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
1320
Travel between Shanghai and Beijing, visiting the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors...
20 Days
From
4115
Travel through Russia, China and Mongolia on this 20-day tour. Ride the Trans-Siberian...
23 Days
From
4515
Explore China, Mongolia and Russia on a journey from Beijing to St Petersburg via...
12 Days
From
1445
Discover China’s northern hotspots with Intrepid on a 12-day Lonely Planet Experience...
12 Days
From
2440
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
3345
Travel to China, Mongolia and Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing to...
32 Days
From
6355
Embark on an epic 32-day Silk Road adventure through China, Kyrgyzstan and into...
19 Days
From
3480
Travel to China and tour Beijing, visit the Great Wall of China, see the Terracotta...
20 Days
From
2710
Tour through Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Hong Kong to experience the Great Wall of...
12 Days
From
1670
Discover one of China's most culturally diverse provinces – Yunnan. Hike through jaw...
12 Days
From
3170
Travel to the Land of the Dragon and explore Beijing, Xi'an, Yangshuo, Chengdu and Hong...
12 Days
From
2960
Spend 12 days exploring northern China from Shanghai to Beijing, including Luoyang, the...
12 Days
From
1287
From Great Wall to Terracotta Warriors, pandas to picturesque Yangshuo, this 12-day...
15 Days
From
2985
Retrace the path of the ancient Silk Road from Beijing to Xi'an, Zhangye and Turpan...
9 Days
From
1105
See the best of South China with Lonely Planet and Intrepid on a nine-day adventure...
7 Days
From
1375
Come on an active adventure that takes you to hiking the Great Wall of China, cycling...
41 Days
From
8625
Embark on an epic 32-day Silk Road adventure through China, Kyrgyzstan and into...
9 Days
From
1485
Experience the eclectic allure of China on this adventure from Hanoi to Kunming....
11 Days
From
4205
Traverse through the mountainous beauty of Tibet. Beginning in Kathmandu, explore Lhasa...
12 Days
From
2360
Embark on a 12-day adventure from Beijing to Hong Kong, exploring key highlights...
15 Days
From
4125
Cross from Beijing to Kathmandu on an epic overland journey, seeing the temples and...
5 Days
From
1175
Brave the sub-zero temperatures of Harbin and you’ll be rewarded with the most...
16 Days
From
4225
Take an active adventure hiking the Great Wall of China, cycling Old Beijing, learning...
9 Days
From
2165
Enter a world of both natural wonder and big city glamour. Admire the majestic beauty...
29 Days
From
4220
Embark on a 29-day natural escape to northern Vietnam and southwest China, passing...
20 Days
From
3095
From the hundred-year old Hani people's rice terrace to the jaw-dropping Tiger Leaping...
18 Days
From
2520
Explore the best of rural China and Vietnam on this 18-day adventure including Yuanyang...
13 Days
From
2445
Get a taste of China on this cultural and ice-filled adventure.
