Quick Summary
🏪 Availability: Widely available in cities
💰 Cost: Similar to Western prices
🌟 Best Places: Large supermarkets
💡 Known Brands: Pampers, Huggies available
⚠️ Pro Tip: Stick to major retail areas
Worried about finding diapers in China? As parents who just traveled across China with two kids in diapers, we've got you covered! We navigated this exact challenge across multiple Chinese cities and learned exactly where and how to buy diapers. Here's our complete, honest guide based on our real experience during trips in 2023 and 2024.
Can You Buy Diapers in China?
The short answer: Yes, absolutely! Despite what you might read in outdated travel guides or hear from people who visited years ago, disposable diapers are now the norm in China. We saw babies wearing them everywhere, and finding diapers was much easier than we initially feared.
Biggest problem: outdated maps
When you arrive in China, you will soon discover that your biggest problem finding not only nappies but simply shops or restaurants, is outdated Google Maps that you usually rely on.
The best tip I can give is to use more reliable maps — likes Gaode or at least Apple Maps.
Gaode requires you to translate what you are looking for in Chinese, but it has the most up-to-date directions, often with pictures, so you can check if the supermarket you found is a big store or just a small shop.
Magda Sawyer
Buying nappies with your smartphone
Chinese people whole-heartedly embrace technology, so if you are already comfortable with Chinese apps, you can use 美团 App that can be used inside of WeChat as the so-called „mini program“ (no need to install it separately).
After ordering it in the app, it can be delivered straight to your hotel.
Magda Sawyer
Tips for Buying Diapers in China
Best Places to Buy
- Large supermarkets
- Shopping mall supermarkets
- Department stores
- Western-style retail chains
What to Avoid
- Small local shops (limited stock)
- Traditional pharmacies
- Street markets
Practical Tips from Our Experience
What We Learned
- Don't rely on Google Maps for supermarket locations
- Ask hotel staff for nearest large supermarket
- Learn the Chinese word for diapers: 尿布 (niào bù)
- Keep a 2-day supply as backup
Money-Saving Tips
- Prices similar to Western markets
- Bulk buying usually available
- Local brands can offer good value
Common Concerns Answered
Q: Do Chinese babies use disposable diapers? A: Yes, it's now the norm in urban areas. The old practice of split-pants is much less common.
Q: Can I find Western brands? A: Yes, Pampers and other Western brands are widely available in major cities.
Q: Should I pack diapers from home? A: Bring enough for the first few days and emergencies, but you can easily buy more locally.
Planning Your Trip?
🌟Pro Tip: While it's smart to pack some diapers in your luggage, don't waste valuable space with a huge supply. We found that carrying a 3-day supply was more than enough while we got our bearings in each new city.
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