If you are planning on using a foreign electrical device in China you may need a plug-in adaptor and a voltage converter.

Electrical Outlets

In China, electrical outlets come in several varieties.  From left to right, the above outlets are suited for plugs with 2 parallel flat blades, 2 flat blades with 1 grounding flat blade (two varieties of these), two round pins with one round grounding pin and two round pins.  It is common for outlets to provide a combination of several or even all of the above varieties.

You can bring an adaptor set with you or buy one in an electronics store in China.  Just remember that an adaptor is only to match up the shape of your plugs.  You must also give your electrical device the correct voltage.

The above outlet fits a variety of plugs.	The above outlet fits plugs with two round pins or two flat blades.

Voltage

Electrical current in China is 220V and 50Hz AC.  To choose the proper voltage converter first check the labelling of your electrical device(s) to find out the voltage and wattage. You need a voltage converter that can handle a higher or equal wattage than that of the device that it is to be used with.  If you don’t know what the wattage is, use the following formula: Amps(A)*Voltage(V)=Watts. Some devices, such as TVs and monitors, require a surge when starting up.  For these devices choose a voltage converter that has a wattage that is 20% higher than that of your device.

You could also bring your surge protector in order to protect sensitive and expensive items such as laptops against power surges.

There’s one more trick to mention. "220V" products from other countries will not always work in China because some "220V" products use 2 phase of 110V. Thus 220V products from USA or Canada will not work if you directly attach them to an electrical outlet in China.

Links: More information and pictures about electrical outlets in China.