Chongqing average temperatures are in the 50s. When spring is yielding to summer there are lots of night showers. This city is also known for its famous "night rain in the Ba Mountains".
Packing Tips
- Mini packets of tissue paper as most restaurants do not provide napkins and nor do public bathrooms provide toilet paper.
- Small packs of wet wipes for cleaning sticky or dirty hands during trips. (Do not try to clean your sticky fingers with your tongue - you might get more than you bargained for!)
- Electrical adapter plugs to enable US plugs to be used for multi-voltage appliances.
- 240v to 110v power converter: for electrical appliances that are NOT multi voltage. Check that you have sufficient amperage. (Hair dryers are usually not supported by these devices)
- A travel or 240v travel hair dryer (if you really feel that you need one.)
- Your iPad, Macbook or Laptop for school and blogging, email, etc. All Apple power adapters are multi-voltage. Check non-apple power adapters to ensure that they won't burn up if plugged into 220/240 volt supplies.
- Camera, memory cards and batteries / or multi-voltage charger.
- Three to four 'wash and wear' casual outfits including jeans.
- One smart formal outfit for dinners, formal occaisions, etc.
- Comfortable walking shoes (please do not wear new shoes as we will be doing a lot of town walking).
- Good walking socks - (several pairs please so as not to offend your room mate).
- Hats and gloves. (Up at the Great Wall it can get VERY cold and windy).
- Water resistant winter coat, ski jacket, or warm outer layer. (Dress in layers)
- Personal toiletries.
- Surgical masks in case the poluted air in China agitates you - (or your room mates socks!)
- Sleepwear.
- Undergarments.
- Small container of washing power or liquid to wash out clothes in the hotel. Your host family will probably be able to assist you with washing outside of this, or take you to a launderette.
- A small gift or token of appreciation for your host family in Chongqing. Something unique to Colorado or the United States, (rather than something widely available and probably made in China anyway).
- Photographs of you and your family, where you live, your horse, your dog, etc. so that you can explain to your host family about yourself and what you like to do. They will be as interested in you as you are in them, if not more so given very limited access to information outside of China.
- A good book for all the flights and bus rides. Pillows are available on the long flights usually so no need to bring one with you. (Besides you'll be so tired on this trip you'll learn to sleep comfortably on a brick or a block of wood!)
- Elasticated blindfold and ear buds or noise cancelling headphones to help you get some sleep on the long haul flights.
- A small day pack for a spare jacket, fence or other layer, your camera, iPad, water bottle, etc. (Place valuables at the bottom or most secure area of your day pack to prevent theft on subway trains, public buses, etc.)
- A money belt for your valuables.
The Key to Successful Packing
- Pack light. Pack light. Pack light. You will have to carry what you bring for long distances on occasion.
- We have to learn to look presentable without hair dryers, curling tongs and all the accoutrements of a salon.
- Bring small bottles of shampoo and conditioner - you are only going for two weeks and probably won't be able to wash your hair every day anyway! Same with other toiletries. Small generic bottles can be purchased at Target, Wallmart, and many other stores. Mark generic bottles with their contents so you don't get confused.
- Dress in layers. That really thick sweater although very nice will not be your friend when it needs to be packed. Fleece is much easier.
- A sturdy backpack, or a small or medium sized wheeled suitcase will be best. You will need to be able to carry it over rough ground, and lift and carry it onto the bus. If you can't lift and carry it - its too heavy; rethink what you REALLY need and what can be removed.
- Leave space for souvenirs.
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| If you bring it - you need to carry it! |
Other Travel Tips
Cell phone data when roaming is usually VERY expensive. Turn off your cellular data before you board the flight out of the country. That way you won't have to roam in China while turning it off upon arrival. If you DO use cellular data in China, keep it to a minimum to avoid a $500+ roaming data bill when you return. You can usually connect your iPhone or other smartphone to available WiFi networks for data transmission for much cheaper than cellular data roaming charges.
