You Do Need power plug adapter while traveling from South Africa to China.

Here is Why You Need An Adapter

The outlet and plug type used in China are A, C and I and in South Africa are C, M and N. This is how they look like.

South Africa

In South Africa, outlets of type C, M and N are in use.

Type C

Type M

Type N

China

In China, outlets of type A, C and I are in use.

Type A

Type C

Type I