What to Pack for Yiwu. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Spring and Summer Attire

Spring (March-May): Light layers work well. Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, and a comfortable jacket are good choices. Rainfall increases, so a lightweight waterproof jacket or a reliable umbrella is a good idea. Comfortable trousers or jeans are suitable.

Summer June-August

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and a light waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Sun protection: wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Autumn and Winter Attire

Autumn (September-November): This season offers pleasant weather. Comfortable long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and light jackets are suitable. Days have warmth, but evenings cool down, making layers especially handy. The weather is generally drier.

Winter December-February

Heavy clothing: sweaters, heavy jackets or coats, scarves, gloves, and hats.
Thermal underwear or warm base layers for comfort, as it can get cold.
Indoor heating varies; some buildings may not be as warm as expected.

Footwear Recommendations

Comfortable Walking Shoes

These are a must. Extensive walking occurs in the Yiwu International Trade City. Prioritize comfort.

For exploring the market

Waterproof Shoes/Sandals

Useful during the rainy season (spring and summer) to keep feet dry.

For damp weather

Dressier Shoes

A pair of slightly dressier shoes for evenings or business meetings.

For formal occasions

Essential Documents

Important Travel Documents

Keep both original documents and copies at hand.

Original Passport: Valid for 6+ months beyond departure, 2+ blank visa pages.
Original Valid Chinese Visa: The correct type for your visit (e.g., M visa).
Photocopies: Several copies of passport ID and visa pages, stored separately.
Digital Copies: Store on cloud storage and email to yourself for backup access.

Travel Insurance Policy: Copy of policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary.
International Driving Permit: Not valid in mainland China. Foreigners cannot legally drive without a Chinese license.
Vaccination Records: Proof of any recommended vaccinations and a doctor's note for prescriptions.
Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, and tour confirmations.

Technology and Electronics

Connectivity Tools

Stay connected and powered up with the right equipment. China operates on 220V, 50Hz, with Type A and Type I plug types most common. A universal travel adapter is highly suitable.

Mobile and VPN

Unlocked smartphone compatibility. Purchase local SIM cards or use eSIM for data.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a must. Install a reliable service on all devices before arrival.
Many Western websites and apps are blocked without a VPN.

Power and Essential Apps

Camera gear is suitable for general photography. A compact camera or a good smartphone camera may suffice for Yiwu's market focus. Be mindful of privacy when taking photos.

Recommended for Travel

Portable Chargers and Power Banks: Highly suitable for long days.
Apps: Baidu Maps, Amap of navigation. Pleco, Google Translate for language.
Communication/Payments: WeChat, Alipay. Set up before your trip. Didi Chuxing for ridesharing.

Data Backup and Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud services with VPN access for important documents.

Physical Backup

Consider an external hard drive or USB stick for photos and files.

Device Security

Protect your devices having robust passwords and biometric locks.

Health and Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit promotes peace of mind and allows quick attention to common travel ailments.

Kit Contents

Band-aids, sanitizing wipes, pain relievers.
Anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts, allergy medication.
Any personal specific medications you routinely use.

Medication and Prevention

Carry all prescription medications in their original packaging. A doctor's note (English and Chinese) is a good idea. Ensure a reasonable quantity for your trip duration.

Preventative Measures

Over-the-counter cold, flu, and stomach remedies.
Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin for summer months.
High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Special Health Needs

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness remedies are good for long coach or train journeys.
Yiwu itself is not at high altitude, so altitude sickness remedies are not a need for the city.
Ways to make water safe to drink are generally not a need if using bottled or boiled water.

Personal Hygiene

Specific brands of toiletries, feminine hygiene products may be harder to find.
Bring enough personal hygiene essentials for your trip duration.
Hotels typically provide basic toiletries.

Activity-Specific Equipment

General Activities

Yiwu is mainly a business destination. Specialized gear for outdoor adventures is generally not a need. Comfortable walking shoes are good.

No specialized gear beyond walking shoes.
For light hiking, suitable footwear and clothing.
Rental options for specific outdoor equipment are limited.
Most items for a Yiwu trip are best brought from home.

Market Sourcing Tools

Specific items enhance your market experience. A small trolley or foldable shopping bag is very valuable for carrying samples.

Small trolley or sturdy, foldable shopping bag.
Business cards (English/Chinese) for networking.
Notebook and pens for detailed notes.
Measuring tape/scale for verifying product details.

Photography Gear

A compact camera or a good smartphone camera usually covers necessities for general taking pictures in the bazaars.

Compact camera or quality smartphone.
Respect privacy when photographing individuals.
No need for extensive professional camera setups.
Consider lightweight gear for ease of movement.

Activity Notes and Packing

Efficiency for Market Visits

Bringing your own business-specific tools saves time.
Being prepared for extensive walking is important.
Good organization supports a productive market visit.

General Gear Planning

Renting specialized outdoor gear locally is not common.
Focus on practicality for a business-oriented trip.
Tailor your equipment to your specific business activities.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort and Security

Beyond the essentials, a few extra items contribute to comfort, security, and convenience during your Yiwu visit.

Travel Comfort

Neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs for long journeys.
Small locks for luggage, money belt for valuables, RFID-blocking wallet.
These items offer peace of mind in crowded areas, though Yiwu is generally safe.
A sturdy carry-on bag for samples and purchases is a good choice.

Eco-Friendly and Local Support

Reusable Items

Reusable water bottle (refill with bottled or boiled water).
Reusable shopping bag (essential for market visits).
Reusable utensils (if you plan to eat street food).
These choices support responsible tourism.

Region-Specific Essentials

Power Bank

For devices charged during market days.

Vpn

A must for accessing international services.

Offline Maps

For navigation when internet is slow.

Translation Apps

For communication assistance.

Local Availability of Items

Hard-to-Find Items

Specific health supplements or particular brands of medications.
Certain types of deodorant or specialized skincare items.
Unique clothing sizes or styles may be less common.

Expensive Local Purchases

Bringing enough of these items for your entire trip is a good practice.
Avoid potentially higher local prices for specific imported goods.
Local alternatives might not meet specific preferences.

Packing Smart

Pack light but pack smart. Comfort is highly valuable for navigating Yiwu's extensive markets. Good walking footwear and a reliable power bank make a significant difference in your daily experience.

This strategic approach to packing helps your visit to Yiwu.

What to Pack for Yiwu