China Travel Health & Safety

From drinking tap water to encountering respiratory issues due to bad air quality, there are plenty of ways you can become sick while traveling in China. Here are some things to know to stay healthy on the road.

In addition to being up-to-date on your regular vaccinations, like flu, polio, shingles, and measles, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires or recommends the following vaccinations for entry to China:

If you find yourself in need of medical treatment during your time in China, you’ll have several choices. You’ll find plenty of hospitals and other healthcare options in most major cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, where the hospitals are more likely to have the best medical facilities, equipment, and quality of care. You’re also more likely to find staff and doctors who speak English well.

Outside of urban areas, both the availability and quality of medical services may be lacking. The cost of going to see a doctor or going to the hospital can vary widely in rural areas. In public hospitals, where the quality of care may not be the best, seeing the doctor can cost as little as US$12. However, a visit to a private hospital that offers better quality care and English-speaking doctors can cost several hundred dollars.

If you’re having a medical emergency, call 119. This is the China emergency number and connects you to emergency resources like ambulances, police, and the fire department. However, it’s important to note that most ambulances don’t have top-notch medical equipment or the best-trained staff, so the US Embassy recommends that foreigners in need of medical treatment take a taxi or other transportation option to the hospital.

While medical care in China is available and in some cases can be quite affordable, it doesn’t hurt to have extra coverage. Travel insurance companies like battleface, Allianz, World Nomads, and HTH Worldwide offer a range of plans that you can customize to your needs.

Along with healthcare coverage from unexpected medical expenses while traveling abroad, including medical evacuation, travel insurance can also cover you in the event of delays or cancellations. It can also help with recovering costs if you get robbed.

One important thing to be aware of, though, is that many hospitals in China won’t accept US health insurance. The US Embassy highly recommends that you confirm coverage with your provider beforehand and get a list of hospitals and medical facilities that will accept your insurance before traveling.

Apart from Hong Kong, tap water in China is generally not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water and avoid consuming tap water, including when brushing your teeth. Fresh fresh fruits or vegetables are a key part of the Chinese diet, but you should avoid any that may have been washed in tap water—only eat thoroughly cooked food or foods you can peel.

Swimming-wise, chlorinated pools are fine, but you should avoid taking a dip in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds, as it puts you at risk of contracting schistosomiasis.

Traveler’s diarrhea can be a common issue for tourists, due to undercooked food or drinking tap water. To prevent it, be conscious of your eating habits: Avoid consuming untreated water, uncooked or undercooked foods, and unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Carry antidiarrheal medication, rehydration salts, and probiotics in case you do get sick.

Mosquitoes are largely only an issue in rural parts of China, and China has even been taking action to reduce the mosquito population. Even though China has been declared malaria-free, travelers should still be wary of other insect-borne diseases, like dengue fever and chikungunya. You’ll want to take steps to protect yourself. Carry and use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, and sleep under a mosquito net at night.

One of the biggest health concerns travelers will encounter in China is the air quality. Air pollution is a huge issue in China, with many cities in China experiencing high levels of air pollution. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with respiratory issues.

Before going out exploring each day, use AQI or check the PRC’s own data via the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to check the report for your area. If the quality is bad, avoid being outdoors for long periods of time or wear a mask if you need to be out and about.

Here’s what a traveler from a foreign country should know about staying safe in China.

Depending on where you’re traveling in China, you may encounter natural disasters. From July to September, the southern and eastern coasts of China frequently experience strong tropical storms and typhoons. Flooding can also occur during the rainy season, which varies depending on where you’re traveling in China. Earthquakes and landslides (which are typically a result of flooding or too much rain) are concerns as well.

While traveling around China, monitor local media and weather reports to avoid disaster areas. If you do find yourself experiencing a natural disaster, follow instructions from local authorities and contact your country’s embassy as soon as possible.

Chinese law can come with harsh punishments , so it’s important to be aware of the local rules and regulations—including those regarding smoking in public, driving a car, bringing in foreign currency, random drug tests, photography, and Internet usage—to avoid trouble with the Chinese government. Violations can result in fines, arrest, deportation, or even an exit ban, particularly in matters of national security.

Diplomatic missions aren’t just for matters of foreign affairs; they also offer consular assistance and consular services to foreign nationals in case of emergency. If you need to replace a valid visa, for example, or wind up in legal trouble over a positive drug test, contact your country’s embassy or consulate immediately. While they won’t be able to offer legal advice, they can direct you on what to do next.

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a China visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to China,  including travel requirements, visa extensions, and culture and traditions, visit our China content hub.