While water quality is improving, drinking tap water still isn't recommended in China due to the presence of pollution and natural contamination of water supplies.
Bottled water is readily available in China and is usually very cheap, but for environmental reasons, consider other options to save on plastic waste. Bring a reusable bottle or canteen (we recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity) that can be refilled as needed, or buy some water purifying tablets or a sterilising kit to treat your on water on the go. Some hotels you stay in may have drinking water available in large drums. Your local leader can tell you the best and most sustainable source of filtered water, and where to find it.
Click to read what to drink in China
Our tours in China
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5550
Take a small group Premium adventure that weaves together some of China’s most famous...
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1785
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2005
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3310
Discover China and the tantalising sights, culture and food of Beijing, Chengdu, Xi'an...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
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5085
Travel to China, Mongolia and Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing to...
23 Days
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6945
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8615
Embark on an epic 32-day Silk Road adventure through China, Kyrgyzstan and into...
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4720
Travel to China and tour Beijing, visit the Great Wall of China, see the Terracotta...
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4115
Travel to the Land of the Dragon and explore Beijing, Xi'an, Yangshuo, Chengdu and Hong...
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4010
Spend 12 days exploring northern China from Shanghai to Beijing, including Luoyang, the...
12 Days
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1950
From Great Wall to Terracotta Warriors, pandas to picturesque Yangshuo, this 12-day...
15 Days
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4045
Retrace the path of the ancient Silk Road from Beijing to Xi'an, Zhangye and Turpan...
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1865
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