Recognised as one of the oldest civilisations in the world, Chinese culture fascinates far beyond our Western references. A vast country of nearly 10,000,000 km² made up of breathtaking landscapes and an extraordinary heritage, China also boasts a highly diverse population. Planning a trip to this country but not sure where to start when packing your bags? Let me guide you with outfit recommendations based on region and climate.
The climate in China
The sheer size of China means the climate varies greatly depending on which region you visit. Here is an overview:
Visiting Northern China
[caption id="attachment_7384" align="alignleft" width="300"]
The Great Wall of China © Jakub Ha?un[/caption]
The climate in this region is continental:
- Winters there are harsh, dry and sunny.
- Summers are hot. The monsoon can also sweep through the area.
- In spring and autumn, temperatures are mild and pleasant. However, sandstorms are possible around mid-April, particularly in the Beijing region.
Visiting Southern China This area is less harsh than the North but considerably more humid. The coastal regions have an oceanic climate.
Visiting the Silk Road The climate in this area is dry year-round. Summers are hot, sometimes scorching in desert regions, and winters are extremely cold. Temperature differences between day and night are very significant.
Visiting Tibet
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Panorama in Tibet © Frank Hackeschmidt[/caption]
In this region, temperatures vary enormously within the same day. In summer, daytime temperatures can reach 30°C, while nights can be very cold.
In winter, it is very cold. Rainfall is scarce, as this area is very arid.
For these regions, opt for the 3-layer system — as the day progresses, you can layer up and stay warm! Also choose lightweight garments and mosquito-repellent clothing to cope with the higher temperatures.
What to pack for a trip to China?
Hiking accessories
If you plan to hike for several days, I recommend heading out with a hiking pack. It will encourage you to travel light and make life much easier on multi-day hiking trips. After all, a backpack is far more practical than a wheeled suitcase!
If you want to explore the Great Wall of China or China's various mountain ranges on a multi-day hiking trip, I recommend taking hiking poles with you. Poles will take the strain off your back and joints during the effort. Moreover, using walking poles helps to transfer 30% of your weight to your arms. This will not only strengthen your legs, but also your shoulders and arms.
Choose them as light as possible so they do not hinder your walking, while also paying attention to the durability of your poles.
Hiking shoes
First of all, identify the planned activities on site (walk, hiking, trekking). Depending on your activity, you will need to choose the most suitable pair and often the most versatile. In any case, I recommend investing in good hiking shoes. They will provide proper ankle support. To help you choose them, consult the'article on this subject.Protecting yourself effectively from mosquitoes and disease
Several mosquito-borne diseases are present in China: malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and lymphatic filariasis. To fully enjoy your trip to China without worrying about mosquitoes, consider investing in mosquito-repellent clothing.
The Active'Dry fabric, made from chitin, is a natural, hypoallergenic material. These garments actively protect you from bites. Shirts, t-shirts, trousers — there are plenty of styles to choose from, so you'll easily find the one that suits you for a bite-free hiking trip!
Staying protected from the cold and wind
To keep out the cold, I recommend investing in thermal base layers to wear as a first layer, as well as fleece jackets. With these garments, you can face the cold with complete confidence! Some fleece styles also protect against wind. For example, the 3D Air Stop technology will shield you with its windproof membrane.
Book your tickets and set off to explore China!
