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What to Pack for Lishui

What to Pack for Lishui

Lishui Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Lishui experiences distinct seasons. Pack clothing suitable for the time of your visit, with an emphasis on layering.

Spring & Summer Attire

  • Spring (March-May): Light jackets, sweaters, Long-sleeved shirts, comfortable trousers.
  • An umbrella or light Waterproof jacket for spring rainfall.
  • Summer (June-September): Lightweight, ventilated clothing like cotton or linen. Shorts, t-shirts, dresses.

Autumn & Winter Attire

Moderate layers for autumn and heavy clothing for winter ensure comfort during your travels.

Season-Specific Layers

  • Autumn (October-November): Long-sleeved shirts, light to medium sweaters, and jackets.
  • Winter (December-February): Heavy coats, thermals, hats, Gloves, and scarves.
  • Appropriate Attire For cultural places: Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites, covering shoulders and knees.

Footwear Section

City Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes are for exploring cities and attractions.

Daily Comfort

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking boots or sturdy trainers are useful for trails and mountainous areas.

Trail Readiness

Weather & Versatility

Sandals for summer, but have closed-toe options for colder weather. Consider waterproof shoes for rainy season.

Rainy Day Prep

Essential Documents

Useful Travel Papers

Keep all your important documents organized and simple to get to for a stress-free journey.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Valid passport (6 months validity, blank pages), valid Chinese visa.
  • Photocopies and Digital Copies: Store separately for safety.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Policy number, emergency contacts, what's covered.
  • International Driving Permit (when suitable): China does not recognize IDP alone; temporary Chinese license is needed.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Vaccination card, medical reports, prescriptions (translated).
  • Hard copies And Electronic copies Of bookings: Flights, hotels, train tickets, tours (phone, email, cloud).
  • Emergency Contact Information: Local embassy/consulate, family/friends, travel insurance emergency number.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: May offer discounts at attractions.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up with the right electronic gear.

Essentials

Camera & Apps

Capture your memories and navigate with ease using these tech items and applications.

Photography & Software

  • Camera Gear: Digital camera or Smartphone, extra batteries, power banks, memory cards. A Tripod is beneficial for landscapes. Shop at B&H Photo.
  • Recommended Apps: Baidu Maps navigation, Amap for navigation. Google Translate (with VPN), WeChat, Alipay for payment and communication. Didi Chuxing for transportation-sharing.
  • VPN: For getting to many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp). Download and set up before arrival. Also consider ExpressVPN.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox – Requires a VPN) for crucial information backup.

Physical Backup

An External hard drive or USB drive is useful for photos and videos.

Security Measures

Always use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for sensitive accounts.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

Pack a personal health kit to address common travel ailments and personal needs.

Medication & First Aid

  • Destination-Specific First Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen), Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Imodium).
  • Prescription Medications: Enough for your entire trip, copy of prescription, doctor's note (translated), in original packaging.
  • Over-the-Counter Medications: Remedies for colds, flu, antacids, and medication for travel sickness.

Prevention & Hygiene

Protect yourself from insects and sun, and maintain personal hygiene on your travels.

Protection & Personal Care

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Concerns

  • Not typically an issue in Lishui city center.
  • Relevant exclusively for extremely high mountain peaks within the broader Lishui prefecture (e.g., Baishanzu, over 1900m).
  • Check specific elevations for your planned destinations.

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness medication may be useful.
  • For long coach or train journeys through twisting mountain roads.
  • Take preventative measures if you are prone to motion sickness.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Bring specialized gear for your planned journeys in Lishui's natural landscapes.

Photography Kit

Capture the stunning scenery with the right equipment.

  • Camera and lenses.
  • Extra batteries.
  • A three-legged stand for stability.
  • A Lens cleaning kit.

Camping Gear

If applicable, for those planning one-night stays in nature.

  • A tent.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Cooking gear (check if permitted).
  • Head-mounted light or torch.

Rent vs Bring Decision Matrix

Items to Rent

  • Hiking poles: Usually for hire at scenic areas or inexpensive to purchase.
  • Bicycles: Widely available for rent in urban areas and some scenic spots.
  • Consider renting bulky items to save luggage space.
  • Check with your accommodation for rental services.

Items to Bring

  • Specialty gear: Bring your own if particular quality or fit is important (e.g. Personal hiking boots).
  • Good quality walking shoes are for exploring mountainous ground and ancient villages.
  • Personal items: Items for which brand preference is strong or specific needs.
  • Items for which familiarity or comfort is a primary focus.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Do not forget these useful items for a smoother trip.

Travel Essentials

Eco-Conscious & Hard-to-Find

Consider bringing reusable items and any specific brands that are hard to find locally.

Sustainable & Unique

  • Reusable Items: A reusable water bottle (refill with safe water), a Reusable shopping bag, and personal chopsticks or utensils.
  • Items Difficult or Expensive to Purchase Locally: Specific non-Chinese brand medications.
  • Certain types of contact lenses or high-quality outdoor gear from international brands.
  • Shopping from Amazon or Nordace for bags is an option.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Coffee Cup

Reduce waste, enjoy drinks on the go.

Reusable Utensil Set

For street food and takeaway meals.

Solid Toiletries

Shampoo/soap drinking establishments for reduced plastic.

Personal Water Filter

For safe drinking water anywhere.

Destination-Specific Items

Mountainous Terrain

  • Sturdy walking shoes: for exploring ancient villages and mountainous areas.
  • Portable power bank: essential for extended days out and mobile payments.
  • Binoculars: for wildlife and scenic viewing in natural areas.

Cultural Immersion

  • Small notebook and pen: for jotting down observations or learning phrases.
  • Good camera: Lishui's landscapes and cultural sites are highly photogenic.
  • Translation app: for communicating with locals who may not speak English.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization within your luggage.

Consider a light, versatile travel backpack from Nordace for day trips and excursions.