Traveling to China will take you places. Flying into Shanghai’s skyscraper-lined airports, strolling Beijing’s old town hutongs, or trekking your way up and down Chongqing’s mountain roads: no matter where in China you find yourself, you’ll soon discover just how important luggage really is.
Traveling in China is not for the faint of heart. Forget “smooth sidewalks and short taxi rides.” You’ll encounter bumpy sidewalks, long walks to and from train stations, cramped metro rides, and stairs where escalators should be. It took me several luggage rentals and damaged suitcases traveling through different cities in China before I discovered that having the right suitcase makes all the difference.
In this guide, I’ll review the best luggage you can buy for traveling in China, tested by travelers like you. I’ll highlight what actually works when you’re on the ground in China.
What to Look for in the Best Luggage for China Travel
Before I get into my top luggage recommendations, let’s talk about what you should be looking for.
Traveling in China presents different challenges than traveling through Japan or Europe. The infrastructure changes drastically from city to city. One minute you could be breezing through one of China’s brand-new high-speed rail terminals, and the next you’re lugging your suitcase down old cobblestone streets.
When traveling in China, here’s what matters:
Durability Comes First
Your suitcase is going to get knocked around. Throw it into train compartments, taxi trunk spaces, and hotel transfers. Pick it up and down countless staircases. You need something that can take a beating.
Hard-shell luggage typically fares better than soft material luggage. Polycarbonate or ABS luggage shells will hold up better than fabric.
Big, Smooth Wheels
Swiveling 360 degrees is a must. When navigating metro stations and crowded sidewalks, you need wheels that can smoothly roll in every direction.
Avoid budget-friendly spinner wheels. They will fall apart after a few rocky train rides.
Lightweight Material
Part of traveling in China is likely hopping between cities. China’s high-speed trains allow carry-on sized luggage on luggage racks. However, that doesn’t mean lifting your heavy suitcase isn’t tiring.
Pick a lightweight carry-on sized suitcase or mid-sized suitcase.
Security Locks and Features
China is a relatively safe country to travel in, but added security features like TSA-approved locks and slash-proof pockets and zippers are always a nice bonus. This is especially helpful in busy train stations and metros.
Packing Compartments
While not necessary, packing compartments do make travel in China easier. Having different compartments means you won’t have to unpack your entire suitcase every time you reach your next hotel.
Best Luggage for Traveling in China
Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside 2 Piece Set
Samsonite always seems to pop up when I’m looking for a reliable suitcase I know I can count on. I’ve used this Samsonite Omni 2 Spinner when flying through and around Asia and it never disappoints.
I really enjoy the hard PC (polycarbonate) shell. It feels solid but not heavy. The most surprising thing about this luggage is its durability. After two trips through multiple airports and train stations, it still looks relatively clean. Even after being tossed around by luggage handlers and movers, the case didn’t have a single scratch or crack.
I also appreciate how smooth the spinner wheels roll. It’s a game changer when you’re navigating through crowded metro stations.
Inside, there isn’t anything too flashy. There is a middle divider panel you can move around and some compression straps. Enough room and pockets for short- to medium-length trips.
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true luggage piece that will last, this Samsonite spinner is tough to beat.
Best For: New China travelers looking for a reliable carry-on.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage
I’m a huge fan of soft-sided luggage when traveling to China. This Travelpro spinner is one of the few that actually stands up to China travel.
The biggest perk of soft-sided luggage? Expandability. When you’re shopping in China (trust me, you will be), you’ll wish you brought an expandable suitcase.
Another perk? It’s extremely lightweight. Light enough where I don’t mind hauling it up flights of stairs or lifting into the high-speed train luggage racks.
The only downfall is soft-sided luggage doesn’t offer your belongings the best protection. If you plan on bringing any fragile items, you will have to pack them carefully.
Travelpro Maxlite offers great flexibility and is surprisingly durable for a soft-sided suitcase.
Best For: China travelers that plan on shopping and need extra packing space.
DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage
Delsey’s Helium Aero comes in at a nice balance between fashionable and functional.
The suitcase is made with ABS/polycarbonate shell material. It isn’t the hardest material on this list, but it’ll definitely handle regular travel through China.
