The first rule of thumb is to bring only what you personally can carry.  Remember that the rigors of travel in China may require you to carry your luggage up stairs and through train stations, lift it onto buses, and in extreme cases, even hold it on your lap.  Not only will excess luggage prove to be cumbersome to you; it may slow down your entire team as well.  Most travelers to China carry less luggage each time they return!

Don't feel compelled to bring a fresh outfit for each day.  Many of the hotels provide adequate to excellent laundry service for reasonable prices.  Hand washing is also a possibility.  As you prepare your wardrobe, give priority to outfits that will travel well and are easily laundered.   Don't bring any garment that you consider to be irreplaceable.

Because electric plugs differ from location to location in China, be sure to bring international adapter plugs (check the package to make sure it can be used in China) if you require a hairdryer, or other electric appliance.  Also, bring only appliances that will work on 220 voltage. 

Because temperatures vary drastically within the huge country of China, it is advisable to check the temperature forecasts for your destinations prior to leaving the U.S.  Although some sources such as travel books may give general indicators, a weather web page would be more likely to give specific indicators for the weeks that you will be traveling. Click here for current weather in Guiyang and other Miao areas.

In colder weather, layering of clothes is the key. Be sure to pack some long underwear.   Warm slacks are necessary, and in fact, skirts are seldom seen in some parts of China during the cold of winter.  A jacket and boots will be a comfort.  Don’t forget heavy socks, warm gloves, sweaters, scarves, and head coverings.

In warmer weather, garments that are loose and comfortable are preferable.  Hose are optional.  Remember that some of the buses, classrooms, and other locations may not have air conditioning.  But remember also that modesty is important.  Steer away from tank tops, short shorts, and any other garments that might be considered revealing. 

Since you will be walking long distances and climbing lots of stairs, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.

Because you may have communal bathing facilities or a bath on the hall, you may want to bring a robe for cover up and "flip-flops" for the shower.

It is best to never bring anything that requires dry cleaning.

Leave expensive jewelry at home.  Plan on carrying any jewelry that you bring on your person at all times.  Loud, flashy clothing that will call attention to yourself is best left at home.

Depending on the nature of your volunteer project, casual dress is generally acceptable.     However, persons who are involved in teaching projects or cultural exchange projects might want to bring one dress shirt and tie (men) and one pair of hose (women) for the inevitable welcome banquet.  High heels are unnecessary.

In the classroom, women teachers should wear mostly skirts and blouses.  Dress slacks are also acceptable, although jeans or shorts would not be.  Men teachers should opt for long pants and sport shirts.  Conservative shorts, tee shirts, and modest sundresses may be appropriate outside of the classroom, depending on the activity.

Any medications that you normally take

Medicine to treat diarrhea

Mild pain killer such as aspirin or ibuprofen

Insect repellent

One or two disposable syringes

Medicine to treat colds and pollution allergies

Feminine hygiene products if needed

Small packets of tissue paper for use as toilet paper

Antibacterial hand-wipes or gel

Any regular toiletries

Disposable chopsticks

Your camera.  Also bring film for slides if preferred.  Film for photos is readily available.

Pictures of your family, church, community, holiday celebrations, etc. that can be used in teaching and in sharing with new friends.  But don't bring any photos that you consider to be irreplaceable.

A small supply of Bibles, evangelistic tracts, and Jesus films. Be sure and check with your trip coordinator for details about how and where to give these out.

Name cards containing an e-mail address or other contact information that can be left with new friends with whom you want to continue to communicate.

Small gifts for your students and new friends.  Think in terms of something very lightweight, but meaningful such as pens with a scripture written on the side or bookmarks.

Conversation starter items such as something you have made by hand or a unique key chain.