What to Pack for Your China Adventure

The following packing list contains general recommendations for a China panda bear tour. If you are currently booked on a China trip with Nat Hab, please consult your pre-departure materials for the most up-to-date packing list specific to your trip, as packing recommendations vary based on the season. You will receive these pre-departure materials 60-90 days before your departure.

Adventure Guidelines

• During our adventure, you can expect early spring or late fall weather similar to that in the northeastern part of the U.S. Lighter weight clothes may be appropriate during the day, especially while in Chengdu. But you will need a jacket or heavy fleece in the mornings and at night, particularly during March/early April or November departures, which may encounter snow at higher elevations.
• Spring and fall are often rainy, especially in the southern areas of China. Waterproof rain gear is essential for this adventure. Be sure to pack it in your carry-on luggage.
• We encourage you to take local attitudes toward modesty into account. Your style of dress will, in part, determine your acceptance by, and interaction with, local people. Always check with your guide concerning proper dress code for the day’s activities.

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
•  Additional cloth face coverings
  —We recommend bringing a few more face coverings of your own. Silk, wool or polypropylene long underwear for layering (tops & bottoms)
• Lightweight, breathable, waterproof rain jacket 
  —Your jacket should have a hood and be completely waterproof, not just water-resistant.
• Waterproof rain pants
  —Again, your pants should be completely waterproof.
  
• Warm fleece jacket 
• Hiking boots
  —Bring water-resistant or waterproof boots with good traction and sturdy ankle support. They should be broken in prior to your departure to prevent blisters.
• Socks
  —Bring socks made of wool or other moisture-wicking material. Cotton socks are not recommended for longer walks.
  
• Hat and gloves 
  —It can get cold at higher elevations.
  
• Sun hat (with brim for protection) 
• 3–4 short-sleeved shirts 
• 2–3 long-sleeved shirts 
• 2–3 pairs of comfortable long pants
  —Zip-off pants are also handy, as they are perfect for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
• 1–2 pairs of shorts
  —Shorts will generally not be needed for early spring and late fall departures. They are also unnecessary if you are bringing zip-off pants.
• Extra pair of comfortable shoes (to wear after outdoor excursions)
• Long underwear
  —The mountainous regions can get quite cold. Note: these items may not be needed for late April/early May departures.
• Swimsuit (optional)
  —Some of our hotels have swimming pools.
  
  

Additional Items

• Cash
  —For discretionary gratuities. You may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation.
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use, or food and beverages not included in your trip fee)
  
• Small, water-resistant daypack (to carry gear during outings) 
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
  
• Binoculars
  —We highly recommend you bring binoculars on your adventure. For optimal viewing, we suggest those with specs between 10x42 and 8x42. You may even try 8x35, but only if they contain high quality glass. Practice using your binoculars before your trip to ensure they’re easy to hold and not too powerful.
• Headlamp
  —Depending on the weather, we may take night walks in some areas. We recommend a headlamp over a flashlight as it will allow you to keep your hands free while on these walks.
• Outlet adapter and/or power converter
• Sunglasses (Look for glasses with 100 percent UVA UVB protection)
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Earplugs
• Toiletries
  —Not all our accommodations offer toiletries. We recommend bringing your own.
• Toilet paper
  —As toilet paper is not often provided in public restrooms, we recommend bringing a roll with you and keeping it in your daypack. Remove the cardboard in the center of the roll so that it takes up less space when packing.
• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment (optional)
  —There are almost no biting insects on our trip, however, if you are sensitive to bug bites you may wish to bring this for our three days in the Wild Panda Reserve.
  
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF15)
• Anti-bacterial gel or towelettes
• Battery-operated alarm clock or wristwatch
• Small calculator (for currency conversion)
  
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  —Great for storing wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment from the elements.
• Washcloth
  —If you prefer to use a washcloth, we suggest bringing your own since they may not be provided by all accommodations.
• Hairdryers will be provided at all our accommodations