We will be 16 nights in Beijing, with the likelihood of two – three of those days out of the city. We will be staying at the 7 Days Inn, in the Drum Tower neighborhood. The 7 Days Inn is a chain, throughout China, and not unlike Motel 8, Days Inn, etc., here in the States. The hotel has two washing machines, but it also easy to wash things out in your room. Dryers are very rare in China – everyone hangs heir things out to dry (there will be hangers in your room). While we are in Beijing, it will be hot and dry. It is suggested that you think about packing light, packing shirts and underwear you can easily wash out. Each room has a hot water kettle.

ANY liquid in carry on (backpack) must be in individual bottles of 3.5 oz/100 ml. or less and in ONE quart/liter size clear ziplock bag.

• 8 - 9 changes of clothing: light-weight t-shirts, light weight shirts (no spaghetti straps, unless you plan on wearing an overshirt) shorts, light weight pants or “long shorts”, athletic shorts for sports activities.
• 3 pairs of shoes: flip flops, comfortable hiking/work shoes, one street shoes, appropriate socks
• Hat (for sun)
  
• Waterproof, light weight jacket or a foldable poncho; light-weight hoodie or jacket for plane travel.
• Eye glasses, contact equipment (although recommended that you leave contacts home and rely on glasses; air quality can be poor and your eyes will become irritated.)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen, perspiration proof: for bottles over 3.5 ounces, make sure to pack in checked luggage
• Bug repellent (with a high DEET factor)
• Toiletries: pack liquids in travel-proof bottles or in zip-lock bags. There is a basic shampoo and body wash in the hotel showers.
  
• If you are used to using a wash cloth, bring a packet of disposable, heavy-weight cloths. You may also want to have some small packs of handi-wipes in your day bag and/or hand sanitizer.
• Prescription medicine, in the original packaging
• Common over the counter medication that you would usually take (we will also have a trip first aid kit with us)
• Females: Sanitary supplies
• Small flash light/book light
• Journal, reading books (we can exchange as we finish), playing cards, pictures of your family, etc.
• Each school team should try and bring small souvenirs, for example, pencils or key chains, lanyards, that have a DC or school logo. Numbers to be determined.
• Watch and travel alarm
• Work gloves – lightweight
  
• Jump-drive, flash drive, for sharing photos
  
• A set of heavy-weight, plastic cutlery (for eating yogurts, peeling fruits, etc.): make sure these items are in your packed luggage.
  
• Water bottle; Nalgene or stainless steel
• Sleepwear
• Travel insurance card

Electronic equipment

PLEASE do not bring laptops or DVD players. If you want to bring an iPod or similar MP3 player, make sure you have a charger with a built in transformer (it will say 110-220 V on it) and straight edge, two prong plug. CAMERAS: batteries, charger, digital transfer cable. Remember, we are going to try and keep duplicate picture taking to a minimum. We will have at least two laptops with us. Forget your cell phone, it won’t work: we will have three with us.

Money

Traveler’s checks can be difficult and expensive to exchange. Bring no more than $100 - $200, in large bills. You should also be able to exchange money through your local bank branch. They often need up to a week to do this for you; same with currency exchange agencies. You will be responsible for keeping your money secure. There is a 24-hour grocery/convenience store very close to the hotel. Your meals are covered through the LearnServe China program cost. On some days, we will give you a “per diem” so that you can take advantage of the freedom of buying your own meals, food. We will do souvenir shopping our last day in China, in Beijing. There will be great bargains and by then, you will have a good idea of the kinds of things you would like to bring home.