Changchun Jilin, China Travel Guide
Winter (November-March): Prepare for severe cold. Pack a substantial Winter coat, ideally down-filled and waterproof, for warmth and snow protection. Thermal underwear, sweaters, and fleeces are needed base and mid-layers. Wear warm trousers; Ski pants are for outdoor winter activities. A waterproof outer layer protects against snow and wind. Bring a Warm hat, Scarf, and Gloves or mittens. Wool Socks and waterproof, insulated boots with good grip are needed for walking on snow and ice. Layering is not just recommended; it becomes needed to stay warm in these conditions.
Summer (June-August): Opt for lightweight and ventilated clothing made from cotton or linen. T-shirts, shorts, thin trousers, skirts, and dresses are suitable. Evenings can turn cooler or air-conditioned indoor spaces can feel chilly, so bring a light jacket or cardigan. A Rain jacket or Umbrella becomes a needed item for summer showers, which may be heavy.
Comfortable walking shoes are needed for all seasons, as you will likely do a lot of walking.
Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are needed for navigating snow and ice.
Summer: breathable Sneakers, Sandals, or walking shoes. Hiking: Hiking boots or sturdy Trail shoes.
Organizing your documents before setting off prevents many potential problems. Keep both physical and digital copies of everything important. Store digital copies of all important documents in a secure cloud service or email them to yourself. This results in a backup in case of loss or theft.
Prepare your devices for use in Changchun. China uses 220V, 50Hz, with Type A, C, and I sockets. A universal Travel adapter with multiple plug types is useful. Confirm your devices are dual voltage (100-240V) or bring a Voltage converter if needed. Most current smartphones are usable with Chinese networks (GSM and often 4G/5G). Check that your phone is unlocked and supports global bands. Purchase local SIM cards at airports or official carrier stores; registration together with your passport is needed. ESIM options are also available from third-party providers like Airalo.
Bring your standard camera gear, extra batteries, and memory cards (B&H Photo). For traveling in winter, cold temperatures drain batteries faster, so carry spares in proximity to your physical self. A tripod can help with night photography or low-light conditions. A Virtual Private Network (NordVPN or ExpressVPN) becomes needed for reaching many Western websites and apps (e.g., Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) due to China's internet restrictions. Install and test your VPN before setting off.
Utilize services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for pictures and papers.
Bring an external hard drive for local backups of large files.
Consider dedicated backup services for comprehensive data protection.
A well-stocked personal health kit gives you peace of mind and addresses minor ailments quickly. Bring a sufficient supply of prescription medications for your entire trip. Carry medications in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription from your doctor, ideally listing generic names. A doctor's letter explaining the need for the medication is also advisable, particularly for restricted drugs. Pack remedies for colds and flu, indigestion tablets, and eye drops.
Changchun sits at a low elevation, so altitude sickness is not a concern. Motion sickness remedies might be useful for long bus or train journeys. Insect repellent is suggested for summer months, especially when near water or in parks. Sunscreen, a hat, and Sunglasses protect you in all seasons. They are specifically useful in summer and for dealing with snow glare in winter. Generally not needed if you rely on bottled or boiled water, which is readily available. If venturing into remote areas, a portable filter or Purification tablets might be useful. Bring specific brands of toiletries you prefer, feminine care products if you have brand preferences, and contact lens solution. Toilet paper is not always in public restrooms, so carry a small roll or tissue packets.
For exploring parks like Jingyuetan National Park With forests.
For skiing, snowboarding, skating on ice.
Showing respect at temples and holy sites.
Beyond the basics, a few extra items improve comfort, security, and convenience. A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs make long train or bus journeys more restful. A Small padlock protects your luggage or hostel lockers. A Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet safeguards valuables from pickpockets.
A Reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated and decreases plastic waste (refill with safe water). A Reusable shopping bag comes in handy for market purchases. Reusable utensils reduce reliance on single-use plastics. While no items are strictly unique to Changchun that you cannot find elsewhere, very warm clothing is an absolute need for winter visits. This could feature specific personal care brands you prefer, certain international snacks or specialty foods, or particular over-the-counter medications. If you rely on a specific product, bring a sufficient supply.
Reduces plastic waste.
For shopping, minimizes plastic bags.
Eco-friendly hygiene option.
Reduces liquid plastic packaging.
Roll your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize your luggage by item type or outfit.
Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase. Bring a small, foldable bag for souvenirs or day trips. Double-check all chargers and adapters for your electronics.
