How to Stay Healthy While Traveling in China
Traveler’s diarrhea happens to almost everyone visiting China. Your gut isn’t used to the local bacteria, and even clean food can cause issues. Here’s how to minimize the risk and handle it when it happens.
Prevention: Drink only bottled or boiled water — even in hotels. Ice cubes can be suspect. Avoid street food that’s been sitting out. Eat freshly cooked food from busy stalls — high turnover means fresh ingredients. Wash hands before every meal — carry hand sanitizer. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit. Daoism isn’t kidding about “heaty” and “cooling” foods — your body may react to ingredients you’ve never eaten before.
If you get sick: Imodium for emergencies (long bus rides, flight days). Oral rehydration salts are essential. Chinese pharmacies sell a medicine called 黄连素 (huánglián sù, berberine) that works well for bacterial diarrhea. If symptoms last more than 3 days or include blood, see a doctor. Chinese hospitals have international clinics in major cities — they’re efficient and affordable.
Air pollution is another concern. Check the air quality index daily. N95 masks help on bad days. Air purifiers in hotel rooms make a real difference. If you have respiratory conditions, avoid Beijing in winter — spring and autumn are much better.