What should I know about drinking water and food safety?

Drinking water and food safety: an important guide for foreign travelers in China

Enjoying local food is one of the best parts of traveling in China. At the same time, following a few basic rules for drinking water and food safety is essential to stay healthy and avoid stomach problems.

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1. Drinking water

The rules for drinking water in China are simple and very strict — and you should follow them carefully.

• Golden rule: do NOT drink tap water

  • Tap water in China is not treated to Western “drink straight from the tap” standards. You should never drink tap water directly, even in hotels. This includes the bathroom sink in your hotel room.
  • Tip: If you have a sensitive stomach, it’s a good idea to use bottled water even for brushing your teeth.

• Safe options for drinking water

  1. Bottled water
     This is the safest, easiest, and most recommended choice in China. Bottled water is available everywhere — convenience stores, supermarkets, and small kiosks — and is very affordable.

  2. Boiled water
     This is the traditional Chinese way and is also completely safe. Almost all hotel rooms, regardless of price, provide an electric kettle or a thermos flask filled with boiled water. Boiled water is safe to drink and can also be used for tea or coffee.

  3. Drinks served in restaurants
     Drinks, tea, and soups in proper restaurants are made with boiled or filtered water and are generally safe to consume.

• About ice
  In reputable restaurants, bars, and hotels, ice is usually made from filtered or purified water and is generally considered safe. If you are still unsure or feel anxious about it, simply ask for your drink without ice.

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2. Food safety

Overall, food in China is safe, but your stomach may not be used to local bacteria. Sensible precautions can greatly reduce the risk of getting sick.

• Golden rule for choosing restaurants

  • Follow the crowds:
    This is the single most reliable rule when picking a restaurant in China. If a place is crowded with locals and there is a line outside, it’s a strong sign that the food is fresh, tasty, and safe. A high turnover means ingredients don’t sit around for long.
  • Observe cleanliness:
    Choose places that look clean and reasonably well maintained.

• Street food: is it safe?
  Street food is an important part of Chinese food culture, and skipping it entirely would be a pity. The answer is: yes, you can eat it — but choose carefully.

  • Checklist for enjoying street food safely:
    1. Check the crowd: pick stalls with lots of customers and a steady flow of orders.
    2. Freshly cooked is best: choose food that is cooked to order and still hot when served.
    3. Avoid food that has been sitting out: skip items that have clearly been left out for a long time, especially in hot weather.

• Types of food to treat with extra caution

  • Salads and raw vegetables:
    Unless you are in a five‑star hotel or a high‑end Western restaurant, it’s safer to avoid raw, unpeeled vegetables; they may have been washed in water that is not safe to drink.

  • Pre‑peeled or cut fruit:
    Stick to fruit you can peel yourself, such as bananas or oranges. Avoid fruit that has already been peeled or sliced before being sold.

  • Seafood:
    Make sure any seafood you eat is thoroughly cooked.

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By following these simple guidelines, you can fully enjoy China’s rich and varied food culture while staying healthy and comfortable throughout your trip.