Public toilets in China are much easier to find than many first-time travelers expect.
You will see them in airports, train stations, shopping malls, tourist attractions, parks, metro stations and service areas across the country.
However, the experience can be quite different depending on where you are.
In major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Shenzhen, modern public toilets are common. In smaller towns, rural areas and older attractions, facilities may be more basic.
Here is what international travelers should know before using public toilets in China.
Are Public Toilets Easy to Find in China?
Generally, yes.
Public toilets are widely available in:
- Airports
- High-speed railway stations
- Shopping malls
- Tourist attractions
- Parks
- Museums
- Metro stations
- Highway service areas
- Restaurants and cafés
In major cities, you are rarely very far from a bathroom.
If you are unsure where to find one, shopping malls and hotels are usually among the easiest options.
Are Squat Toilets Common in China?
Yes.
Squat toilets are still very common in China, especially in:
- Older public bathrooms
- Train stations
- Parks
- Traditional tourist sites
- Rural areas
Many modern bathrooms also have a mix of both squat toilets and Western-style seated toilets.
You may see signs indicating which stalls have seated toilets.
If you prefer a Western toilet, large shopping malls, international hotels and newer airports are usually your best option.
Do Public Toilets in China Have Toilet Paper?
Not always.
Some modern public toilets provide toilet paper either inside the stall or near the entrance.
Others do not.
For this reason, one of the simplest China travel tips is:
Carry a small pack of tissues with you.
It takes almost no space and can be useful throughout your trip.
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer can also be helpful.
Can You Flush Toilet Paper in China?
This depends on the location.
In many modern hotels, airports, malls and newer buildings, toilet paper can usually be flushed normally.
However, some older plumbing systems are not designed to handle large amounts of paper.
If you see a waste bin beside the toilet or a sign asking you not to flush paper, follow the local instructions.
When in doubt, check the signs inside the bathroom.
Are Public Toilets in China Clean?
Cleanliness varies.
Modern airports, shopping malls and high-speed train stations are generally well maintained.
Toilets in busy tourist attractions or rural areas may be more basic.
The quality can vary depending on:
- Location
- Time of day
- Visitor numbers
- Age of the facility
If cleanliness is important to you, look for bathrooms in:
- Shopping malls
- International hotels
- Museums
- Airports
- Newer railway stations
These are usually the most comfortable options.
Do Public Toilets Cost Money?
Most public toilets in China are free.
This includes many bathrooms in:
- Parks
- Train stations
- Airports
- Shopping malls
- Tourist attractions
Occasionally, some small private facilities may charge a small fee, but this is not common in major cities.
Are There Toilets on Chinese High-Speed Trains?
Yes.
Chinese high-speed trains have toilets onboard.
Depending on the train, you may find both Western-style and squat toilets.
High-speed railway stations also have large public restroom facilities.
If you are taking a long train journey, you generally do not need to worry about bathroom access.
What About Toilets at Tourist Attractions?
Major tourist attractions usually have public toilets.
Places such as:
- The Great Wall
- The Forbidden City
- Zhangjiajie
- Jiuzhaigou
- Giant Panda bases
- Major temples and scenic areas
normally provide bathrooms at different points along the visitor route.
However, facilities at remote hiking areas may be more basic.
If you are going somewhere rural or mountainous, it is a good idea to use the bathroom whenever you have the opportunity.
Where Can You Find Western-Style Toilets?
If you specifically want a seated Western-style toilet, try:
- International hotels
- Upscale shopping malls
- Airports
- High-speed railway stations
- Modern cafés
- Museums
- Newer tourist attractions
Most hotels catering to international visitors will have standard Western-style toilets in guest rooms.
Essential Toilet Tips for China
A few simple habits make things easier.
Carry:
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
Also:
- Use toilets before long drives or hikes
- Look for malls or hotels if you want cleaner facilities
- Check stall symbols for seated vs squat toilets
- Follow signs regarding toilet paper disposal
Should You Worry About Public Toilets in China?
Not really.
Public toilets may be different from what you are used to, but they are widely available and usually easy to manage.
The biggest adjustment for many international travelers is simply encountering squat toilets more often.
Once you know to carry tissues and understand that facilities vary by location, it becomes a very small part of the travel experience.
More China Travel Tips
If you're preparing for your first trip, you may also find these guides useful:
- What to Pack for a Trip to China
- Best Apps to Download Before Traveling to China
- How to Get Internet in China
- How to Pay in China
- How to Take a Taxi in China
At Joy Traveller, we help international visitors experience China with less stress and more confidence.
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