Trip planning & packing

Real lovers of travel will always choose independent travel. Free from the constraints of tour groups, they can take the roads they want, see what they want to see, and savour the flavour of travelling far and wide. Of course, while independent travel brings freedom and comfort, it also demands physical stamina, courage, knowledge, skills, planning, judgement, adaptability and communication skills. That is why more preparation is needed before setting off on a self-guided trip.

Even seasoned independent travellers need to plan ahead, and beginners should start even earlier. Thorough preparation is what makes a backpacking trip truly enjoyable.

Walking through jungles, canyons, deserts and islands that have not yet been fully developed is thrilling and challenging. The road is full of the unknown, with both heart-stopping moments and pleasant surprises. Pay close attention to local weather conditions, however.

Nature's marvels will keep you lingering in admiration.

Let yourself fully unwind amid the vast expanses of nature.

4. Tracing Human History

Learn about history through the ancient sites left by our ancestors.

Grey-brick, grey-tile houses, small bridges and flowing streams in ancient towns and villages are enough to awaken the sense of home in urban dwellers' blood.

6. Getting Close to Local Folk Customs

Across different regions and ethnic groups, ancient ways of life remain vibrantly alive.

Every city has its own distinctive atmosphere, which needs to be savoured with care.

1. Natural scenery changes with the seasons: spring is delicate, summer vibrant, autumn rich, winter serene. Which do you love most?

2. To experience traditional ethnic customs, it is best to pick a time when folk festivities are held.

Summer and autumn are the golden season on the grasslands, offering not only charming scenery but also grand horse races.

3. If you want to avoid crowds, consider travelling in the off-season — you may be rewarded with unexpected discoveries.

Bustling or lively, quiet or contemplative — beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.

4. Keep a close eye on weather changes and avoid periods when danger may arise.

Hainan is prone to heavy rain and typhoons in summer, so be sure to check the weather before you travel.

Once you've chosen the scenery you want to experience and fixed your travel dates, you have your target. Carefully preparing an itinerary will help you move through your trip with greater ease.

1. Gather information on the sights and the destination, consult relevant books, and get a clear picture of food, accommodation, transport and sightseeing so you can estimate costs and make the most of your visits.

2. Map out your route, linking your chosen sights with the most convenient, time-saving and economical transport, then draw up a detailed itinerary.

2. Accommodation: the appendix of this book introduces youth hostels, which you can refer to when choosing where to stay. It also recommends several travel websites where you can look up information.

When you're on the road, the right gear is essential. Some say gear isn't everything, but certain items can prove invaluable at critical moments. Different modes of travel call for different equipment, so it's well worth preparing thoroughly before you set off.

Clothing isn't just about looking good; more importantly, the right outfit will make your journey far more comfortable.

This type places the most demands on clothing. Choose your outfit according to the distance of the trip, the season, the terrain and climate of the destination, and the activities you'll take part in along the way.

Whatever mode of travel you choose, these items are of the utmost importance; without them you may find yourself unable to get far.

1. Documents, Bank Cards and Mobile Phone

Documents: ID card, driving licence (handy for renting a car locally), and border permit (note: places requiring a border permit and how to apply are listed in the appendix at the back of this book). Also bring any cards that earn discounts at attractions, such as student cards, disability certificates and military ID, which can save you a considerable amount. A travel wallet with multiple compartments is very practical.

Bank cards: Mobile payments are now very convenient and widespread, but just in case, do bring a bank card for withdrawing cash and paying by card. It's best to carry cards from several different banks.

Mobile phone: Smartphones are increasingly powerful — you can take photos, check maps, order food, hail a car, and in some places even use them as a metro or bus card. While travelling, save local emergency numbers in your phone, and it's a good idea to carry a paper address book as a backup. Don't forget your charging cable and power bank — if your phone, so essential, runs out of battery, you'll be in real trouble. (If you're heading to remote areas where mobile signal is unreliable, it's best to bring a paper map.)

