Guilin Packing Tips
Savvy Packing Tips for Guilin
Guilin Packing Advice
These are some packing tips that I’ve drawn from years of traveling and living in Guilin. They are mainly items people tend to overlook, are hard to buy locally, and specific advice on clothes, as well as the stuff you shouldn’t forget!
I first came to live in China in 1995, traveling extensively throughout China with colleagues and friends. I learned quickly that a little preparation and forewarning goes a long way towards a more enjoyable trip.
I hope you find these tips useful.
I first came to live in China in 1995, traveling extensively throughout China with colleagues and friends. I learned quickly that a little preparation and forewarning goes a long way towards a more enjoyable trip.
I hope you find these tips useful.
How Light Should You Pack?
I hate overpacking, but forgetting something can be equally frustrating, especially as a photographer. It is wise to pack light, especially if your photography tour has a route that frequently changes hotels, or if you will stay in a hotel on top of the rice terraces or using the train in China.
I recommend you pack a smaller overnight bag or a weekend bag for some parts of your photo tour. I will come to this shortly, and provide advice on what clothes to bring in the check-in bag section.
I recommend you pack a smaller overnight bag or a weekend bag for some parts of your photo tour. I will come to this shortly, and provide advice on what clothes to bring in the check-in bag section.
How are you Travelling within China?
If you are taking a train, taxis, or subway with your luggage, I recommend you try to bring one medium size roller suitcase per person, and a backpack for your camera. Ensure you have locks.
Train stations in China have many stairs. The underground tunnels out to the trains, and bridges between some platforms mean you often have several flights of stairs to climb, often without escalators. So you need to be able to manage that case up and down many stairs. The elevators or escalators are often turned off, along with the air-conditioning.
Taxis in China are small by US/UK/AUS standards, and due to a growing number having a gas tank fitted in the trunk(boot to us British ;) luggage space is at a premium. When travelling with friends, I've spent hours crammed in small taxis, with my bag acting as my airbag, which sometimes I am grateful for :)
Train stations in China have many stairs. The underground tunnels out to the trains, and bridges between some platforms mean you often have several flights of stairs to climb, often without escalators. So you need to be able to manage that case up and down many stairs. The elevators or escalators are often turned off, along with the air-conditioning.
Taxis in China are small by US/UK/AUS standards, and due to a growing number having a gas tank fitted in the trunk(boot to us British ;) luggage space is at a premium. When travelling with friends, I've spent hours crammed in small taxis, with my bag acting as my airbag, which sometimes I am grateful for :)
Carry-on Packing List & Tips
How much can your carry-on bag weight?
The snag is you are typically only allowed 5 to 8KG these days, but I’ve never had my carry-on bag checked or stopped at the gate, despite packing 8-10KG. If you are a photographer like me, you probably want to carry as much as possible in your carry-on. So I use a F-stop Loka UL camera backpack, and although it's slightly overweight when loaded, I figure I can always pull the laptop out and put my external drives in my coat pocket to reduce it to an acceptable 5-8KG range, in a worst case situation. If you can stay within the 5K-7K it would be best, but have a plan B.
The snag is you are typically only allowed 5 to 8KG these days, but I’ve never had my carry-on bag checked or stopped at the gate, despite packing 8-10KG. If you are a photographer like me, you probably want to carry as much as possible in your carry-on. So I use a F-stop Loka UL camera backpack, and although it's slightly overweight when loaded, I figure I can always pull the laptop out and put my external drives in my coat pocket to reduce it to an acceptable 5-8KG range, in a worst case situation. If you can stay within the 5K-7K it would be best, but have a plan B.
Carry-on Packing List
- Cameras and Lens
- Batteries must be in the carry-on - unless in the device. So no spare ones in the check-in bags.
- Laptop, Tablet, Phone, USB Drives
- Chargers, power packs and international adaptors
- Medicine (scroll down to read about fake meds in China)
- Change of clothes, just in case your check-in bag is delayed
Western sizes are very hard to find in Guilin. - Mini wash kit in a small zip-lock bag, fluids under 100ml
- Antibacterial hand gel and tissues.
