Top Tips For Sourcing Trips In China: What I Learned On The Ground

Planning a sourcing trip to China for apparel, fabrics or factory visits? The most significant friction points are not language or safety - they are connectivity, payments, logistics and time efficiency.

These tips come from a recent sourcing trip for Blank Clothing and are written for buyers who need practical steps that work in the real world.

Quick links

• Power banks and domestic travel rules
• Internet access - VPN vs eSIM
• Payments - Alipay, WeChat and Wise
• Maps and getting around - AMap and DiDi
• High-speed rail - when to take the train vs plane
• Hotels - non-smoking and laundry tips
• Food delivery - Dianping
• Supplier communication - WeChat setup
• Safety notes
• Extra tips first-timers miss
• China sourcing trip checklist
• FAQs

1) Power banks and domestic flights (important)

China can be strict about power banks on domestic flights and during security checks.

• Make sure your power bank has the CCC or 3C marking clearly printed on the device.
• If the marking is missing or unclear, it can be confiscated at security
• Power banks should be in carry-on luggage only
• Most airlines allow up to 100Wh without approval

I travelled with an Anker A1695 and had no issues.

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2) Internet access that actually works in China

Many Western services are blocked in mainland China (Google Workspace, Meta Ads, ChatGPT). You have two practical options:

Option A - Use a VPN (best if you work online daily)

Install and test your VPN on all devices before you fly.

ExpressVPN sign-up link

Option B - Use an international eSIM (simple alternative)

If you do not want to rely on a VPN, an international eSIM is a strong alternative.

• Providers like Three or Airalo often route traffic outside mainland China
• This can allow Google and Meta services to work without a VPN
• Install and activate the eSIM before departure

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3) Payments in China (cash is rarely used)

China is almost entirely cashless. The most straightforward setup is:

• Download Alipay International
• Link it to your Wise account for better exchange rates and lower fees

Wise referral link

• Start with smaller transaction limits, then increase after your first successful payments
• Also, set up WeChat before the trip - it is essential for supplier communication and can be used for payment

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4) Maps and getting around (AMap + DiDi)

Google Maps does not work reliably in mainland China. I used AMap (Gaode Maps) instead.

Important AMap setup tip

• Download AMap on iOS or Android before you fly
• Create an account or log in before arriving in China (verification is easier outside mainland networks)

For rideshares, DiDi is the easiest. You can use DiDi via the Alipay app, which reduces extra setup.

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5) High-speed rail - the sweet spot is under 5 hours

For travel under about 5 hours, I recommend high-speed rail over flying.

• Train stations are often more central than airports
• Security and boarding are straightforward
• Comfortable working between cities

Book tickets via Trip.com:

Trip.com sign-up link

• High-speed rail tickets typically open around 2 weeks before departure
• Your ticket is linked to your passport - no paper ticket required
• Arrive about 1 hour before departure, scan your bag and your passport to enter the gates

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6) Hotels that make sourcing easier

I booked hotels via Trip.com and always requested a non-smoking room.

Hotel groups I found good value:

• Atour
• Jinjiang group hotels
• Echarm

Bonus tip for long sourcing days: many of these hotels have shared laundry rooms. I put my laundry into the machine and noted my room number. Staff often move it to the dryer and return it to your door.

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7) Food delivery when you are too tired to go out

Dianping is helpful for food delivery to your hotel, especially after extended factory visits. Many of these apps are translated into English, so you do not need to read Chinese.

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8) Supplier communication (WeChat)

In China, WeChat is essential for communication. Set it up before the trip. It is used to message suppliers, share photos, send locations, and make quick follow-ups. It can also be used for payments when configured.

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9) Safety

I found China a safe place to travel for sourcing, including late-night transport and transfers at train stations.

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Extra tips many first-timers miss

Visas and ID

• Carry your passport - you will need it for trains and hotels
• Keep digital and printed copies as backup

Samples and customs

• Bring pre-prepared sample shipping labels if you plan to courier items back.
• Mark shipments as Samples - No Commercial Value where appropriate

Factory meeting checklist

• One-page tech brief: fabrics, GSM, colourways, size curve, trims, packaging
• Confirm MOQ, unit price, lead time, payment terms and Incoterms in writing after the meeting.

Connectivity backup

• Download offline maps and an offline translator
• Keep your eSIM QR and key logins saved securely

Power and plugs

• China uses 220V - bring a universal adapter
• A compact power board helps if you have multiple devices

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Quick China sourcing trip checklist

• Passport and visa
• Power bank with CCC or 3C marking
• ExpressVPN installed and tested, or Three/Airalo eSIM installed
• Alipay International set up and linked to Wise
• WeChat is installed and verified
• AMap installed and logged in (iOS/Android)
• Trip.com account ready for trains and hotels
• Universal adapter

FAQs

Suggested internal links for Blank Clothing

• Blank Clothing Blog (link to related sourcing, fabric, or product quality posts)
• T-Shirts (tie sourcing to GSM, feel, durability and fit)
• Workwear (durability and compliance use cases)
• Bisley (supplier standards, quality and specs)
• Winning Spirit (uniform quality and supplier story)