What to Pack for a Qinghai & Gansu Tour
A practical packing list for a Qinghai and Gansu tour — layers for altitude, sun protection for the plateau, and the small things people forget.
The plateau has one packing rule above all: layers. Days can be warm while mornings and evenings are cold, and the sun is strong even when the air is cool. Here is what to bring.
Clothing
- Layers: a base tee, a fleece or light down, and a windproof outer shell.
- Long trousers and a couple of warm pairs for evenings.
- A light down jacket even in summer — early mornings at altitude are cold.
- Comfortable walking shoes, plus sandals for hotel time.
- Modest clothing for religious sites (covered shoulders and knees).
Sun and skin
- High-SPF sunscreen — the plateau sun burns fast at 3,000 m+.
- Sunglasses with UV protection, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Lip balm — the air is very dry.
Health
- Any personal medication, enough for the whole trip.
- Rehydration salts and a basic first-aid kit.
- We carry oxygen and a pulse oximeter; you need not bring your own.
The small things people forget
- A power bank — long driving days drain your phone.
- A universal adapter (China uses type A/C/I plugs).
- Cash in small notes for roadside stalls.
- A refillable water bottle; hot water is easy to find.
What you do not need
Heavy hiking boots, formal wear, or a suitcase full of outfits. This is a road trip through big landscapes — practical beats stylish. Read the full Before You Go guide.
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