Benzilan, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Benzilan, China? If you're planning to go to Benzilan, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Benzilan, China

Based on the climate and weather in Benzilan, China, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Benzilan, China

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Benzilan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Benzilan, China by month

January

January here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Ensure that you get the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February in Benzilan can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Take care to find the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

March

March in Benzilan can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Ensure that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

April

If you visit Benzilan during April, you might find that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. It's important that you get the necessary type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you go to Benzilan in May, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be sure to choose the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June in Benzilan is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be sure to find the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July in Benzilan is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be sure to get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

August

If you vacation in Benzilan during August, you may notice that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

September

If you vacation in Benzilan during September, you may see that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Ensure that you find the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

October

October in Benzilan can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Check that you get the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

November

November here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Make sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in Benzilan can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, China has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Benzilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be careful to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Benzilan, China

Benzilan, located in the Yunnan Province in southwest China, is a charming and remote village that has gradually gained popularity among travelers. The village is situated on the Tea Horse Road, a famous trade route between Tibet, Yunnan, and Sichuan that dated back to the Tang Dynasty. As a result, the village is a melting pot of Tibetan and Han Chinese cultures, offering visitors an enriching experience. Here are the top tourist attractions in Benzilan that every visitor should explore.

1. Dongzhulin Monastery

Dongzhulin Monastery, located on a hilltop overlooking the village, is one of the most remarkable sites in Benzilan. The monastery was established during the Ming Dynasty and is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Yunnan. Visitors can climb up the steep hill and admire the intricate Tibetan-style architecture of the monastery. The main hall houses a golden Buddha statue that is over 600 years old and is considered one of the most sacred objects in the monastery.

2. The First Bay of the Jinsha River

The First Bay of the Jinsha River is a scenic spot located around Benzilan Village. The river, known as the upper reach of the Yangtze River, is the longest river in China and flows through the Yunnan Province. The First Bay provides an excellent location to relax and unwind while enjoying the views of the crystal clear waters of the river. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike along the river, go rafting or kayaking, or take a boat ride to explore the scenery.

3. Benzilan Old Town

Benzilan Old Town is a vibrant and bustling area that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. The area is known for its well-preserved traditional Tibetan houses and vibrant street life. Visitors can wander around the alleys and outdoor markets, admire the colorful prayer flags that hang from the rooftops, and dive into the authentic Tibetan culture. Benzilan Old Town is also an excellent place to shop for unique Tibetan handicrafts, including jewelry and textiles.

4. Shangri-La County

Located about 40 kilometers from Benzilan Village, Shangri-La County is a must-visit destination for visitors to Benzilan. The county is home to the famous Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture of the monastery, the religious artifacts, and the resident monks. Shangri-La County is also an excellent place to experience the unique Tibetan culture, including local food, dance, and music.

5. Wounded Pioneer Cemetery

The Wounded Pioneer Cemetery is a memorial cemetery located on the outskirts of Benzilan Village. The cemetery is dedicated to the Chinese soldiers who lost their lives during the construction of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, a critical road that connected Tibet with the rest of China. The cemetery provides a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made to open up the region and has a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by forested hills.

In conclusion, Benzilan is a unique destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning nature, rich culture, and vibrant history of the region. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Benzilan has something to offer. So pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the beauty of this hidden gem in southwest China.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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