The suitcase wheels roll nice and smooth. Not quite as nice as Samsonite in my opinion, but they get the job done.
I love how the inside of the Delsey is sectioned off. It provides a lot of structure which I find helpful when trying to organize things during multi-city trips.
Best For: China travelers that don’t mind spending a little extra on stylish luggage.
Amazon Basics 21″ Hardside Carry-On Luggage
If you’re looking to save some money, Amazon Basics has you covered.
This isn’t going to be your high-end expensive luggage. But if you’re looking for something functional and affordable, Amazon Basics is a great option.
The wheels roll smoothly and the suitcase can take minor impacts.
Ideal for travelers looking for something budget-friendly but still dependable.
Best For: Budget China travelers or if you only plan on traveling to China once.
Briggs & Riley 29″ Large Expandable Spinner
Think of this as the lifelong friend you buy once and it accompanies you on all your travels.
Seriously though, Briggs & Riley quality is top-notch. The material on everything from the wheels to the handle feels high-quality and durable.
My favorite feature of this luggage has to be the expandability. This suitcase allows you to expand the luggage without permanently altering the size.
This suitcase is pricier than others on this list. But if you find yourself frequently traveling through China and other parts of Asia, this suitcase will pay for itself.
Best For: Frequent China travelers that value quality and long-lasting durability.
Away Carry-On Luggage
Love minimalist? Need something that functions well but looks great? Look no further.
Away is extremely sleek and modern. The design is simplistic and fun. Wheels roll smoothly and interior is fairly organized.
I especially love the built-in compression system. Super helpful when you’re trying to pack light during multi-city trips.
Downsides? It’s not cheap. But you are paying for that Away luggage brand name.
Best For: China travelers that want a modern carry-on with all the bells and whistles.
Which Luggage Should You Get for Traveling in China?
What luggage you choose should ultimately come down to how you like to travel.
If you plan on bouncing around from city to city (Beijing to Xi’an to Shanghai,) you’ll want a lightweight sized carry-on with durable wheels.
If you’re planning a long trip and/or shopping around, you may want to opt for an expandable suitcase or even a medium-sized checked suitcase.
Family travelers, especially those with kids, should really value durability. You don’t want to have broken wheels halfway through your trip.
Hard-Sided vs Soft-Sided Luggage for China
This is always a hot topic. And honestly, it depends on what you value more.
Hard-sided luggage offers your belongings more protection and usually lasts longer. It’s better for rough handling and those uneven Chinese roads.
Soft-sided luggage is more flexible and usually expandable. Perfect if you plan on buying items while in China and need some extra packing space.
I tend to prefer hard-sided luggage when visiting China. But that’s just me.
Checked Luggage vs Carry-On Luggage
For most China travelers, a simple carry-on suitcase will do you just fine for a 5 to 7 day trip.
China’s high-speed trains do have luggage restrictions and you’ll definitely feel like you’re traveling with a toddler when dragging your large suitcase around.
That being said, if you’re traveling for longer than one week or plan on doing a lot of shopping, you’ll more than likely need a checked suitcase.
China Traveling Tips with Luggage
Here are a few tips I wish I knew before traveling with luggage in China.
You’ll be carrying your luggage. A lot. Make sure you pack accordingly. Elevators are rare!
Pack as light as you can. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you have to lift your luggage onto your metro station packed full of people.
Consider getting a luggage strap or something to ID your luggage. It’s easy to confuse other people’s luggage with yours at busy train stations.
Think about packing a foldable bag. Super convenient for when you need to bring things back home with you.
Conclusion
Picking the best luggage for China all comes down to you and how you like to travel. There’s no need to break the bank on a luxurious suitcase you’ll only use twice.
You want durable enough to handle abuse, lightweight when you need to haul it up stairs, and rolls smoothly when you’re weaseling your way through crowded sidewalks.
If I had to recommend one suitcase, I’d go with the Samsonite Omni PC. It provides great durability without breaking the bank and the spinner wheels are top-notch.
But really, the best luggage is the luggage that fits your travel style best. Let me know what you end up buying. And if you’ve traveled to China with a suitcase before, how did it hold up? I’m always interested to hear what actually works for others.
