What to pack for your trip to Hainan Island

In the tropical monsoon climate, the temperature in Hainan does not change much throughout the year, the average temperature ranges from 23°C to 26°C. Spring and winter are the dry season when it's warm and windy and summer and fall is the wet season when it's hot and humid.

Layers, layers, layers. Wear loose and breathable clothes that are comfortable in the heat and dry quickly when wet from either sweat or rain. In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit the high country. You can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat. Ideal are lightweight hoodies like the highly weatherproof Arc'teryx Squamish jacket, which is breathable, too – handy for when the weather clears up again. You might also opt for an actual rain jacket like the Patagonia Torrentshell. Tuck a good (but compact) umbrella, like Repel's Windproof Travel Umbrella with Teflon Coating, into your bag, in case of a real downpour.

Lightweight shoes for hiking. Pack a not-too-bulky pair of trail runners that can handle both streets and trails in dry and wet conditions, such as Saucony’s Peregrine 7 for men or women, that hold up well on wet and dry ground.

Mosquito and sun protection. Along with an effective bug repellent and great sunscreen, bring a wide-brimmed hat – the sun in Hainan is really strong year-round.

Don't forget your swimwear! You’ll also want a comfortable, easily adjusted pair of goggles, like Aqua Sphere goggles and a space-saving microfiber towel like the Sea to Summit DryLite towel. A pair of sandals, like Chaco's Z/VOLV or Ecotread, will give you better traction on wet surfaces than a standard pair of flip-flops.

Power adapter and charger. In China the power sockets are of type A, C and I. Basically there are two main standards for voltage and frequency in the world. One is the standard of 110-120 volts at a frequency of 60Hz (mostly used in USA), and the other is the standard of 220–240 volts at 50Hz (mostly used in Europe). Type A, C, and I power adapters are included in this world adapter set from Bestek, and a multiport charger, like Anker’s compact Powerport 4.

Packing cubes. They not only keep your suitcase organized, but also compact your clothes to save space. One of frequent travellers'favorites are Eagle Creek‘s Pack-It cubes, which come in different sizes so you can tailor your setup to your needs.

Travel guides. The Lonely Planet's China travel guide includes a detailed chapter on Hainan, Guangdong & Southeast China. Admire the crouching dragons of the Hakka architecture at Meizhou, soak up the sun and cocktails at China's top beach resorts in Sanya or sample authentic chili-laden xiangcai in food-loving Changsha.

Also check out the official tourism website of Hainan Island.