The honest reason
Treated at the plant, risky at the tap
China’s national standard (GB 5749-2022) is comparable to WHO guidelines, and water leaving modern city plants meets it. The problem is the last mile: older distribution pipes can corrode and breed bacteria, and many buildings store water in rooftop or basement tanks that aren’t always perfectly maintained. Locals avoid the issue simply by boiling — and so should you.
What to drink instead
Three safe, easy options
Boiling kills bacteria and viruses and removes the chlorine taste. It does not remove heavy metals — but for a normal visit, boiled or bottled water is more than enough.
The small details
What about brushing your teeth?
A quick rinse with tap water won’t hurt most people. But if you have a sensitive stomach or want zero risk, use bottled water to brush — it’s the safest habit and what many travelers do. The risk from a tiny amount is low; the convenience of bottled is high.
In restaurants, what you’re served is free hot water or tea — boiled, not from the tap. If you’d rather have cold drinking water, ask for bottled (‘ping shui’) or just stick with tea.
Ice in drinks
At proper cafés and international hotels the ice is usually made from filtered water. At random street stalls, skip it to be safe.
Washing fruit
Peel what you can. For produce you can’t peel, rinse with bottled or boiled water — tourist-area restaurants usually do this for you.
Refillable bottle
Carry one. Free hot/cold water machines in hotels and stations make it easy to stay hydrated without buying plastic all day.
Quick questions
It’s cautious, not alarmist. Locals drink boiled water by default — it’s a cultural norm, not a crisis. Following it keeps your stomach happy.
Restaurants serve free hot water or tea — boiled, not from the tap — so it’s safe. If you want cold drinking water, ask for bottled.
Buy sealed bottles from stores and check the tamper seal and label are intact. Trusted brands: Nongfu Spring, C’estbon (Yi Bao), Wahaha, Ganten.
A good filter helps with particulates and some chemicals, but boiling or sealed bottled water remains the simplest reliable choice for a short trip.
A quick rinse won’t hurt most people. If you want zero risk or have a sensitive stomach, use bottled water to brush.
Ice at proper cafés and hotels is usually filtered; skip it at random stalls. Peel fruit, and rinse what you can’t peel with bottled or boiled water.
Plan the rest of your health & safety
Water is one piece of staying well in China. Read the full Safety, Health & Culture guide before you fly — and keep these tips handy on your phone.
From the Safety, Health & Culture guide