Regarding the Safety of Tap Water in China

1. Official Standards The quality of tap water in China follows the national standard GB5749-2006, which theoretically meets the standard for direct consumption. However, actual drinking should take into account the following factors comprehensively:
2. Regional Differences: In first-tier cities (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) and newly built urban areas, the technology for treating tap water is more advanced, resulting in better water quality; in old residential areas or remote regions, there may be risks of secondary pollution due to aging pipelines.

3. Personal Adaptability: Foreign tourists' intestines might be sensitive to the local microbial environment, so it is recommended to avoid drinking raw water.

4. Safety Suggestions

5. Boil Before Drinking: Hotels usually provide electric kettles, and after boiling tap water for 1-3 minutes, it can be safely consumed.
6. Bottled Water Alternative: Recommended as the preferred daily drinking water, especially suitable during travel.

How to Purchase Bottled Water

1. Purchase Channels
2. Convenience Stores and Supermarkets Such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, etc., 24-hour convenience stores, or large chain supermarkets (Walmart, Carrefour, CR Vanguard).
   • Price Reference: Ordinary bottled water (500ml) costs about 2-4 yuan, large bottles (1.5L) cost about 4-6 yuan.
3. Vending Machines Commonly found at subway stations, scenic area entrances, commercial districts, supporting Alipay/WeChat Pay code scanning payment.

4. Online Platforms Order through Meituan, Ele.me, etc., food delivery apps, and delivery to the hotel within 30 minutes (need to bind international credit card or use cash payment).

5. Brand Selection

6. Common Brands: Nongfu Spring, C’estbon, Voss (Chinese version), Bonaqua.

7. Type Distinction:

   • Purified Water (Purified Water): Suitable for daily drinking.
   • Mineral Water (Mineral Water): Contains natural minerals, with better taste.

8. Precautions

9. Check the Seal: Ensure that the bottle cap seal is intact.
10. Scenic Spot Premiums: The price of bottled water in popular scenic spots may double, it is recommended to purchase in advance at convenience stores.
11. Environmental Suggestions: You can carry reusable water cups, and some public places provide direct drinking water facilities.

Payment and Communication Guidelines

1. Payment Methods
2. Alipay/WeChat Pay: Need to bind overseas bank cards or ask the hotel front desk for assistance in exchanging cash.

3. Cash Payment: Convenience stores and supermarkets all accept RMB cash (prepare small denominations such as 1 yuan, 5 yuan, 10 yuan).

4. How to Ask for Purchases

5. Chinese phrase: "Where can I buy water?" (Qǐngwèn nǎlǐ kěyǐ mǎi shuǐ?)
6. English communication: Store clerks in first-tier cities generally can communicate in simple English.

Emergency Handling

• If discomfort occurs after accidentally drinking raw water, you can go to the nearest pharmacy to purchase intestinal medicine (such as Montmorillonite Powder), or call the emergency number 120.
• Hotels usually provide 1-2 bottles of free bottled water daily, and you can request additional ones from the front desk (some hotels may charge fees).