Chinese toilets almost always lack soap and toilet paper - If you have an expensive tripod ball head, I recommend you carry it on, checking the tripod
- Glasses & Contacts
Security Tips
Expect to unpack everything
During 2014 and 2016, in many of China's airports I had to remove every camera, lens, hard drive and all batteries for inspection. I was using six plastic trays, it can be a real hassle, especially with the population of China pressuring you from behind. So if you’re travelling with a lot of photographic equipment, it's wise to be at the airport in good time and be ready for some 'mafan', that's Chinese for hassle.
Train stations also have X-rays, but I have never had to unpack or open a bag. Seems they are not so concerned about electronics; I guess they are looking for weapons. This can cause a bottle neck at most stations main door, so also allow time for entering the building, especially during rush hour or holidays.
During 2014 and 2016, in many of China's airports I had to remove every camera, lens, hard drive and all batteries for inspection. I was using six plastic trays, it can be a real hassle, especially with the population of China pressuring you from behind. So if you’re travelling with a lot of photographic equipment, it's wise to be at the airport in good time and be ready for some 'mafan', that's Chinese for hassle.
Train stations also have X-rays, but I have never had to unpack or open a bag. Seems they are not so concerned about electronics; I guess they are looking for weapons. This can cause a bottle neck at most stations main door, so also allow time for entering the building, especially during rush hour or holidays.
Batteries on Flights
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Batteries must display the battery capacity
When flying it is essential that your battery shows the mAh value on the surface. If it does not sometimes airport security staff will confiscate it, at least in China. Please be aware some of those portable battery chargers do not show the capacity, but normally camera batteries all have stickers showing mAh. Batteries in carry-on or check-in luggage? You will need to check the regulations at Check-in from your airport of origin. On China domestic flight they ask you to pack your batteries in the carry-on. Here's a photo of some batteries on my desk, so you can clearly see what's ok and not > |
You should protect the terminals or place each battery into a small ziplock bag.
Here's a photo we made so you can be absolutely clear on this... 
Battery Packing Regulations
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How many batteries can you carry
The Chinese Aviation Authority CAAC has no stipulation on the total number of batteries, neither do we see that on the Shanghai or Guilin airport websites. At least at the time of writing this.
Some check-in desks within China display an infographic showing the number of camera batteries, external batteries and it totals a huge value, other regulations seem to indicate you can have 'a total capacity not exceeding 100 WH'.
The Chinese Aviation Authority CAAC has no stipulation on the total number of batteries, neither do we see that on the Shanghai or Guilin airport websites. At least at the time of writing this.
Some check-in desks within China display an infographic showing the number of camera batteries, external batteries and it totals a huge value, other regulations seem to indicate you can have 'a total capacity not exceeding 100 WH'.
The websites of official airports in China that do contain advice and specific information seem most concerned about your external battery packs. Beijing Airport reported 3 explosions of these last year, so they are paranoid about these "battery banks", meaning portable battery chargers.
It's probably best to go with the advice that 'a battery cannot have a power rating more than 100 WH', which is large. I think it safer to assume your batteries should not exceed a total value combined of 100 Wh.
In our experience (and all clients, who mainly come from Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong) we fly with our batteries in carry-on. We always do this, we each carry 5-6 Nikon batteries, these are 1900 mAh 7v so 14Wh each and a few for GoPro. So that’s a total of about 85 Wh. We have never had anyone count or calculate our total batteries Wh value, and once we forget to cover the terminals :( and got lucky.
You should ensure the plastic terminal protector is on. If you don’t have those put each battery in its own ziplock bag. The security staff are concerned about contacts creating a spark.
It's probably best to go with the advice that 'a battery cannot have a power rating more than 100 WH', which is large. I think it safer to assume your batteries should not exceed a total value combined of 100 Wh.
In our experience (and all clients, who mainly come from Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong) we fly with our batteries in carry-on. We always do this, we each carry 5-6 Nikon batteries, these are 1900 mAh 7v so 14Wh each and a few for GoPro. So that’s a total of about 85 Wh. We have never had anyone count or calculate our total batteries Wh value, and once we forget to cover the terminals :( and got lucky.
You should ensure the plastic terminal protector is on. If you don’t have those put each battery in its own ziplock bag. The security staff are concerned about contacts creating a spark.
Recharging your Camera Batteries on the Trip
Guilin often has places to recharge your batteries at lunch, and every evening. Most clients would be safe with 2 batteries a day; although clients shooting with Sony A7’s seem to burned through batteries a lot faster, often using 3-4 a day if bracketing shots. So if you're using mirrorless I would say bring at least 4 batteries, but you would know your own camera power situation better.
