What vaccines do I need for China?

Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid (especially for rural travelers and those visiting friends and relatives), Japanese Encephalitis (for rural travel outside Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Tibet), Influenza, Rabies (for extended rural or wildlife exposure).

Is tap water safe to drink in China?

Tap water is not safe to drink in China. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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East Asia

China Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

China presents a moderate and geographically varied health risk profile. Major cities including Beijing and Shanghai are low-risk for infectious diseases, though air pollution is a significant environmental health concern, particularly for travelers with asthma or cardiovascular disease. Rural and southern provinces carry risks for Japanese encephalitis, dengue, and tick-borne encephalitis. China was certified malaria-free by the WHO in 2021.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for China

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid (especially for rural travelers and those visiting friends and relatives)
Japanese Encephalitis (for rural travel outside Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Tibet)
Influenza
Rabies (for extended rural or wildlife exposure)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — China

Malaria Risk

China was declared malaria-free by the WHO in 2021. Risk of locally acquired malaria is negligible.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in China, including major cities. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Cooked food from established restaurants is generally safe. Avoid live poultry markets and contact with live or dead birds to reduce avian influenza exposure risk.

Key Health Tips for China

Check real-time air quality index (AQI) for your destination city; carry N95 masks if you have respiratory or heart conditions.
Avoid live animal markets and poultry farms to reduce avian influenza exposure risk.
Japanese encephalitis vaccination is recommended for rural travel in most provinces except Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Tibet.
Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended; China has one of the highest carrier rates in the world.

Disease Risks in China

Official Resources

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