Generally, metal items are prohibited items, but dumbbells, as fitness equipment, can be taken on the plane, but they can't be carried with you. They need to be checked and charged for being overweight.
It is prohibited to carry or check the following items on civil aviation flights within the territory of China:
1, guns, military or police equipment (including main parts) and their imitations.
2 explosives, such as ammunition, pyrotechnics, blasting equipment and their imitations.
3. Control tools.
4. Flammable and explosive articles, such as matches, lighters (gas), alcohol, paint, gasoline, kerosene, benzene, rosin oil, cigarette cakes, etc.
5. Corrosive substances, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, liquid storage battery, etc.
6. Poisons, such as cyanide and highly toxic pesticides.
7. Radioactive substances, such as radioisotopes.
8. Other articles endangering flight safety, such as articles with strong pungent smell, strongly magnetized substances that may interfere with the normal work of onboard instruments, etc.