Drinking water and food hygiene in China

Tap water

For travelers, the simplest rule is:

do not routinely drink untreated tap water.

Use bottled water, boiled water or properly filtered water.

Hot water

Hot or warm drinking water is common in China.

You may see:

开水 — Kāishuǐ — Boiled water

at hotels, railway stations and restaurants.

Street food

Street food is not automatically unsafe.

Use normal judgment:

• choose busy vendors;
• prefer food cooked fresh and hot;
• avoid items that appear to have sat out for long periods;
• pay attention to cleanliness.

Wild mushrooms

In mushroom-rich regions such as Yunnan (云南), eat wild mushrooms at reputable establishments where they are correctly identified and thoroughly cooked.

Food poisoning

If symptoms are severe, persistent or accompanied by dehydration, seek medical attention.

Healthcare is covered in Healthcare in China.