Two separate rules apply, and travellers usually only know the first.
The international rule, which is the same everywhere: lithium power banks travel in the cabin, never in the hold. Airlines generally allow units up to 100 Wh without approval, and 100–160 Wh with airline permission. Most consumer power banks are well under 100 Wh.
The Chinese domestic rule, introduced in 2025 and less widely known: power banks carried on domestic flights within China must display a valid CCC mark (China Compulsory Certification). Uncertified or unmarked units are confiscated at security. Because CCC is a Chinese certification, plenty of power banks bought in Europe or North America simply do not carry it.
What this means in practice#
- Flying into China and taking trains — no issue at all. Rail security does not apply this rule, and the trains are the better way to travel anyway.
- Flying domestically inside China — check the casing for a CCC mark before you go through security. If there is not one, expect to lose the unit.
- The simplest fix — buy one locally on arrival. A compliant power bank costs ¥60–150 in any electronics shop or convenience store, and is guaranteed to carry the mark.
Why you want one regardless#
Your phone in China is your wallet, your ticket, your map and your translator all at once. Payment runs through Alipay QR codes, train travel runs on a passport scan but everything around it runs on the phone, and navigation plus translation drains a battery fast. A sightseeing day in Beijing routinely covers 15–20 km with the screen on.
Running out of battery in China is not an inconvenience — it is being unable to pay for anything. That is also the reason to carry ¥500–1,000 in cash as backup.
Other electronics worth knowing about#
Plugs. China uses 220 V with socket types A, C and I. Most sockets are combination units accepting flat two-pin and Australian-style plugs directly. UK three-pin needs an adaptor.
Drones. Legal to bring, heavily restricted to fly. Registration is required, and all of Beijing, the vicinity of every airport and most famous scenic areas are permanent no-fly zones.
The full list of what to bring and what to leave is in our China packing list.