Medicine to Bring
Please bring any medicine you may need, including Aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, Imodium and some fast-acting liquid capsule pain killers, or cold and flu meds. Western brand medicine is impossible to find, and fake meds are a real problem in China, even with Chinese brands, even within hospitals.
We've found Chinese medication not so effective, after taking one drug we noticed the microgram of the pills and the recommended dose was 400% less than in the UK. Stick to what you know and trust!
We've found Chinese medication not so effective, after taking one drug we noticed the microgram of the pills and the recommended dose was 400% less than in the UK. Stick to what you know and trust!
Guilin Mosquitos, Malaria, Sun, and Drinking Water Safety
Guilin Mosquito Precautions
Please bring some mosquito repellent; you can find it in most shops. We recommend a spray or wipes.
Are you worried about malaria? Guilin is not a hot zone, in fact, we’ve never met a tourist or expat who has taken anti-malarial. However, we strongly recommend you check with your local doctor or travel clinic and follow their recommendations. Again, this is at the time of writing, we don't expect it to change. It's been like this for the 8 years we've been living here.
Bit/Sting Relief Wipes - Get some after-bite wipes, our clients and guides have found them very effective. Since you will likely be setting up a tripod in the riverbed, or out on a motor raft, so it is possible you might get a few bites.
These are popular types that we find work well for us:
US Links:
Safetec Insect Relief Wipes Amazon US
Jungle Formula After Bite Relief Spray
AfterBite Pen Amazon US and also many outdoor brands
UK Links:
Saving Bites and Sting Pain Relief Cream Amazon UK
Jungle Formula After Bite Relief Spray
AfterBite Pen Amazon UK
Are you worried about malaria? Guilin is not a hot zone, in fact, we’ve never met a tourist or expat who has taken anti-malarial. However, we strongly recommend you check with your local doctor or travel clinic and follow their recommendations. Again, this is at the time of writing, we don't expect it to change. It's been like this for the 8 years we've been living here.
Bit/Sting Relief Wipes - Get some after-bite wipes, our clients and guides have found them very effective. Since you will likely be setting up a tripod in the riverbed, or out on a motor raft, so it is possible you might get a few bites.
These are popular types that we find work well for us:
US Links:
Safetec Insect Relief Wipes Amazon US
Jungle Formula After Bite Relief Spray
AfterBite Pen Amazon US and also many outdoor brands
UK Links:
Saving Bites and Sting Pain Relief Cream Amazon UK
Jungle Formula After Bite Relief Spray
AfterBite Pen Amazon UK
Suncream
This is essential for high UV days on the river in summer months. We recommend one that’s waterproof and with a high SPF value, due to the humidity.
Guilin Water
You will need to drink boiled water or buy bottled water. We provide free bottled water in the car. A small bottle of water costs a maximum of 5 RMB (CNY) (that’s under a dollar, often just 2-3 RMB, that's just 50 cents, 30p British Pence. It's easy to find in most places.
Check-in Baggage Packing Tips
Tip: We like to write our destination hotel on A4 paper in large letters in your check in bag with our mobile and email address on it.
In my experience, domestic flights often only attach the check-in luggage label, not bothering with those small bar code stickers. It's inconsistent, like most things in China. I have had a bag go missing because the tag or my suitcase handle broke off. So it’s a good idea to put your name, email on a piece of A4 paper inside your check-in bag. This tip has saved our bacon once.
Tip: Tripod Packing
We have a limited supply of reasonable quality ($200-300) dollar emergency tripods for clients, but please do not rely on these. There is nothing like using a tripod you’re used to, especially in low-light and dark situations.
Please pack your tripod very well, wrap it in clothes or bubble wrap. We recommend you detach expensive tripod heads and pack it in well in your clothes.
In my experience, domestic flights often only attach the check-in luggage label, not bothering with those small bar code stickers. It's inconsistent, like most things in China. I have had a bag go missing because the tag or my suitcase handle broke off. So it’s a good idea to put your name, email on a piece of A4 paper inside your check-in bag. This tip has saved our bacon once.
Tip: Tripod Packing
We have a limited supply of reasonable quality ($200-300) dollar emergency tripods for clients, but please do not rely on these. There is nothing like using a tripod you’re used to, especially in low-light and dark situations.
