I'm really looking forward to doing some shopping when I'm in China . . . hoping that I can get some fabulous fabrics to send home so that I can make some beautiful things when I return to the UK.  My main concern about buying clothes over there is whether they will actually have any to fit me . . I don't think I could manage to bring my sewing machine in my rucksack!

Good to hear that there's no winter in Indonesia as that's my next place to visit.  Stay in touch Astrid, if I get posted anywhere near you, then we'll have to meet up to say hello in person!

I don't know exactly China is. But I'm planning to go there for teaching if there's a company wants to hire me. All that I will bring are my formal shirt for work and some other clothes for home. I will just buy any additional clothes there, like for winter (we don't have winter in Indonesia). And I quite sure that most of my clothes that I have don't fit with the weather there.

Anyway, the price of the clothes in China is cheap. You can get a good one (local production) with a lower price.

Oh Jane I only said in a post to Leon yesterday that my worst nightmare is seeing my suitcase burst open on the airport carousel......like you i tend to overpack but Leon is a light packer. I figure we take note of Leon's packing list (?) below and then TRY and work out what "extras" we need.

From my experience in Asia you will find it difficult to buy off the rack but getting stuff made is the way to go. I'm just not sure of the Chinese tailors and cant say I've ever heard anyone talking about getting clothes made in China......maybe a little bit of research is needed. You are going to seem like a giant to them......my girlfriend who I travelled to Vietnam is your height and they used to call her the "big lady". She was not amused but it wasn't meant as an insult - they were just saying it as they see it.

I'm hoping that having my trip to the Uk and Europe before I go to China will give me a trial run on what I must have in my suitcase!!!! I';ve never tried to pack for 6 months before so heaven help me!!!!

Hmmm well i always pack light... 5 pairs of boxers & socks, couple t-shirts, couple shirts, couple shorts (1 swimming), normally wearing my only pair of jeans. Trainers and flip flops. Think thats it. Can go years with just that :D

My packing plans are a bit different this time round as I have to take a tent and basic camping stuff for East Europe and dump it on the way to China. Will buy warm clothes out there as and when I need them (I don't really own any here so no choice really :D)

I'm going to China in August too and everyday I keep thinking what to take as I don't know where I'll end up. Also I don't know whether to take a suitcase or backpack and even then what size!!! There's so much to think about, it'll take forever to figure out what to take.