Jiangsu, China
Spring (March-May): Temperatures are mild but unpredictable. Pack light layers:
Summer (June-August): Hot and humid. Prioritize lightweight, breathable fabrics.
Comfortable walking shoes or Athletic sneakers are useful for exploring gardens, city streets, and historical areas. Expect much walking.
Waterproof shoes or boots can be very beneficial during the plum rainy season (June-July) and other periods of heavy rain.
Warm, waterproof shoes or boots are helpful to keep your feet dry and warm against the damp cold.
Careful organization of your travel documents points toward a smooth trip. Keep both physical and digital copies.
China uses 220V electricity at 50Hz. Plug types A, C, and I are common. A Universal travel adapter with multiple plug options is strongly advised.
A High-capacity power bank is essential. You will rely heavily on your phone for navigation, translation, and mobile payments.
Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) to back up photos and documents. An External hard drive or USB drive provides an alternative for important files. Email copies of important documents to yourself.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is necessary to access many international websites and apps blocked in China (e.g., Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube). Purchase and install a reputable VPN service (NordVPN or ExpressVPN) on your devices Before you arrive in China. Test it to confirm it functions.
Bring standard camera gear for landscape, architecture, and low-light photography. Suzhou's gardens and night scenes present excellent photo opportunities. A compact camera or a good Smartphone camera typically suffices. Consider extra batteries or a portable charger for your camera. Visit B&H Photo for gear.
Carry a Compact first aid kit with standard supplies:
Carry enough of your prescription medications for your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Keep medications in their original packaging with prescription labels.
Your main "activity." Comfortable walking shoes and a Small daypack are the most useful items.
You can rent bicycles locally through bike-sharing apps (Meituan Bike, Hellobike) or from some hotels. No need to bring your own bike.
A lightweight, Compact umbrella or a light rain jacket is useful year-round. Suzhou experiences unpredictable showers, even outside the plum rainy season.
Beyond the basics, a few additional items shape comfort, security, and convenience during your Suzhou trip.
Small changes make a large difference in waste reduction.
Minimizes single-use plastic waste.
An alternative to plastic bags.
Avoids disposable cutlery use.
Ensures device compatibility.
Pack for practicality and cultural respect.
Opt for versatile clothing and multi-purpose items. Digital copies of documents and essential apps on your phone remove much burden from physical paper. A portable charger is a traveler's best friend.
