China Travel Forum

[Laura]

My partner and I will be travelling through China for about 4 weeks from Hong Kong to Beijing in late July -mid August (high summer).

I would like to dress in a culturally sensitive manner (without looking like a total dag) but not sure what to pack. Footwear in particular has got me stumped as I like to travel light and really would only like to have two pairs of footwear max.

I have read that ladies in China don't expose their feet and wear totally closed in shoes or if they do wear sandal-like shoes, they also wear socks. Is this really the case?ol and comfy while travelling, don't want to look scruffy but at the same ti

Are there any other things I should know like no sleeveless tops, skirt / pant length etc? I would like to stay come don't want a 30kg backpack either!

Any help much appreciated

[Lucy]

China has changed. It is a very modern place. Huge variety of course, but clothes are not an issue. Wear comfy clothes for the weather you expect. No one will be culturally shocked by what you wear. Generally, I felt my clothes were about 10 years out of date when I was in the South -Yunnan/Sechuan- and even more so now I'm in Beijing, the local girls are just SO fashionable and gorgeous! It was a surprise and quite a shock after Thailand, Malaysia, Loas, Cambodia and Indonesia, how modern this country is with regard to fashions! What you do not have to worry about is being attacked or mugged. In general it is a very safe and a delight to travel in from that perspective.
Wear what you want to wear, you will not offend anyone.
Good luck and have fun!