One of the most striking things about many cities in China is the widespread availability of purified water vending machines, like the one you see here. While tap water is generally safe to drink in many parts of the world, in China, it's typically advised against consuming it directly without boiling due to various factors, including aging infrastructure and differing water treatment standards. This has led to a booming industry of bottled water and, more uniquely, these convenient water vending machines that essentially act as a community water purification station. This particular machine, from a company called "Tian Tian Yi Quan" (天天一泉), which translates to "Every Day One Spring," advertises "Healthy Water" and offers a "Nine-Stage Filtration Process" to ensure purity. It promises not just clean water for drinking, but also for specific household uses like cooking soup, making tea, washing rice, preparing pickles, brushing teeth, and even washing fruit, as indicated by the various actions listed on the left side of the machine. The prominent text in green "智享 健康好水" translates to "Smart Enjoy Healthy Water," emphasizing both the intelligent operation and the health benefits of their product. The machine operates through a system of pre-paid cards or QR code scans, much like a vending machine for drinks or snacks. There's a clear panel showing the "Steps to Dispense Water," which are: "Swipe Card/Scan QR Code," "Voice Prompt Plays," "Place Bucket Well," and "Press Green Button." After filling, the user is reminded to "Close the Door Casually" ("随手关门"). On the left side of the machine, you'll see a price list for different refill packages. These range from a basic "Set One" for 380 Chinese Yuan (approximately 50-60 US dollars, depending on the exchange rate) that gives you 440 Yuan worth of water, effectively costing 3.4 Yuan per delivery bucket, all the way up to a VIP package. This system encourages users to buy larger volumes upfront for a lower per-unit cost, much like a loyalty program. The numbers at the top right of the machine, "8.8.8." on two displays, are likely indicators of water quantity remaining or other machine status. The company also offers home water purifiers, with the text "可安装家用机" (Can install home machines) and details about their "Luxury Little Genie" home purifier, priced at 3980 Yuan. The numbers and names like "李经理" (Manager Li) and "黄经理" (Manager Huang) are likely contact details for sales or customer service. The commitment notes at the very top are interesting: "Promise: Replace the first four filter elements every 100 tons of water" and details about maintenance, guaranteeing water quality. These machines are a common sight in Chinese neighborhoods, providing an accessible and affordable alternative to purchasing bottled water, and reflecting a public demand for perceived cleaner drinking water than what comes directly from the tap.