Luggage in China: train limits, restricted items and domestic flights

What to do

1. Identify whether your journey is domestic rail, a cross-border train or a domestic flight.
2. Measure and weigh the actual bag; read the current operator’s restrictions for every leg.
3. Check knives, tools, perfume, aerosols, batteries and other unusual items by their actual category. Do not assume a prohibited item becomes permissible in checked baggage.
4. For a flight, check your specific airline’s baggage allowance and current CAAC security rules.
5. For storage, ask staff using the Chinese help card. Confirm opening hours, collection arrangements and fees before leaving a bag.

Knives and multitools on trains

The railway list distinguishes controlled knives, which are prohibited, from specified ordinary sharp items that may only travel under its consignment rules. It lists ordinary blades longer than 60 mm in the latter category. A multitool must be checked by its actual blades, tools and safety category; this summary does not establish that a smaller blade is permitted. Ask the railway about an uncertain item before travelling.

Perfume and aerosols are not one category

For daily-use perfume, sprays or gels containing flammable ingredients in non-self-pressurised containers, the railway list sets a maximum container capacity of 100 ml and one item of each type.

For the listed self-pressurised products, including hair mousse, hairspray, insecticide and air freshener, the limit is 150 ml per container, one of each type and no more than 600 ml in total. Read the full official list for your exact product; these limits do not permit every flammable substance.

Liquids on domestic flights

CAAC generally prohibits liquids in cabin baggage on domestic flights, with specified exceptions. Small quantities of travel cosmetics may be carried, one item of each type, in containers no larger than 100 ml, in a separate bag for inspection. Container capacity matters, not how little remains inside. This is not a general permission for every liquid below 100 ml.

Ask your airline about your exact items, permitted checked baggage and the allowance included with your ticket. This guide does not apply one airline’s weight allowance to every domestic flight.

Power banks on domestic flights

CAAC prohibits power banks with no 3C/CCC mark, an unclear mark, or a recalled model or batch on domestic flights. The notice took effect on 28 June 2025. This specific notice concerns power banks; do not extend it to every electronic device. Check the current airline and CAAC instructions too.

Ask about left-luggage storage

Chinese: 请问哪里可以寄存行李？ — Where can I leave my luggage?

Ask staff whether storage is available, then confirm the collection deadline and terms. ChinaLocal does not promise storage at every large station or airport, or a hotel-to-hotel forwarding service.

Common problems