Unlike in most western countries, the tap water in China is undrinkable, even in the finest of hotels. Hotel rooms often potable water. However, some of hotels have no water dispenser but are instead equipped with a water heater/hot pot, which you must use to boil tap water before drinking it.

In some cases, hot water is provided in a thermos in the guest room, and four or five-star hotels may supply high-quality mineral water for free or for a minimal charge. Ordinary bottled mineral water and various beverages are commonly sold in many street shops, supermarkets, restaurants and hotel stores for about 3 yuan per bottle. As for the fruits and vegetables, there is no special restriction on it.