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What to Pack for Ordos

What to Pack for Ordos

Ordos Inner Mongolia, China Travel Guide

Spring & Summer Attire

In the spring (April-May), layers are important. Summer (June-August) calls for light, lightweight fabrics. Ordos is a relatively modern city, and casual dress is generally acceptable.

Seasonal Recommendations

Autumn & Winter Attire

Autumn (September-October) calls for layering, with pleasant days and cooler evenings. Winter (November-March) temperatures drop significantly, requiring extensive cold weather gear.

Seasonal Recommendations

  • Autumn: Medium-weight sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and a warm jacket. Temperatures drop in the evenings.
  • Winter: Thermal underwear, thick sweaters, a heavy Down jacket, warm trousers, wool Socks.
  • Winter Accessories: Waterproof and insulated boots, a Warm hat, Gloves, and a Scarf.

Footwear for Every Step

Urban Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring urban areas like Kangbashi and Dongsheng, where you will do a lot of going on foot.

Desert & Grassland Excursions

Sturdy hiking boots or sports shoes are best for short trips into the desert and grasslands, providing foot protection and good grip.

Winter Travel

Waterproof and insulated boots are required for winter visits to keep your feet warm and dry in extremely cold conditions.

Your Critical Travel Companions

Essential Documents

Keep all your important documents organized and easily accessible. Store copies digitally and physically in separate locations.

  • Passport & Visa: Carry originals, photocopies, and digital copies.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Include policy number and emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit: Needed with a temporary Chinese license if driving.
  • Vaccination & Health Records: Documentation for meds and vaccinations.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, and tour confirmations.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of local and home country emergency contacts, including embassy.
  • IDs for Discounts: Student, senior, or press IDs may offer savings at attractions.
  • Entry/Exit Records: Keep any immigration slips or temporary permits.

Stay Connected & Charged

Power & Connectivity

China uses Type A, C, and I sockets, with a voltage of 220V, 50Hz. A universal adapter is important. A voltage converter may be needed for 110V devices. Most international smartphones work with Chinese networks. You can purchase local SIM cards, and ESIM options are available.

Essential Tech Items

Apps & Backup Solutions

Many popular Western apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked by China's "Great Firewall." Download a reliable VPN (ExpressVPN) Before you arrive if you need access to these services.

Recommended Apps & Data Security

  • Navigation: Baidu Maps (百度地图) or Amap (高德地图) are essential.
  • Translation: Pleco (Chinese dictionary) and Google Translate (offline Mandarin pack).
  • Local Services: WeChat (微信) and Alipay (支付宝) for payments, Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) for ride-sharing.

Protecting Your Digital World

Cloud Storage

Utilize secure cloud storage for automatic backup of photos and important documents while traveling.

External Hard Drive

Carry a compact External hard drive as a secondary physical backup for your media.

Cybersecurity

Use a VPN for public Wi-Fi and strong, unique passwords for all online accounts.

Your Personal Wellness Kit

Medication & First Aid

Pack a personal health kit to address common travel ailments. Carry all prescription medications in their original packaging, with a copy of the prescription and a doctor's note.

Kit Contents

Protection & Hydration

Ordos sits at a moderate altitude (around 1,300 meters), so altitude sickness is unlikely for most. Motion sickness medication can be helpful for long bus or car journeys.

Sun & Insect Protection

Averting Travel Discomfort

Altitude Sickness Preparedness

  • Ordos sits at around 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level.
  • Most visitors do not experience altitude sickness at this height.
  • Stay hydrated plus get it easy on your first day if you are sensitive.

Motion Sickness Remedies

  • Long journeys to attractions, especially desert and grassland excursions, involve extended drives.
  • If you are prone to motion sickness, bring Medication.
  • Over-the-counter options are available for quick relief.

Gear Up for Adventure

Hiking Essentials

For grassland hikes or urban walks, bring these items.

Desert Exploration

When venturing into the desert areas like Xiangshawan, specific gear protects you from beaches and sun.

  • Goggles or sunglasses
  • Scarf for face protection
  • Sun hat
  • Sand-resistant footwear

Photography Supplies

To capture Ordos'its range of landscapes and urban scenes, ensure your camera gear is ready.

  • Additional batteries for your camera
  • Additional memory cards
  • Lens cleaning kit
  • Tripod (optional for night/landscape shots)

Gear: Rent or Buy?

Advantages of Renting

  • Cost-Effective: Renting equipment for short trips saves money.
  • Less Luggage: Avoids carrying bulky gear on flights.
  • Convenience: Equipment for desert activities (sandboards, camel riding gear) is available for rent at sites like Xiangshawan.
  • No Storage: No need to store specialty gear after you get back.

Advantages of Buying

  • Custom Fit: Ensures proper fit and comfort, especially for items like hiking boots.
  • Known Quality: You are knowledgeable about your own equipment's condition and performance.
  • Long-Term Use: Suitable if you plan frequent adventurous travel.
  • Personal Preference: Some gear, like Travel bags or specific Camera gear, you might favor own.

Beyond the Essentials

Comfort & Security

Make long journeys more comfortable and keep your belongings safe with these additions.

Travel Comfort & Safety

  • Comfort Items: A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for long train or bus rides.
  • Security Items: Small locks for luggage, a Money belt for valuables, and RFID protection for credit cards (Pacsafe).
  • Local Maps & Guidebooks: Even with apps, a physical map can be valuable.
  • Phrasebook: A small Mandarin phrasebook for basic communication.

Sustainable & Local Items

Embrace eco-friendly practices and local culture with these mindful packing choices.

Eco-Conscious Travel

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Helps reduce plastic waste during your travels (LifeStraw).
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: Carry for purchases to avoid single-use plastic bags.
  • Region-Specific Essentials: Small supply of tissues or wet wipes, as public restrooms might lack toilet paper.
  • Items Difficult to Purchase Locally: Bring specific shoe sizes or clothing types if you rely on them.

Eco-Conscious Travel

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduce plastic waste; refill from purified sources.

Solid Toiletries

Minimize liquid waste and leaky bottles in your luggage.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Avoid plastic bags for keepsakes and purchases.

Support Local

Purchase souvenirs from local artisans and markets.

Destination-Specific Items

Desert Preparedness

  • Sand Protection: Goggles or a scarf for sand and sun protection in desert areas.
  • Hydration: Consider additional water containers for desert excursions.
  • Appropriate Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots for sandy terrain.

Cultural Immersion

  • Local Guidebooks/Maps: While apps are good, physical resources can enhance understanding.
  • Basic Mandarin Phrasebook: For friendly interactions with locals.
  • Small Gifts for Hosts: A small gesture of appreciation if staying with local families.

Smart Packing Wisdom

Roll your clothes tightly to conserve space and prevent wrinkles. Utilize Packing cubes to organize your luggage and make items more convenient to find.

Pack versatile items that mix and match, allowing for different outfits with fewer pieces. Lay out all your items before packing to visualize what you truly need, then remove a few non-essential items.