SusuanW03843

What should I pack for traveling in November?

What type of clothes do people typically wear in the Fall time? Light jackets or heavy winter coats? Leggings? Jeans? Dresses? Sweaters?


I plan to stay in Beijing and HK.

When I eat at a restaurant do I need to dress up?

Kathie

Check the weather in both Hong Kong and Beijing: www.weatherbase.com

At nicer restaurants, especially in Hong Kong, you will want to dress up.

annhig

what counts as a nicer restaurant, Kathie.

we've got 3 nights in HK en route to OZ and I haven't really spent any time on the planning of this bit of the trip, though it's our first stop.

we prefer the sort of restaurants where we can eat local food - so i hadn't reckoned on us having to pack a suit and cocktail dress!

Kathie

There are only a few places where you'd need a suit or cocktail dress. What I meant was that there are plenty of places you wouldn't wear a t-shirt and jeans (or shorts!). I've seen too many people completely unprepared for eating in a nice restaurant!

SusuanW03843

I understanding that HK is a little more high fashion so I understand wearing more than the avg jeans and t shirt, but since it's cold I wouldn't be able to wear dresses correct?

In addition, what do the normal people wear in Beijing during the Fall time? Sweaters I suppose?

Kathie

Did you look at the weather site I gave you a link for, Susuan? Hong Kong typically has lovely weather in November, average high is 76F average low is 67F. Beijing, of course, is colder. Certainly, you can wear dresses if you would like to.

Cicerone

November in Hong Kong is the weather I wait for all year! Warm and sunny but not hot and muggy (like the other 8 months of the year). Very little chance of rain. Average temp is in the low 70s F during the day and high 60s F at night. That is “winter” for us. Shawls, cotton sweaters, leather jackets, boots, skirts, dresses, trousers/jeans all work. Bring layers, as it will warm up and cool down during the day. Also, last November was unseasonably cold (in the 50s F on many days) and so layers will help there.

Bring a sweater or shawl for restaurants and public transport. Most buildings are not heated, so to keep air circulating, the air conditioning is on in many places and it can be colder inside than out. The better restaurants will lend you a pashmina if you need one.

For Beijing, you need to add a warm winter coat, gloves and a hat. Again layers will help if it is unseasonably warm there.

I personally would bring a set of long underwear in case you plan to walk the Great Wall or do other outdoor activity (like watching the flag raising at sunrise in Tiananmen; a great thing to do but pre-dawn in November could be cold.) It is easy to pack and you will be glad you have it if you get snow or really cold temps.

marartin

If you are to wear a dress to dine in a nice restaurant, pair it with a shawl or a coat. For a casual go, wear relaxed cardigan, tanks, capri pants or jeans, bonnet and your favorite footwear (boots, sneakers, pumps). Jacket, gloves and scarf would also be necessary.

annhig

thanks, all.

I did access that very helpful weather site and saw that compared to Cornwall in November, HK is likely to feel quite balmy. we're going onto hotter climes but we will be bringing one set of long undies i think, just in case. [and they take up less room than a thick sweater!]

wandering_gal

Hong Kong people are pretty casual, you dont really have to dress up unless you will dine in a super exclusive restaurants where reservation is a must. To be honest, Hong Kong residents just do not care, they might not even look at you or smile. They seem to be always in a hurry. Our guide said, they are so hard working they forget to enjoy sometimes. Definitely not like in Tokyo where everyone is so friendly and they will greet you even in the washroom. Make sure you visit Lantau Island and ride the 360 what a site, one of my favorite. Brig an umbrella, whether is unpredictable, maybe sunny in the morning then might rain in the afternoon. Go for the Ocean park instead of Disneyland if not travelling with kids. Disneyland in HK is the smallest in the world I guess, and it closes too early. Ocean park is so awesome, 1 whole day is not enough there are rides from kids to adults and attractions as well. It is just too easy to get around HK with the trains, you can get anywhere. Enjoy!