Key facts, verified
Voltage and plugs: mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan
| Where | Voltage | Frequency | Sockets and plugs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland China | 220 V single-phase | 50 Hz | Standard wall plate: two-pin and three-pin sockets kept separate (five holes). Universal-hole sockets (two-pin and three-pin merged into 3 holes) have been banned from production since Jun 1, 2010. |
| Hong Kong | 220 V single-phase | 50 Hz | Appliances that plug into a socket must have a three-pin plug that meets safety requirements; the safety standard cited by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) is BS 1363. Two-pin plugs only for BS 4573/EN 50075 bathroom shaver sockets. Appliances rated below 200 V must not be connected directly to the 220 V supply; set any voltage selector to 220 V. |
| Macau | 230 V single-phase | 50 Hz | Sockets are usually three-pin, square or round; the Macao Government Tourism Office advises checking the socket before use. |
| Taiwan | 110 V | 60 Hz | Appliances from Europe, Australia or Southeast Asia need a plug adapter or transformer (Taiwan's tourism authority). Many buildings also have 220 V outlets, mainly for air conditioning. |
Sources: mainland China, the NDRC Electricity Supply Business Rules (in force since Jun 1, 2024); Hong Kong, CLP Power and HK Electric (same figures); Macau, the power utility CEM; Taiwan, the tourism authority.
Luggage limits: high-speed rail, domestic flights and metro
| Mode | Allowance / limit | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trains (China Railway) | Free: adult 20 kg · child 10 kg · diplomat 35 kg; each piece ≤ 20 kg | Sum of 3 sides ≤ 130 cm on bullet trains (G, D, C), ≤ 160 cm on other trains; long thin items ≤ 200 cm | Not counted: a folding wheelchair used by a passenger who needs one, and a folding stroller for an accompanying infant |
| Air China · domestic checked | Economy 20 kg · business 30 kg · first 40 kg | Each piece ≤ 100×60×40 cm and ≤ 45 kg | Infant ticket: 10 kg plus one folding stroller or bassinet |
| Air China · carry-on | Economy and premium economy: 1 piece ≤ 5 kg · business and first: 2 pieces ≤ 8 kg each | Each piece ≤ 55×40×20 cm | Plus 1 small item that fits under the seat in front |
| China Southern · domestic checked | Economy and premium economy 20 kg · business 30 kg · first 40 kg | Each piece within 40×60×100 cm | Children: same as adults. Infant without a seat: no free allowance; one folding stroller checked free. Some fares include no free checked baggage; the ticket shows yours |
| China Southern · carry-on | Economy and premium economy: 1 piece · business and first: 2 pieces · ≤ 8 kg each | Each piece ≤ 55×40×20 cm | Same on domestic and international/regional flights. Plus one small laptop bag, camera bag, briefcase or handbag under the seat in front (not for infants without a seat); with an infant, also baby food, a carrycot and a light folding stroller. Excess must be checked and may be charged; if cabin space runs out, compliant bags may also be checked at the gate |
| Shanghai Metro | Items carried ≤ 30 kg | Sum of 3 sides ≤ 1.8 m; volume ≤ 0.2 m³ | Shanghai urban rail passenger rules, Art. 8; in force Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2030 |
| Guangzhou Metro | Total ≤ 30 kg | Sum of the external 3 sides ≤ 1.8 m | Luggage over either limit, or that obstructs passage or may affect operating safety, is not allowed in. Guangzhou urban rail passenger rules, Art. 9; in force Jun 26, 2024 – Jun 26, 2029. This edition raised the size limit from 1.6 m to 1.8 m |
| Beijing Subway | Items carried ≤ 30 kg | Length ≤ 1.8 m; width and height ≤ 0.5 m each | Electric mobility devices not allowed (electric wheelchairs for accessibility excepted). Beijing urban rail passenger rules, Art. 6; in force since Sep 28, 2021 |
Train rules: China Railway (12306). Airline and metro rules: official wording as of October 2026; official channels prevail.