Why Tourists Need To Be Cautious Of The Clothing They Pack On A Trip To China

A fascinating country that attracts millions of tourists a year, China is well-known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage. From must-visit destinations catering to history buffs to picture-perfect island getaways and ancient villages that feel directly out of a fairytale, the dynamic country has plenty of attractions and experiences for visitors to enjoy. However, like with any foreign destination, China also has its own set of customs and rules that travelers should respect. Some of which are oftentimes overlooked by unsuspecting visitors who skip out on their research. One of these is the importance of packing the right clothing.

Because, believe it or not, what you wear in China can significantly — and, in some cases, negatively — impact your travel experience. And while the country is generally welcoming to tourists, certain clothing choices might draw unwanted attention, lead to some pretty uncomfortable situations with the locals, and even limit your ability to access certain places. Think revealing tops and bottoms, inappropriate footwear, and even that bikini you've been saving for your next vacation.

When it comes to packing your bags for your trip to China, it's important to consider both cultural sensitivities and certain practical concerns. For starters, revealing clothing — such as low-cut tops or very short shorts — is considered disrespectful in conservative areas of the country. It's also important to keep in mind when visiting a local temple or religious site where shoulders and knees should be covered.

In addition to this, certain items and accessories that might seem convenient can also become incredibly impractical once you're on the ground. One of these items is flip-flops. While generally comfortable and easy to slip in and out of — a major plus for places where you're expected to take your shoes off — open-toe footwear isn't advised while navigating China's often crowded and sometimes dirty urban streets. After all, not only do they offer little protection if you're stepped on, but they're also sure to leave your feet looking (and feeling) unpleasantly grimy by the end of the day. The same goes for white sneakers, which will end up anything but white, or any sort of delicate footwear that can't withstand the wear and tear.

Lastly, another major mistake you shouldn't make while visiting China is the fashion faux pas of wearing a green hat. Yeah, you read that right. Albeit seemingly innocent to most tourists outside of the country, green hats actually carry a significant cultural connotation: They're commonly associated with infidelity. In fact, in Chinese culture, the phrase "he is wearing a green hat" is an expression that most people use when a woman is cheating on her husband or boyfriend — and the idiom has directly translated into a real-life taboo.

Despite certain cultural sensitivities, the truth is that China's unofficial "dress code" is generally quite forgiving for tourists as long as you try to dress modestly and respect local customs. When packing for your trip, you'll ideally want to focus on comfortable, versatile clothing that can be easily layered. For example, bring along breathable fabrics like cotton — especially if you're visiting during the humid summer months — and always make sure to have a lightweight shawl or scarf on hand. These will be incredibly useful while visiting religious monuments where your shoulders need to be covered up.

Other items that you should consider packing include a light jacket in case the weather unexpectedly turns and a more formal outfit to wear out at nice dinners. Oh, and although green hats might not be advisable, there is one color you can try to incorporate into your travel wardrobe: Red. According to local customs, red is considered lucky and joyful, and you'll probably see plenty of locals sporting it during your visit. As for footwear, make sure you choose sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can withstand long walks on various terrains. Dark-colored sneakers or walking shoes are ideal, as they're both practical and easy to keep clean.

Ultimately, however, the key is to pack clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident — all while being respectful of the local culture. By doing so, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in everything China has to offer without worrying about whether your wardrobe choices are inadvertently causing offense.