China doesn’t require any vaccinations for entry, but travel health clinics recommend several based on your activities and destinations. The three most important health rules for China: don’t drink tap water (bottled water is cheap and everywhere), get travel insurance with medical evacuation cover (hospital costs for foreigners can be high), and download a translation app to communicate with pharmacists and doctors if needed. For most healthy travellers on standard tourist routes, China presents no unusual health risks beyond these basics.
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What vaccinations do I need for China?
No vaccinations are required for entry to China. However, travel health clinics typically recommend the following based on your itinerary:
Recommended for most travellers:
- Hepatitis A — standard recommendation for Asia travel; transmitted through contaminated food and water
- Hepatitis B — recommended if any medical procedures, needles or close contact with locals is anticipated; standard for most adults already
- Typhoid — especially if eating street food or travelling to rural areas
Recommended for specific activities/destinations:
- Japanese Encephalitis — for extended rural or agricultural area travel, particularly in summer; not needed for standard city tourism
- Rabies — for extended rural travel or those who anticipate animal contact; not needed for standard tourist itineraries
- Routine vaccines — ensure MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), tetanus-diphtheria and flu are up to date
COVID-19: Check current Chinese entry requirements — these have evolved since 2020 and may change. As of 2026, standard international protocols apply.
Consult your doctor: Visit your travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks.
Is tap water safe to drink in China?
No — tap water in China is not safe to drink directly. It is treated and technically meets Chinese water quality standards, but it often contains bacteria, heavy metals or chlorine levels that can cause stomach upsets in travellers not accustomed to it.
What to drink:
- Bottled water — universally available, extremely cheap (¥1–3 for 500ml from convenience stores and hotels). Nongfu Spring (农夫山泉) and Master Kong (康师傅) are the most common brands.
- Boiled water — provided free in most hotels (a thermos flask is standard). Also available from the hot water dispenser on high-speed trains. Safe once boiled.
- Tea — safe if made with boiled water, which it always is in restaurants and teahouses.
Brushing teeth: Tap water is generally fine for brushing teeth — the small amount that might be ingested is unlikely to cause problems. If you have a sensitive stomach, use bottled water.
Ice: In international hotels and established restaurants, ice is usually made from purified water and safe. In small local restaurants and street stalls, avoid ice if you have a sensitive stomach.
What health precautions should I take before travelling to China?
Visit a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended for most). Get comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation. Don’t drink tap water — use bottled water throughout. Download a translation app for pharmacy/hospital communication if needed.
Is it safe to eat street food in China?
Generally yes — street food that is cooked in front of you at a busy stall is very safe. High turnover means fresh ingredients. Avoid pre-cut raw fruit from roadside stalls and raw vegetables at small local restaurants. The rule: if it’s hot and freshly cooked, it’s almost always fine.
What should I do if I get sick in China?
For minor issues, pharmacies (药店) are everywhere and stock basic medications. Show your symptoms using Google Translate. For serious issues, major cities have international hospitals with English-speaking staff (e.g. Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai United Family Hospital). Always carry your travel insurance details. Your country’s embassy can provide a list of recommended doctors.