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
9 Days
From
1075
Travel between Shanghai and Beijing, visiting the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors...
20 Days
From
3490
Travel through Russia, China and Mongolia on this 20-day tour. Ride the Trans-Siberian...
23 Days
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3825
Explore China, Mongolia and Russia on a journey from Beijing to St Petersburg via...
12 Days
From
1210
Discover China’s northern hotspots with Intrepid on a 12-day Lonely Planet Experience...
12 Days
From
1990
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
16 Days
From
2835
Travel to China, Mongolia and Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing to...
32 Days
From
5175
Embark on an epic 32-day Silk Road adventure through China, Kyrgyzstan and into...
19 Days
From
2835
Travel to China and tour Beijing, visit the Great Wall of China, see the Terracotta...
12 Days
From
2410
Spend 12 days exploring northern China from Shanghai to Beijing, including Luoyang, the...
12 Days
From
1049
From Great Wall to Terracotta Warriors, pandas to picturesque Yangshuo, this 12-day...
15 Days
From
2430
Retrace the path of the ancient Silk Road from Beijing to Xi'an, Zhangye and Turpan...
7 Days
From
1120
Come on an active adventure that takes you to hiking the Great Wall of China, cycling...
41 Days
From
7310
Embark on an epic 32-day Silk Road adventure through China, Kyrgyzstan and into...
11 Days
From
3425
Traverse through the mountainous beauty of Tibet. Beginning in Kathmandu, explore Lhasa...
12 Days
From
1920
Embark on a 12-day adventure from Beijing to Hong Kong, exploring key highlights...
15 Days
From
3360
Cross from Beijing to Kathmandu on an epic overland journey, seeing the temples and...
