Drinking water, public toilets and everyday comfort in China

Make drinking water part of the morning routine

Check your supply before leaving the hotel. Factory-sealed bottled water is a straightforward option. If using a refill point, confirm that it is intended to supply drinking water; a washbasin or an unlabelled tap is not a refill station.

Hotels may provide bottled water or water that has been boiled. Ask which supply is for drinking and what is complimentary. If you are unsure which water to use, choose an unopened factory-sealed bottle or ask the hotel for its drinking-water supply. Follow any personal health advice you have been given.

For ice, cold drinks or brushing your teeth, use water you know is safe. If unsure about ice, ask for the drink without it. Hot tea made with freshly boiled water is another option. At a dispenser, 热水 means hot water. Check the outlet and let hot water cool to a comfortable temperature.

For meals and ingredient questions, continue with the restaurant guide and dietary needs guide.

Find a comfortable stop before you need it urgently

Use a toilet at the hotel, museum or station before a long transfer. Ask a café, restaurant or shop about facilities when you arrive rather than assuming they have a customer restroom. On a map, try 公厕 for a public toilet or 卫生间 for a restroom.

Save a place near your walk and check the opening hours. A map pin tells you a location; it does not confirm a seated toilet, a changing table or a route without steps. If one of these matters, ask staff specifically.

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Expect different layouts, and follow the local signs

You may find seated or squat toilets, sometimes in the same building. Check the cubicle signs or ask staff for a seated toilet if that is more comfortable for you.

Carry a small packet of tissues because paper may be outside the cubicles or unavailable. Follow the sign in that particular facility about disposing of toilet paper. Put wipes, sanitary products and other rubbish in the appropriate bin.

Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating. Carry hand sanitizer for times when washing facilities are unavailable, then wash when you can. You do not need an elaborate kit: tissues, hand hygiene supplies and enough safe water usually cover the everyday task.

Ask for the facility you actually need

An accessible toilet, a family toilet and a baby-changing space are different things. Ask about the route to the room, whether it is open, and the equipment inside. A wheelchair symbol alone does not tell you transfer space or doorway width.

If you need a seated toilet at regular intervals, choose a route with confirmed stops and a simple return to the hotel. Our accessible travel guide provides questions for venues and hotels. For feeding, changing and a child's pace, use the family travel guide.

Keep a small cash and payment backup for the day, along with your hotel's address. For the next journey, the metro and bus guide helps you plan a station exit close to where you want to go.