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Unlike in most western countries, the tap water in China is undrinkable, even in the finest of hotels. Hotel rooms often feature a water dispenser, which delivers both cool and hot 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.