Can You Drink Tap Water in China?

The short version

• Do not drink tap water straight from the tap anywhere in mainland China, including Beijing and Shanghai.
• Drink bottled or boiled water. Bottled water costs about RMB 2 to 5 in convenience stores.
• Hotels usually provide free bottled water and an electric kettle.
• Free hot water is available on trains, at stations and in airports.
• Brushing your teeth with tap water is fine for most travelers.
• Ice in established restaurants and cafés is generally fine.

The UK government’s travel advice says tap water in China is generally not safe to drink. Guidance checked on 30 September 2026.

Why you should not drink tap water in China

Chinese cities treat their water to a national drinking-water standard (GB 5749), and the water is chlorinated. The problem is what happens after the treatment plant:

• Old pipes in older buildings and neighborhoods;
• Rooftop and basement water tanks in apartment blocks and hotels, which are not always cleaned regularly;
• Varying quality between cities, and in rural areas.

That is why Chinese households boil tap water or use filters and water dispensers, and why almost nobody drinks straight from the tap. You will not look strange asking for bottled or hot water. It is what locals do.

Does China’s tap water have chlorine? Yes, city tap water is chlorinated, and you may notice the smell. Boiling removes some of it, and the taste improves.

What is safe to drink

Check the seal on bottled water. Well-known brands include Nongfu Spring, C’estbon and Ganten.

Water in hotels

• Free bottled water: most hotels put two bottles in the room every day. Ask for more at reception if you need it.
• Kettle: almost every hotel room in China has an electric kettle. Rinse it and boil water once before using it for drinks.
• Filtered drinking taps: some upscale hotels have a separate tap labeled as drinking water (直饮水). Otherwise, treat the bathroom tap as not drinkable.
• Bathroom water is fine for washing, showering and brushing your teeth.

Brushing your teeth

Brushing your teeth with tap water is fine for most travelers in Chinese cities. Just do not swallow it.

Use bottled water for brushing if you:

• have a sensitive stomach or a weakened immune system;
• are in a rural area, especially after heavy rain or flooding;
• are traveling with a baby or small child.

Ice, drinks and food

• Restaurants, cafés and bars: ice is usually made from filtered water in machines and is generally fine.
• Street stalls and small vendors: be more cautious. Order drinks without ice (去冰, qù bīng) if you are unsure.
• Fruit and salads: in good restaurants they are washed properly. From street vendors, choose fruit you peel yourself.
• Juice and bubble tea shops: big chains are generally reliable.

For ordering without Chinese, see how to order food in China.

Free hot water on the move

Hot-water dispensers (开水) are one of the most useful things in China:

• on high-speed and overnight trains, usually at the end of each carriage;
• in railway stations and airports, after security;
• in many offices, hospitals and public buildings.

Bring a reusable bottle or thermos that takes hot water, and you can make tea, instant noodles or drinking water anywhere. You cannot take liquids through airport security, so fill up after the checkpoint.

Traveling with babies and children

• Use bottled water or boiled water, cooled, for baby formula.
• Many parents bring or buy low-mineral bottled water for formula.
• Wash bottles with boiled water.
• Ask the hotel for a kettle or a bottle sterilizer if you need one.

See China with kids for more family tips.

If you get sick

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common problem for visitors, usually from food rather than water.

• Drink plenty of bottled water and oral rehydration salts, which are sold in pharmacies.
• See a doctor if you have a high fever, blood in your stool or symptoms that last more than two or three days.
• Keep receipts for any treatment for your insurer. See travel insurance for China.

For wider health and safety advice, see is China safe for tourists?