What to Expect
Squat Toilets
The standard in China, especially in public places, train stations, and older buildings. Clean ones are hygienic β you don't touch anything.
- How to use: Face the hooded end, squat down, do your business. Flush with the pedal or handle.
- Benefits: More hygienic (no skin contact), easier on the bowels
- Tip: Practice at home if you have never used one β balance takes getting used to
Western-Style Toilets
Found in hotels, upscale restaurants, shopping malls, and newer buildings. Becoming more common but not universal.
Bathroom Signs
| Chinese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| η· | Men |
| ε₯³ | Women |
| εζ / ε«ηι΄ | Toilet / Restroom |
| ζ΄ζι΄ | Washroom |
| ε ¬ε ±εζ | Public toilet |
Essential Items to Carry
- Toilet paper / tissues: Most public restrooms do not provide it. Always carry a pack.
- Hand sanitizer: Many restrooms lack soap or even running water.
- Small bag: For disposing of used tissues (many toilets cannot handle paper β see below).
Finding a Restroom
- Shopping malls: Clean, well-maintained, usually on every floor
- McDonald's / KFC / Starbucks: Reliable backup, usually clean and free
- Metro stations: Available but quality varies
- Gas stations: Usually available on highways
- Parks and tourist sites: Often squat toilets, bring your own paper
- Public restrooms on streets: Free but basic β squat toilets, no paper, sometimes no doors
Restroom Quality by Location
| Location | Toilet Type | Paper Provided | Soap/Water | Cleanliness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International hotels | Western | Yes | Yes | Excellent |
| Shopping malls | Mixed | Sometimes | Usually | Good |
| Chain restaurants | Western | Usually | Usually | Good |
| Metro stations | Squat | No | Sometimes | Average |
| Train stations | Squat | No | Sometimes | Average |
| Park public toilets | Squat | No | Rarely | Poor |
| Rural areas | Squat / Pit | No | No | Basic |
Restroom Etiquette
- Queues: Women's lines are often long β plan accordingly
- Smoking: Common in men's restrooms despite "no smoking" signs
- Noise: You may occasionally encounter spitting or loud throat-clearing in older public restrooms, though this is increasingly discouraged in cities
- Shoes: Wear shoes that are easy to squat in (avoid high heels)
- Children: Split-pants for toddlers can occasionally be seen, especially in smaller cities or rural areas
Special Situations
Long-Distance Trains
High-speed trains (G/D trains) have clean restrooms β Western-style in first class, squat in second class. Bring your own tissues. Older trains (K/T trains) have basic squat toilets that empty directly onto the tracks β avoid using them while stopped at stations.
Hiking and Outdoor Sites
Restrooms at major tourist sites (Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors) are adequate but basic. Remote hiking trails may have no facilities β plan ahead.
Disabled Access
Accessibility is improving in major cities but still limited. Modern shopping malls and hotels have accessible restrooms. Older buildings and public toilets rarely do.
Your Carry Kit
Pack a small pouch with these items and keep it with you at all times:
- Pocket tissues (2-3 packs) β essential, non-negotiable
- Hand sanitizer (travel size)
- Wet wipes (for when there is no water)
- Small plastic bags (for disposing of used paper in bin-only toilets)