Please pack your tripod very well, wrap it in clothes or bubble wrap. We recommend you detach expensive tripod heads and pack it in well in your clothes.
Footwear
Bringing 20 dollar sandals can give you better angles and shots than even a $2000 dollar lens can!
Bring good shoes and sandals that have good grip, and that can get wet! You might like to stand in the Li River during out cormorant fisherman shoot. The river bed and stones can be very slippy, plus you have tripods and amazing subject matter, you'll be distracted, so any thing that helps maintain grip is idea.
Often a better shot or angle is obtained standing in the river. We can even set up tripods out in the river. So wearing 20 dollar sandals can give you better angles and shots than even a $2000 dollar lens can!
Even away from the river your footwear might get very muddy and wet, especially if it rains heavily on the days you are at the Longji rice terraces, or out in the more remote countryside areas, standing in a paddy field. So it’s essential to have at least one change of shoes. If your coming in the rainy season even the city centre walking street can have large puddles, so you’ll be glad of any waterproof or Gore-tex shoes. Although many just decide to get wet and use technical outdoor sandals, thong to our Aussie readers.
We recommend a supportive technical hiking shoe, light breathable outdoor shoes. We prefer the lighter trail running shoes as they are not so hot. e.g. Salomon, North Face, summer hiking or trail running shoes.
The main thing is to remember to bring a couple of lightweight shoes that are not too hot and very comfortable. They need to be stable enough to hike on rock, sand or muddy trails.
In the winter, any hiking shoes are suitable.
Often a better shot or angle is obtained standing in the river. We can even set up tripods out in the river. So wearing 20 dollar sandals can give you better angles and shots than even a $2000 dollar lens can!
Even away from the river your footwear might get very muddy and wet, especially if it rains heavily on the days you are at the Longji rice terraces, or out in the more remote countryside areas, standing in a paddy field. So it’s essential to have at least one change of shoes. If your coming in the rainy season even the city centre walking street can have large puddles, so you’ll be glad of any waterproof or Gore-tex shoes. Although many just decide to get wet and use technical outdoor sandals, thong to our Aussie readers.
We recommend a supportive technical hiking shoe, light breathable outdoor shoes. We prefer the lighter trail running shoes as they are not so hot. e.g. Salomon, North Face, summer hiking or trail running shoes.
The main thing is to remember to bring a couple of lightweight shoes that are not too hot and very comfortable. They need to be stable enough to hike on rock, sand or muddy trails.
In the winter, any hiking shoes are suitable.
What Clothes to pack for Guilin?
Winter
If travelling in winter, bring a hat, scarf and gloves plus warm long thermal base layers, as it can be bitterly cold from December to February. If there is a cold spell combined with the rain and the wind and it can feel very cold and damp. Even 10 degrees can feel more like zero, so don’t be fooled by the Av. temperature charts.
It is best to bring clothes that you can layer, as some days the difference between morning and daytime temperatures can be up to 10 degrees.
Spring and Autumn
Please bring a waterproof light jacket, if you have one, as it rains a lot of the time, and a small compact umbrella to protect your kit if it suddenly rains.
Summer
During hot weeks in spring and all of the summer months (June-Mid September) pack lightweight stay-cool technical clothing, if you have it. The high humidity in Guilin can make drying clothes difficult, and the smaller hotels have no washing services.
Tip: We’ve been climbing up Guilin's mountains with heavy camera bags for years, so we've got through a lot of hiking kit, trying many technical outdoor t-shirts. Even a 25-35 degree day can feel a lot hotter, due to the high humidity. Some of these mountains have more than a thousand steps, so it's essential to bring some cool clothes.
This is our clothing experience:
Beware the ’stay dry’ clothing. To us it feels much hotter and although the fabric isn't wet your body can’t breath under it. It’s very easy to end up overheating.
After trying many types of standard clothing, we spent the cash on North Face (NF) and Adidas, stay dry, but also wicking and breathable; extra breathable where you need it, and works well. I particularly like the body-mapped ventilation, as show in the Ampere t-shirt video link by NF.
To give you a clear example, t-shirts like the NF Cool Horizon polo, the Hydry polo, Ampere t-shirt, are ideal. The GTD and Better than Naked range are ideal also for trail runner types among you.
