China travel answer · Safety
Is tap water safe to drink in China?
Updated 2026-09-14 · Conditions and policies can change
Applies to
Travelers preparing general safety, health, medicine and insurance arrangements.
Editorial status
Published and under review
Last checked 2026-09-14; corrections are applied without unpublishing useful guidance.
Direct answer
Travelers should generally avoid drinking tap water directly in China. Use bottled water, boiled water or properly filtered water instead.
Before you act on this answer
- ✓Use personal medical advice for individual health decisions.
- ✓Check insurance exclusions and save emergency contacts before departure.
What to know
- ●Hotels commonly provide bottled water or kettles for boiling water.
- ●Use bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
- ●Carry water during long sightseeing days because large sites can involve more walking than expected.
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