Health Issues for Visitors to China
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued the following statement in December 2006 to Australian travelers:

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

The standard of medical care and the range of familiar medications available in China is often limited, particularly outside of major cities. Medical personnel in rural areas of the country may lack adequate training. Some hospitals in major cities have specialised departments for treating foreigners. Hospitals and doctors often require cash payment, prior to providing medical services, including for emergency care. Medical evacuation from China is very expensive.

Avian Influenza: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

There have been human cases of avian influenza in China. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in China for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. Medical advice should be sought before antiviral medicines are commenced. Australians intending to travel to China for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.

If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in China should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in China should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.

In September 2005 the Australian Government decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at its missions in China. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas and it is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza) if required.
Japanese Encephalitis: Japanese Encephalitis (also known as Encephalitis B), a mosquito-borne disease, is endemic in rural areas of Southern China from June to August. If you intend to visit rural areas, you should consult your doctor or a travel clinic for information on vaccinations prior to departure.

HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS is a significant concern in China. There is a risk of exposure to unsafe blood and blood products in regional China. Travellers may need to specifically request the use of sterilised equipment. Additional charges may be incurred for the use of new syringes in hospitals or clinics.

Rabies: Over 1000 cases of rabies have been reported annually in China during the past five years. There have been recent outbreaks of rabies in Yunnan and Shandong provinces caused by infected dogs.

Malaria: The risk of malaria is heightened in rural areas of the country, particularly in the provinces of Hainan, Yunnan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet (Zanbo Valley areas only), Anhui, Hubai, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Shandong. The risk of malaria increases during warm weather.

Tap water in China is not safe to drink. Travellers are advised to drink only bottled water.

A health declaration card must be completed upon arrival in China. HIV-positive status is grounds for refusal of entry or deportation. Individuals applying for permanent residence, or intending to stay or study for longer than one year, must produce an HIV/AIDS test certificate on arrival (approved by a Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad) or undergo a test within 20 days of arrival.

Quarantine requirements vary throughout the provinces and municipalities in China. The nearest Embassy or Consulate of the People's Republic of China can provide detailed information.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.

Where to Get Help
In China, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy 21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie Sanlitun, Beijing 100600 Telephone (86 10) 5140 4111 Facsimile (86 10) 5140 4292 Website http://www.china.embassy.gov.au
Australian Consulate General Level 22, CITIC Square 1168 Nanjing Xi Lu Shanghai 200041 Telephone (86 21) 5292 5500 Facsimile (86 21) 5292 5511 Website http://www.china.embassy.gov.au/shanghai
Australian Consulate General 12th Floor, Development Centre No. 3 Linjiang Road Zhujiang New City Guangzhou 510623 Telephone: (86 20) 3814 0250 (visa enquiries only) (86 20) 3814 0111 (non-visa enquiries) Facsimile: (86 20) 3814 0112 Website: http://www.guangzhou.china.embassy.gov.au/

If you are travelling to China, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue. In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.

From a commercial travel website in 2007:

CHINA TRAVEL GUIDE - HEALTH
Vaccinations

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from infected areas.

Food and Drink
Outside main centres, all water used for drinking, brushing teeth or freezing should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Pork, salad, scallops, snails and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks
Vaccinations against tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis are sometimes advised. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic in the central Yangtze river basin. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Hepatitis E is prevalent in northeastern and northwestern China and hepatitis B is highly endemic. Sporadic outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) have resulted in a small number of human deaths. Rabies is present. If bitten, medical advice should be sought immediately. There are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever.

Health Care
Medical costs are low. Many medicines common to Western countries are unavailable in China. Medical facilities in international hospitals are excellent. There are many traditional forms of medicine used in China, the most notable being acupuncture. Medical insurance is strongly advised.

From:http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/58/health/Far-East-Asia/China.html