Some brands like Adidas also have a Stay Cool range. We have found these to also be really good, with a micro perforations like the North Face. Both can be easily be washed at night in a hotel sink and are normally nearly dry by morning.
I am sure you can find good advice on hiking and running sites. The main thing is on a very humid 35oC 95-100oF day, it's best to have the option of something cool and comfortable, as these mountains have a lot of steps! You can read more about how difficult are Guilin's mountains to climb.
Laundry Facilities
As we mention above the laundry facilities outside of international 5 star chains is limited, and slower. The photo trips we design are created for your particular dates, designed to maximise your time. So on a short tour it's likely you'll change hotel, and this makes using external laundry services unfeasible. Although some quality boutique hotels do offer this, e.g Tea Cozy.
If travelling in winter, bring a hat, scarf and gloves plus warm long thermal base layers, as it can be bitterly cold from December to February. If there is a cold spell combined with the rain and the wind and it can feel very cold and damp. Even 10 degrees can feel more like zero, so don’t be fooled by the Av. temperature charts.
It is best to bring clothes that you can layer, as some days the difference between morning and daytime temperatures can be up to 10 degrees.
Spring and Autumn
Please bring a waterproof light jacket, if you have one, as it rains a lot of the time, and a small compact umbrella to protect your kit if it suddenly rains.
Summer
During hot weeks in spring and all of the summer months (June-Mid September) pack lightweight stay-cool technical clothing, if you have it. The high humidity in Guilin can make drying clothes difficult, and the smaller hotels have no washing services.
Tip: We’ve been climbing up Guilin's mountains with heavy camera bags for years, so we've got through a lot of hiking kit, trying many technical outdoor t-shirts. Even a 25-35 degree day can feel a lot hotter, due to the high humidity. Some of these mountains have more than a thousand steps, so it's essential to bring some cool clothes.
This is our clothing experience:
Beware the ’stay dry’ clothing. To us it feels much hotter and although the fabric isn't wet your body can’t breath under it. It’s very easy to end up overheating.
After trying many types of standard clothing, we spent the cash on North Face (NF) and Adidas, stay dry, but also wicking and breathable; extra breathable where you need it, and works well. I particularly like the body-mapped ventilation, as show in the Ampere t-shirt video link by NF.
To give you a clear example, t-shirts like the NF Cool Horizon polo, the Hydry polo, Ampere t-shirt, are ideal. The GTD and Better than Naked range are ideal also for trail runner types among you.
Some brands like Adidas also have a Stay Cool range. We have found these to also be really good, with a micro perforations like the North Face. Both can be easily be washed at night in a hotel sink and are normally nearly dry by morning.
I am sure you can find good advice on hiking and running sites. The main thing is on a very humid 35oC 95-100oF day, it's best to have the option of something cool and comfortable, as these mountains have a lot of steps! You can read more about how difficult are Guilin's mountains to climb.
Laundry Facilities
As we mention above the laundry facilities outside of international 5 star chains is limited, and slower. The photo trips we design are created for your particular dates, designed to maximise your time. So on a short tour it's likely you'll change hotel, and this makes using external laundry services unfeasible. Although some quality boutique hotels do offer this, e.g Tea Cozy.
Packing List Final Thoughts
I hope you find this useful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us any time.
Andy & Mia
- The key for tightening your tripod plate or legs
- Cleaning cloths and a lens blower. The area can be quite dusty
- Zip-lock bags can save you thousands of dollars, if your bag leaks or a lens rolls out
- Spare memory cards in case of failure or loss.
The only place, to buy the size and speed you need, is in Guilin city. - Head lamp.
- If you don't have one, please let us know, and we will try to arrange one of our complimentary models for you to use.
- Waterproof rain cover for your backpack
- Compact Umbrella
- If you like particular coffee, please bring some with you.
- Chocolate or a Snack you enjoy.
There are only a few you can buy in Guilin; only Snickers or Dove in larger shops. - Tissues, Hand Gell as we mentioned previously.
- Photocopy of your passport in a separate place or with a friend, just in case of it being lost. Please remember if you store it on Dropbox or Gmail those services are blocked in China.
- Travel insurance full details, including T&C
- Credit card, for the unlikely event of requiring medial care.
- Camera and lens rain cover, disposable type covers are great.
I hope you find this useful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us any time.
Andy & Mia
