What to wear in China

[rosewater09]

I am going to China in October and would love any tips on what I should pack (to look stylish but cultural and weather appropriate). I will be hiking the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, and I am trying to figure out what I should be wearing for this too because I don't want to be too hot or too cold.

TIA.

I'm not sure what the weather's like in October, I've only been in summer - they dress pretty much the same as here, shorts can be super short but they don't tend to show cleavage and you might get odd looks if you do. So basically, anything but nothing too booby.

The Great Wall is a LOT of steps, it looks like an easy walk in the photos but it is essentially mountain climbing for a few hours! So I would wear trainers, sports clothes and bring a lot of water 😁 It's stunning though, and the country is amazing, so enjoy!

Excellent advice Yolo, thank you.

My family lived in China for 15 years so I've done the Great Wall loads. Basically wear what you wear if you were hiking anywhere. Parts of the wall are very very steep.

I agree. Comfy trainers, preferably walking ones - definitely not the likes of converse. Light layers as depending on the weather it can be very warm or freezing.

A winters day in Beijing once made me cry I was so cold. Never known cold like it.

October should be nice though. Enjoy it, it's an incredible country

October is the best time of year to visit Beijing IME. Summer is so hot I can't leave my hotel room, winter is so cold I can't leave my hotel room, and Spring is a tad smoggy, apparently.

Yes to no boobs, but as much leg as you want. It's probably cold enough some days for leggings or trousers, but if it's early October, it might still be quite warm. Definitely wear VERY comfy shoes. When I went, I wore shorts and a t-shirt, with a light jacket and spare leggings in the bag, but I overheat quite easily.

Early October is the tail end of mosquito season, so if you're lucky, you should miss out on the mosquitoes. If it rains, there are plenty of locals selling rain ponchos, but like the water, prices at the Great Wall were extortionate.

I dress conservatively and wear the same things I would wear at home for the same weather conditions.

You'll want to be in and out of any public loos as quickly as possible so wear something that won't hinder you and always have tissues with you.

If you are shopping and wear anything with a brand logo on it you will be hassled by hawkers trying to sell you fakes of the brand name.

Was in China same time of year in 2017. It was usually jeans and light jacket weather in the Beijing area. Hiked the great wall in nike trainers, jeans and uniqlo featherweight puffer, just the right amount of layers!

Will you be visiting Shanghai? If so, be warned - when it rains, it RAINS! Although when it's also 30+ degrees this can be tricky!!! Just make sure you have waterproof shoes and a light raincoat! Again, I recommend uniqlo.

Everyone is so helpful with my question, thank you!

Foggy: I love the idea of bringing a pair of leggings with me in my bag during the day to throw on under a dress. Mosquitos love me, so I will make sure to pack repellent.

Cob: I have been worried about the public situation, I will try to wear as many dresses as possible to avoid issues with squat loos.

Lena: Do you think wearing yoga leggings, a lightweight short sleeve top, Nike trainers and then carrying a fleece and rain jacket in my backpack will work for the Great Wall?

A winters day in Beijing once made me cry I was so cold. Never known cold like it.

I was there one Christmas and didn't want to get off the coach! My aunt had said to pack warm things but I was not used to ever feeling cold before. She had silk long johns under her trousers and was fine. Like the above poster I was nearly crying with the cold. Yes the loos are mainly not good.