SoHo’s picturesque cobblestone streets, cast-iron buildings, and designer boutiques draw quite a crowd. However, the narrow streets become so packed that many city dwellers (and even SoHo residents themselves) tend to avoid the area, particularly on weekends and around the holidays. Nevertheless, don’t dismiss the SoHo neighborhood outright — visitors who explore the Manhattan district’s many quality stores, restaurants, and sidewalk vendors during off-peak hours are rarely disappointed.

Happily, China is a very casual place, which makes creating a packing list for a holiday here quite easy—even if you’re planning on dining at an upscale restaurant. Chinese culture has wholeheartedly embraced casual Western-style clothing. Fancy embroidered jeans can be appropriate for weddings, and it’s interesting to note that the white Western dress is as popular as a red qipao for the bride. Regardless, your casual, comfortable travel attire will suit everyday sightseeing, while a smart casual outfit suffices for a nice dinner in the city.