China Public Toilets: A Survival Guide for Tourists

Let's talk about something every guidebook glosses over but every traveler needs to know: bathrooms in China.

They're different. Sometimes challenging. Occasionally memorable for the wrong reasons. But with the right preparation, you'll be fine.

The Basics

Squat Toilets Are Standard

Most public toilets in China are squat toilets—a porcelain basin in the floor that you squat over.

They exist because:

• More hygienic (no skin contact)
• Easier to clean
• More natural position (arguably healthier)
• Cultural norm

You'll find them in:

• Most public restrooms
• Train stations
• Tourist attractions
• Many restaurants
• Older buildings

Western Toilets Exist

You can find Western-style (sitting) toilets at:

• International hotels
• Shopping malls
• International restaurants (Starbucks, McDonald's)
• Airports
• Disabled stalls in public restrooms
• Modern office buildings

Strategy: Know where they are. Plan your route around reliable bathrooms.

How to Use a Squat Toilet

For the uninitiated:

1. Face the hooded end (if there is one)
2. Remove items from pockets (things fall out)
3. Pull pants to knees (not around ankles—wet floors)
4. Squat low (feet flat, weight balanced)
5. Do your business
6. Clean up (toilet paper you brought)
7. Dispose of paper (usually in bin, not toilet)
8. Flush (if available)
9. Wash hands (if soap available)

Tips:

• Practice squatting at home if unfamiliar
• Strong thighs help
• Grab handles if available
• Bring your own tissue AND hand sanitizer

The Toilet Paper Situation

The rule: Chinese toilets rarely provide toilet paper.

Why: To prevent people from taking rolls home. It's a cost and waste issue.

What to do:

• Carry tissues/toilet paper at ALL times
• Small pack in pocket, backup in bag
• Never assume paper will be provided

Where it IS provided:

• Most hotels
• International chains
• Some high-end malls
• Premium tourist sites (sometimes)

Disposal: In many toilets, paper goes in a wastebin beside the toilet, NOT flushed. Plumbing often can't handle it. Look for bins and use them.

Finding Decent Toilets

Best Toilets (Tier 1)

• International hotels (walk in like you belong)
• High-end shopping malls
• Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC (customers preferred)
• Airport lounges
• High-end restaurants

Acceptable Toilets (Tier 2)

• Regular shopping malls
• Fast food restaurants
• Mid-range hotels
• Museum and attraction facilities
• Hospital public areas

Challenging Toilets (Tier 3)

• Train stations
• Bus stations
• Public parks
• Tourist sites (varies)
• Small restaurants

Avoid If Possible (Tier 4)

• Highway rest stops
• Very old buildings
• Remote rural areas
• Construction sites

Train Station Toilets

A special category of challenging:

Expect:

• Squat toilets (mostly)
• Long lines
• Variable cleanliness
• Paper NOT provided
• No soap sometimes

Strategy:

• Use before entering station
• Malls near stations often have better toilets
• Airport-style toilets at modern stations (Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao)
• Onboard train toilets are usually better

Using Toilets on Trains

Better than station toilets:

High-speed trains (G/D):

• Western AND squat options
• Paper usually provided
• Generally clean
• Lock the door!

Older trains (K/T):

• Usually squat only
• Paper not guaranteed
• Variable cleanliness
• Don't use when stopped at stations (waste drops to tracks)

Apps for Finding Toilets

Yes, there are apps:

• Baidu Maps: Shows public toilets
• China Toilet Map (厕所地图): Dedicated toilet finder
• Dianping/Meituan: Restaurant listings show toilet info sometimes

Or just look for: 卫生间 (wèishēngjiān) or 洗手间 (xǐshǒujiān) or WC.

Public Toilet Etiquette

Doors

• Many stalls have half-height doors or no doors
• Don't be alarmed
• Focus on your business

Lines

• Unisex lines sometimes exist
• People may not queue formally
• Assertiveness may be required

Payment

• Most public toilets are free
• Paid toilets (¥0.5-1) are usually cleaner
• Worth it when desperate

Photography

• Never
• Obviously

Hygiene Tips

What to Carry

• Tissues/toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes (useful)
• Small bag for waste disposal

Hand Washing

• Soap isn't guaranteed
• Hand sanitizer backup
• Some have only cold water
• Air dryers sometimes work

Floor Situation

• Floors are often wet
• Don't put bags on floor
• Watch your belongings
• Rolled-up pants recommended

Emergency Options

When desperate:

1. Hotels: Walk into any hotel lobby and use their facilities
2. Shopping malls: Usually have decent toilets
3. Fast food: Order something cheap, use toilet
4. Hospitals: Public facilities available
5. Tourist attractions: Find the newest-looking building
6. Ask locals: "卫生间在哪里?" (Wèishēngjiān zài nǎlǐ? = Where's the bathroom?)

For Women

Some additional considerations:

• Lines are often longer
• Squat toilets mean bare skin risks wet floors
• Feminine products rarely available in restrooms
• Bring your own supplies always

Tips:

• Plan bathroom breaks proactively
• Wear easily-managed clothing
• Consider dresses/skirts less convenient for squat toilets

The Mental Game

Perspective helps:

• Millions use these toilets daily
• You will survive this
• It's temporary
• Stories for later

It gets easier:

• First few times are hardest
• You'll identify good options
• Becomes routine

Silver lining:

• Squat toilets ARE more hygienic (no contact)
• Natural squatting position is healthier
• Character building experience

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Quick Reference

Need	Solution
Toilet paper	Carry your own ALWAYS
Western toilet	Hotels, malls, Starbucks
Clean toilet	Shopping malls, hotels
Hand washing	Hand sanitizer backup
Finding toilets	Baidu Maps, ask staff
Disposal	Bin, not bowl (usually)

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The China Survival Kit includes bathroom phrase cards and toilet finder tips for when nature calls unexpectedly.