My question on Beijing Water was supposed to be: Does anyone know if the water in the better hotels of Beijing is safe to drink and use for brushing teeth. Thank you.

I have never heard that it is. I stayed in a pretty nice hotel there, but not a luxury one. After you have been to China, if you haven't already been there, you will have a good understanding of how bad the polution can be. Just look at the rivers. It is a beautiful country with very friendly people, but sanitation is still behind the U.S. and Western Europe. Most hotels will provide boiled water for you, and I would just buy bottled for drinking. Prices in China for food and drink are pretty inexpensive for Americans. Enjoy your trip. I have been to many parts of the world, but so far China was the most rewarding and fascinating.

Sorry, NO and No. We stayed at one of the nicest and they warned us even about keeping our mouth shut while showering. Prior to leaving Hong Kong for Beijing we started taking an antibiotic prescribed specifically for that part of world. We ate and drank what was served on all of the tours and nobody in my family got sick. You may want to consider that as a precaution. Great place - we cannot wait to return. Buy the antiques. Really cheap. 1/2 Peking duck dinner - $4.

Would like very much to know what the antibiotic is that mentioned being prescribed for this part of the world. <BR>Thanks

I just got back from Beijing and the Yangtse River. My advice is to use the boiled water they provide for making tea. You get it in every hotel. If not just use bottled water. The plumbing is just too dodgy to trust and time is too short when traveling to spend half a day on the toilet andthe other half running to one. <BR> <BR>Great place to visit though. Make sure you go to Silk Alley and bargain hard <BR> <BR>cheers <BR> <BR>Bill <BR> <BR>Bill <BR>

<BR>Once you go there, you'll instinctively know not to drink the water. Use bottled water for everything that you consume. I have consumed fresh fruits and food from streetside vendors without any problems although the official guides also tell you to not do that. <BR> <BR>Even though it's not part of your question, I would be cautious about buying antiques. First, only buy from reputable dealers. There is an entire market in China that deals with reproductions that dealers attempt to pass off as legitimate antiques. Be certain that what you buy can be exported from China AND can be imported into the U.S. I know of many instances where objects have been purchased, but can't be taken out of China. Also, remember the displays at airports that U.S. Customs use to show what is not permitted in the country. Check with them to be sure.

<BR>Ha ha... Do not drink the water.. I am living here and I wish I had not even brushed my teeth with it at the beginning... arrrgghhh. <BR> <BR>You will have boiled water even in the cheapest dives.. do not worry.. bottled water is everywhere in Shanghai and Beijing. <BR> <BR>Avoid ice in little places as they use tap water... <BR>

Topping- original post in 1998

The FIRST thing you should do when you get there is buy some bottled water. Buy more than you think you will need. It will take it. Don't be caught without it--even to brush your teeth. <BR><BR>I stayed in 4 & 5 star hotels and we were still told to not drink the water--even though there was an extra faucet that says it is drinkable.<BR><BR>I agree with keeping your mouth closed in the shower--harder than you think!<BR><BR>The medicine I was given to take with me was Cipro.

Even in the finest hotels in Beijing, you will see a sign in the bathroom that warns foreingers against drinking the tap water.

Most hotels will provide bottled water in your room. I always used this to brush my teeth although my mother claims she used the tap water and was fine.