Seasonal clothing: Pay attention to the climate and temperatures at your destination.

Spare underwear: Disposable paper briefs are convenient, but not as comfortable as cotton ones.

Lip balm: Keeps your lips moisturised; essential in every season.

Eye drops: Bring a spare set if your eyes tend to get dry.

Hat: Useful in every season — sun protection in summer, warmth in winter.

Socks: Cotton socks are best.

Hand cream: A must.

Moisturiser: Choose a product that hydrates, locks in moisture and offers sun protection, preferably in a travel-size pack.

Compact mirror: Not only for checking your appearance, but also useful as a signalling mirror.

Toiletry bag: Keep it small and practical. Items such as towels and toothbrushes are best in compact sizes too. Bring a few cosmetics as needed, but don't weigh yourself down with a pile of superfluous items.

3. Recommended Medicines and Common Names

Fast-acting cold capsules: An extremely effective cold remedy for some people.

Huoxiang Zhengqi water or soft capsules: Can be taken for colds, heatstroke or stomach upsets, and they are effective.

Watermelon Frost spray or lozenges: Extremely effective for throat inflammation and swelling caused by colds or internal heat.

Suxiao Jiuxin Pills or nitroglycerin: For first aid in angina and sudden myocardial infarction.

Weishuping: Antacid that protects ulcer surfaces; used for gastric ulcers, excess stomach acid, stomach pain, and so on.

Weifuan: Anti-emetic that relieves stomach bloating.

Xieliting: "For dysentery and diarrhoea, one dose works wonders."

Chlorphenamine: Effective for allergic conditions, runny nose from colds, and drug allergies.

Amoxicillin: Reduces inflammation quickly, but it can irritate the stomach, so it's best not taken on an empty stomach.

Chengyunning (motion-sickness tablets): Prevents vomiting and motion sickness.

Ren Dan pills: Prevent heatstroke.

Band-aids: Stop bleeding and prevent wounds from becoming infected.

Yunnan Baiyao: For bruises, blood stasis with swelling and pain, and rheumatic pain.

Jinshi'erkang (multivitamin): Supplies vitamins.

Qingliang oil (Fengyoujing-type medicated balm): Repels mosquitoes, relieves wind-damp conditions, and eases pain and swelling.

(Travellers with chronic illnesses or other medical conditions should follow their doctor's advice.)

Special itineraries call for the right gear, and safety matters more than comfort. Below are the main equipment lists for the two most common special trips: trekking/adventure and wild camping.

Professional hiking backpack: It saves you a lot of effort, but you need to learn how to use it properly or it won't help much.

Compass: Essential outdoors, it helps you find your bearings.

Headlamp and flashlight: Avoid walking in the dark.

Professional hiking boots: A comfortable, well-fitting pair of shoes is essential for long treks.

Trekking poles: For long treks, be sure to protect your knees.

Rope and whistle: For group travel, these are always useful to have.

Multi-tool knife: Outdoors, a small knife will serve you well, and it has many functions.

Tent, sleeping bag, and moisture-proof mat: The essentials for camping.

Sturdy cord: For hanging clothes to dry, tying things down, or as a shoelace. Ideally, use parachute cord rated to carry 250 kg.

A small bag of salt, candies, and multivitamins: To replenish energy.

Adhesive tape: For patching gear or as an emergency bandage.

Thin but strong plastic sheeting: Helps retain body heat and slow heat loss; also useful as a moisture barrier or tarp.

Rubber bands: For securing plastic bags that hold wet clothes or small items.

Plastic bags: For storing damp clothing. Bring some garbage bags as well.

Candles: For lighting.

Small sealed plastic bags: Very useful in the wild.

Small gifts: Keychains, hair clips and similar trinkets come in handy in remote mountain areas.

Lighter: Keep your fire-starter safe; you can seal it in a film canister.