热水Everywhere
Why everyone in China hands you hot water
Ask for water and you get boiling water. Ice is rare, and cold drinks are seen as bad for you. There is a free hot-water tap in every train, airport and mall.
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热水In Chinese
Step by step
- At a restaurant, water arrives hot in a small glass. If you want room temperature, say 常温 (cháng wēn). Cold: 冰的 (bīng de), often unavailable.
- Bring a thermos or buy one at any supermarket for 30 RMB. Refill at the hot-water dispensers (开水) on every high-speed train and station.
- Tea in a glass with loose leaves: wait, sip from the edge, leaves sink. Topping up with hot water is free and expected.
- Bottled water is 2 RMB at any shop. Tap water is not for drinking anywhere in China.
Where to go
Every train carriage has a dispenser at the end. Every airport gate. Most hotel corridors.
The one mistake
Asking for ice in a small local restaurant. They may not have any, and they will find it odd.
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Related guides
Do you need a visa?
Check your passport against China's official lists.