China travel answer · Safety
Is tap water safe to drink in China?
Reviewed 2026-09-14 · Conditions and policies can change
Direct answer
Travelers should generally avoid drinking tap water directly in China. Use bottled water, boiled water or properly filtered water instead.
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.
Sources to verify
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