In China, public tap water doesn’t meet international safety standards for drinking.
Tap water in China is generally not consumed directly, even by locals. While it’s treated, outdated infrastructure and potential contamination during delivery are serious concerns.
Quick Overview
Tap Water Concern: Our Advice Tap Water Drinkable? ❌ No, use bottled water Common Risks: Bacteria, parasites, viruses Brush Teeth? ❌ No, use bottled water Wash Fruits/Vegetables? ❌ No, use filtered or bottled water Use Ice in Drinks? ❌ No, avoid unless purified Safe to Shower? ✅ Yes Filter Bottle Needed? ✅ Strongly recommended
Based on guidance from the CDC, WHO, and local water authorities in China.
Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle
We’ve taken a close look at dozens of travel water filter bottles—comparing them on filtration quality, traveler convenience, durability, and packability. The ones we recommend make it easy to drink safely from taps, fountains, or even rivers, without relying on disposable plastic or constantly buying bottled water. You’ll find our top selections just below, based on what actually works for real-world travelers.
Health Risks for Travelers
Travelers may be at risk of water-related illnesses, even though locals seem unaffected. This is often due to differences in gut flora, immune response, and exposure to local pathogens.
- Health risks from unsafe drinking water may include:
- Acute diarrheal disease caused by E. coli
- Parasitic infections like giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis
- Viral illnesses such as hepatitis A, especially in areas with poor wastewater management
- Toxic exposure to heavy metals or residual industrial waste
Contamination is more likely in:
- Villages or isolated areas with untreated surface water
- Places where flooding or poor infrastructure compromises sanitation
- Dwellings with outdated plumbing systems or neglected storage tanks
Clear water isn’t always clean water—invisible pathogens, bacteria, and pollutants can pose serious travel health hazards if consumed unfiltered.
If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in China, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
More About Tap Water in China
China has made big improvements in water safety, especially since introducing its updated “Standards for Drinking Water Quality” in 2022, which includes 152 criteria covering biological, chemical, and physical safety. But conditions still vary by region. In modern cities like Shenzhen, tap water is generally high quality thanks to advanced infrastructure. In older cities like Beijing or Shanghai, outdated plumbing systems can still be an issue. That’s why many locals boil their tap water or use home filtration systems before drinking it.
FAQs About Tap Water in China
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
Brushing your teeth with tap water in China isn’t recommended, especially if you’re not used to the local microbes.
Can I use tap water to wash my face?
Unless your skin is extra sensitive, rinsing your face with tap water in China is unlikely to cause harm.
Is it safe to use ice in drinks?
If the tap water isn’t safe to drink, the ice probably isn’t either—so skip it unless you know it’s filtered.
Can I shower safely with tap water?
Unless you have open cuts or very sensitive skin, you can shower normally in China.
Even clean-looking water can be harsh on your skin when you’re abroad. A travel shower filter screws on in seconds and can help. Just check that the showerhead isn’t recessed or built into the wall—you’ll need access to connect it. This one’s a traveler favorite for a reason. Click here to check it out.
Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?
Washing fruits and vegetables with tap water isn’t ideal—use clean, treated water instead.
Is bottled water expensive in China?
It’s an inexpensive way to avoid the much bigger cost of getting sick during your trip.
China is often included in longer Asia itineraries alongside countries like Mongolia, India, and Russia, so it’s smart to compare how tap water access varies across these destinations.