Power Banks & Electronics on China Flights

This is the item most often taken off travellers at Chinese airports, and almost nobody warns you about it in advance. If your itinerary includes any domestic flight — and most of ours do — read this before you pack.

Domestic flights inside China require power banks to carry a visible 3C (CCC) mark. A power bank with only a CE mark, or no mark at all, can be confiscated at security — even a good one.

The rule in one table

Capacity	Allowed?	Conditions
Up to 100Wh	Yes, carry-on	Must be in hand luggage. Must not be used during the flight.
100Wh to 160Wh	With airline approval	Maximum 2 per passenger, approval required in advance.
Over 160Wh	No	Prohibited entirely.
Any capacity, in checked baggage	No	Strictly prohibited in the hold.

For scale: a 20,000mAh power bank at 3.7V is about 74Wh, which sits comfortably under the 100Wh line. Most travel power banks are fine on capacity — the problem is almost always the marking, not the size.

What we suggest you do

Check your own power bank for a 3C mark before you fly. If it only has CE, assume it will not survive a domestic Chinese security check.
Or buy one after arrival. A 3C-certified power bank costs roughly ¥80–200 in China and is available at airports, electronics shops and convenience stores. It is the simplest fix.
Keep it in your hand luggage, accessible, and do not use it on the plane.
Do not rely on the aircraft. Seat power is not universal on domestic Chinese carriers.

Other electronics notes

Item	What to know
Plugs	China uses 220V / 50Hz. Sockets accept the flat two-pin (Type A) and the angled three-pin (Type I). Most European and UK plugs need an adaptor.
Laptop and camera chargers	Almost all are dual-voltage 100–240V and need only a plug adaptor, not a converter.
Hair dryers and straighteners	Usually the item that fails — check the voltage label. Hotels supply dryers.
Drones	Registration and permits are required, and many scenic areas and cities restrict or ban them. Ask us before you pack one.
Satellite messengers	Some models are restricted. Ask before relying on one.

Which of our routes are affected

Every itinerary that includes a domestic flight: Grand China (16 days), Pandas & Buddha (7 days), Jade Dragon & Erhai (7 days), Li River & Skyline (8 days), Peaks & Neon (9 days) and Wonders of China (12 days). Harbin Ice & Snow is usually reached by a single domestic flight as well. Assume the rule applies to you.

Common questions

Will my Anker or similar brand power bank be taken?

Only if it lacks a 3C mark. Brand does not matter to security staff — the mark does. Many internationally sold models do not carry it.

Can I bring two power banks?

Under 100Wh each, generally yes, both in hand luggage. Between 100Wh and 160Wh you are limited to two and need airline approval.

What about camera batteries?

Spare lithium batteries must also travel in the cabin, not the hold, with terminals protected. This applies on every flight, not just in China.

Is this checked at the airport or the gate?

At security screening, before you reach the gate. There is no appeal and no storage service, so it is worth checking before you leave home.

Last verified 2026-10-31. Information on this page is checked against official sources and re-verified monthly. If you are booking, we confirm your specific case in writing before you pay anything.

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