Travel Essentials
Can You Drink Tap Water in China?
Can you drink tap water in China? Learn whether to use bottled or boiled water, what to do in hotels, and whether tap water is fine for brushing your teeth.
For most travelers, the simplest advice is:
Do not drink tap water in China directly.
China has national drinking-water quality standards, but for short-term visitors, bottled, purified or properly boiled water is the practical choice.
Does China Have Drinking Water Standards?
Yes.
China's current national standard is:
GB 5749-2022 — Standards for Drinking Water Quality
It sets requirements for municipal drinking-water quality.
However, water still passes through building pipes, storage tanks and internal plumbing before reaching a hotel or apartment tap.
That is why travelers are generally advised not to drink untreated tap water directly.
Can You Drink Boiled Tap Water?
Yes.
Boiling water is extremely common in China.
Hotels, homes, offices, railway stations and trains often provide kettles or hot-water dispensers.
If tap water has been properly boiled, it is commonly used for:
- Drinking
- Tea
- Coffee
- Instant noodles
Let it cool if you prefer cold water.
What Should You Drink in Hotels?
Most hotels make this easy.
You may find:
- Complimentary bottled water
- An electric kettle
- A drinking-water dispenser
If you use the kettle:
- Fill it with fresh water
- Bring it to a full boil
- Let it cool before drinking
If the kettle looks dirty or damaged, ask the hotel to replace it or use bottled water instead.
Is Bottled Water Easy to Find?
Yes.
Bottled water is widely available from:
- Convenience stores
- Supermarkets
- Hotels
- Railway stations
- Airports
- Tourist attractions
For most city trips, you do not need to carry large amounts with you.
A reusable bottle is also useful if your hotel or station provides boiled or purified drinking water.
Do You Need Bottled Water for Brushing Your Teeth?
For most travelers staying in normal urban hotels, using tap water for brushing your teeth is generally practical as long as you do not swallow it.
If you have a particularly sensitive stomach or simply prefer to be cautious, use bottled or boiled water.
Beijing's official visitor guidance also notes that some visitors choose bottled water for brushing their teeth as an extra precaution.
What About Ice?
In established hotels, chain cafés and reputable restaurants, ice is normally prepared for food-service use.
If you are very sensitive to stomach problems, be more cautious with ice from informal or unknown sources.
There is no need to avoid all cold drinks in China.
Can You Drink Restaurant Water?
Usually, yes.
Restaurants commonly serve:
- Hot water
- Tea
- Bottled water
- Purified water
Hot water is especially common.
If you are unsure, ask whether the water is intended for drinking.
Can You Drink From Public Water Dispensers?
Yes, if the machine is clearly marked as a drinking-water dispenser.
You may see hot or purified drinking-water stations in:
- Railway stations
- Airports
- Hotels
- Public facilities
Do not confuse a designated drinking-water outlet with an ordinary washroom tap.
What About Water on High-Speed Trains?
Chinese high-speed trains commonly provide hot drinking water.
Many passengers use it for:
- Tea
- Instant noodles
- Refillable bottles
A heat-resistant bottle is useful if you plan to use it.
Read next: How to Take China's High-Speed Trains as a Foreigner
Common Mistakes
Drinking straight from the hotel tap
Unless the tap is specifically marked as drinking water, use bottled, purified or boiled water instead.
Assuming tap water means the municipal supply is “dirty”
That is too simplistic.
China has national drinking-water standards. The practical issue for travelers is that direct-drinking conditions can vary between buildings and plumbing systems.
Worrying too much
Safe drinking water is easy to find in Chinese cities.
You generally do not need special filters or purification tablets for a normal urban trip.
Traveler Water Checklist
- Use bottled, purified or boiled water for drinking
- Use the hotel kettle if needed
- Carry a reusable bottle
- Tap water is fine for washing
- Use bottled water for brushing if you prefer extra caution
- Look for designated drinking-water dispensers in stations and hotels
What We Recommend
For a normal trip to China:
Use tap water for washing.
Use bottled, purified or properly boiled water for drinking.
That is simple, practical and easy to follow.
You do not need to overthink it.
Official Sources
This guide was checked against information published by:
- State Administration for Market Regulation
- China's national standard GB 5749-2022, Standards for Drinking Water Quality
- Beijing Municipal Government visitor guidance on tap and drinking water
Local water systems and building plumbing vary. Follow the drinking-water guidance provided by your hotel or local authority when available.