Good planning is the best way to begin any trip. Knowing what to pack and how pack it are important steps in your planning. Following is a list of suggested items culled from expert sources on the internet.

-- small locks for luggage/backpacks (Make sure they say TSA approved or they may be cut off if your bags need to be searched.)
-- easily identifiable luggage tags
-- suitcases (Remember: You really need to consider packing in a duffel bag due to limited space on the trains.)
-- daypack (backpacks not recommended due to ease of theft)
-- poncho or raincoat (If your coat is not water-resistant/proof)
-- SMALL travel umbrella (If you don’t have a raincoat.)
-- two pair of good walking shoes (Make sure they are broken-in.)
-- WATCH (You MUST have a WATCH. MAKE SURE you have a WATCH.)
-- sunglasses
-- lip balm
-- sunscreen
-- small tube of toothpaste
-- two toothbrushes (in case you lose one)
-- comb and/or hair brush
-- small bottle of shampoo/conditioner
-- small antiperspirant
-- medium sized bar of soap in a zip-lock or soap container
-- powdered detergent in heavy duty zip-lock (You may prefer liquid---put in a bottle)
-- several cheap razors or one nice one with extra blades
-- moisturizing drops for the eyes
-- hand lotion
-- earplugs – two pairs
-- sleep mask (for plane)
-- inflatable travel pillow
-- good book/magazines
-- Ipod with CHARGER!
-- small spiral notepad
-- pens
-- 5x7 index card(s) with essential words and phrases for foreign language
-- traveler’s checks
-- list of serial numbers of traveler’s checks on index card
-- credit card- Visa or Master Card is best (Must have I.D. to use - NOT PASSPORT)
-- cash in home currency – about $100-$200 U.S. dollars
-- ATM card (“Cirrus” and/or “Plus”) - try to take two in case one gets eaten
-- phone card with overseas numbers
-- phone numbers and addresses on index card or gummed address labels (for postcards)
-- compass
-- small flashlight
-- small calculator (or currency calculator)
-- small travel alarm clock with loud obnoxious beeper
-- camera with CHARGER!
-- spare memory cards/sticks for camera
-- extra camera battery
-- travel itinerary
-- first-aid kit (band-aids, anti-biotic, etc. PEPTO BISMOL!!)
-- handi-wipes
-- packages of kleenex (just in case you are caught without T.P.—according to travel sites, many public restrooms in China DO NOT have ANY T.P.!)
-- extra zip-lock bags of various sizes
-- mesh or plastic bags for dirty/wet clothes
-- Plenty of contact solution
-- Contact lenses and prescription---more than one pair
-- Two pairs of glasses
-- Clothes pins
-- Advise credit cards and banks of travel abroad
-- Put a hold on mail
-- Batteries
-- Cardboard (for packing pictures)
-- Detergent
-- Stain wipes
-- Insect repellent
-- Post-its
-- Highlighters
-- Lanyard
-- Address labels
-- Neck wallet
-- Zip ties
-- Hand sanitizer
-- Duct tape
-- Tissue paper
-- Sturdy box (for breakable souvenirs)
-- Itinerary and name inside suitcase
-- Binoculars
-- Small—but thoughtful—gifts for Chinese friends/guides/instructors/etc.

Make two copies of your passport, driver's license, and credit cards before leaving home. Leave one set of copies in a safe place in your hotel. If anything happens to your passport, etc. you’ll have the copies to use in case of emergency. Leave the other copies with a friend or family member at home.