Chongqing What to Pack

Luggage and bags: If you are into photography or anything that requires you to blend into the crowd, bring 'earthy-coloured' backpack. (e.g. green, grey, black, brown, sandy)

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If you are going in summer, do bring summer clothing. You won't survive in long pants. If you are into photography or anything covert, bring earthy-coloured cotton clothing, and a flappy hat (not a cap, which very few peopel wears in China). If you have light coloured hair, you can cover it up with your hat too. Sandles are okay, but I still prefer boots.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Insect repellents and, a must, sunscreen.

Photo Equipment: You can only underestimate your requirement of films. If you are into photography, bring at least 2 rolls of film per day. 400 films are the best choice, as the lighting condition is really varied from location to location (especially in the gorges and the markets). Also, a lot of covert shots is required so fast films are the best choice. Film is terribly expensive on the cruise, and it is not negotiable). If you have exchangable lenses, bring 28-200. 28 comes in handy for the gorges, and 200 for the covert people shots. Chinese people are really shy, so it's best if you 'camouflage' your camera.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Hat, not caps, as you need to protect your neck and ears when you are on the sundeck.

Miscellaneous: If you are into photogrpahy or anything that requires you to blend into the crowd, you have to walk the walk. If you are tall, you slouch and cover your camera with your body. You should walk in the same slow pace as the locals.

Luggage and bags: Take everything you need because it's generally not available in ChongQing- unless Carrefore has it. And they probably don't.

But you can buy a mobile phone for cheap here. If you don't want to, then you can always use the public phones. (see photo)

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Everything for all seasons except snow.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Bring what you need.

Photo Equipment: Developing is OK here but that's all I would count on.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Don't do it in ChongQIng- being outside isn't very healthy at all here.