Hi, I am leaving for Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai in 2 days. I have already looked at the weather channel and other sites for the weather forcast for these areas but I know that sometimes they just give you the averages for the time of year and not the REAL facts so I'm asking anyone who lives in these area who visit this site or anyone who just came back from these areas what the weather has really been like. I am trying to keep my luggage weight down so I'm trying to not take things that I don't need. Also is there something that I can't get in China that I might need to bring. I'm talking about more health/medicine wise since I have some health issues ie. diabetic,high blood pressure,bad feet etc. Thanks again for all your help!!

Sorry, I can't help with the weather as we visited later in the year. As for medicines, I suggest you bring adequate supplies of your usual drugs etc. It's not that you can't get them in China, more that finding the exact thing sold under the same name may take time and effort you can use in better ways.

It's very unlikely that Chinese customs officers will show any interest, but it's always a good idea to transport medicines in their original labelled containers, just in case. You could take your doctor's scripts too, although I haven't heard of anyone needing to show them to Customs.

Back to the weather - a good guidebook, which I guess you have, is as good a source of info as any.

Do bring all of the medicines you think you may need as China is infamous for counterfeit medicines.

Good to pack light, you can always buy clothes inexpensively if you need something warmer or lesser . Bring a thin rain jacket if you are planning to do some walking around and shoes!

I agree with everything posted above and would add that I checked weather. com's 10 day forecasts for your cities (not sure of the days when you will be in each, but check there and you'll get an idea of what to expect). It's going to be warm (70's) to hot (80's) with some rain forecast.

My experience is that once you get to China the local forecasts can be radically different from the reality. I would defnitely second Shanghainese's recommendation to bring a lightweight rain jacket and also carry a small (fits in the purse) umbrella for unexpected showers. Otherwise, layer, layer, layer (although it doesn't look as though you need many layers!) - a lightweight sweater or shawl should do the trick and as Shanghainese says, very, very comfortable shoes!

Hi, Thanks everyone for all your advice.I allways carry my medicines in their original prescription bottles but I've never had anybody look at them in all the time that I've traveled. I'm bringing my broken in tennis shoes--They need to be exchanged for new ones but it's too late now. Oh! Well! Got my umbrella packed but still trying to decide on which coat.I'll figure it out but thanks again everyone.