.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in a new destination can be disorienting. This checklist aids your initial steps upon arriving in Liupanshui.

First Steps

  • Clear immigration & customs.
  • Collect checked luggage.
  • Locate currency exchange/ATM.
  • Purchase local SIM card.

Orientation Strategies

  • Use pre-downloaded maps.
  • Familiarize with local area.
  • Have accommodation address in Chinese.
  • Activate VPN for international apps.

Initial Purchases & Transport

  • Exchange small cash for immediate needs.
  • Set up WeChat Pay/Alipay ASAP.
  • Purchase bottled water & necessities.
  • Use airport taxis or shuttle for accommodation.

Travel Insurance

Use World Nomads for comprehensive your travel insurance policy, including medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Departure Preparation

Ensure a smooth departure from Liupanshui with these final steps.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

  • 1
    Souvenir Purchases

    Plan for souvenir shopping during your entire trip. Do not leave it all until the last minute.

  • 2
    Shipping Options

    If buying large items, inquire about shipping services from the vendor. Understand the costs and timeline.

  • 3
    Carry-on Restrictions

    Be aware of airport security restrictions on liquids, aerosols, and gels for carry-on luggage. Pack these in stowed baggage if they exceed limits.

VAT Refund Procedures & Timing

  • China's VAT Refund

    China has a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund scheme for foreign tourists. It usually applies to purchases made at designated stores with a minimum purchase amount (currently 500 CNY at one store on a single day).

  • Pre-Departure Timing

    Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight, and 1.5-2 hours for a domestic flight from Liupanshui Yuezhao Airport (LPS). Allow extra time for traffic.

  • Return Trip Preparation

    Reconfirm your return flight details. Ensure you have all required documents (passport, boarding passes, visas for your next destination) readily accessible. Spend any remaining the currency of the country or exchange it before you leave.

Return Trip Details

Confirm Details

Reconfirm your return flight details and check for any last-minute schedule changes.

Ensure all bookings are up-to-date.

Secure Packing

Pack securely, making sure all valuables are accounted for and fragile items are protected.

Organize your luggage efficiently.

Documents Ready

Ensure you have all required documents (passport, boarding passes, visas for the next place you are going) readily accessible.

Prepare for onward journeys.

Final Sweep

Before you leave where you are staying, do a final check for forgotten items, especially chargers, documents, and valuables.

Pre-Departure Timing Recommendations

Allocate sufficient time for airport procedures to avoid any rush.

International Flights

  • Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, security, and immigration.
  • Factor in potential delays for a stress-free departure.
  • Allow extra time for traffic, especially during rush hour.

Domestic Flights

  • Arrive 1.5-2 hours for a domestic flight from Liupanshui Yuezhao Airport (LPS).
  • This timeframe usually provides plenty of time for domestic check-in.
  • Consider ground transport time at the airport.
  • Confirm specific airline recommendations for check-in times.

Return Trip Preparation

Ensure all details are covered for your journey home or next destination.

Items to Verify

  • Confirm flight details:Check for schedule changes.
  • Secure Packing:All valuables accounted for.
  • Fragile Items:Ensure protection during transit.
  • Local Currency:Spend any remaining or exchange before leaving.

Document Readiness

  • Ensure you have your passport readily accessible.
  • Keep all boarding passes handy for your onward journey.
  • If relevant, confirm visas for your next destination are in order.
  • All required documents for your onward journey should be organized.

Final Sweep

Before leaving your accommodation, do a final check for misplaced belongings.

This includes chargers, documents, and other valuables.

Liupanshui Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation