Guide to Restrooms in China
In China, there are almost no paid toilets; all public restrooms are free. While traveling in China, you’ll find a public toilet every few hundred meters, and each one has dedicated cleaners to keep them clean and well-ventilated. Even if you can’t find a public restroom, you can easily ask for the location of the restrooms in any office building, and the front desk staff will kindly guide you.
The Most Common Types of Toilets in China
You’ve probably heard of the “Asian squat,” which is a common way for people in Asia to use the toilet. As a result, you’ll find that squat toilets are more prevalent in China, and there are fewer western-style toilets available. Even in restrooms that do have toilets, squat types are often in the majority. Some travelers online suggest practicing the “Asian squat” before visiting China.
However, you don’t need to worry about this in hotels, as all hotel rooms will have western-style toilets.
Are There Many Public Restrooms in China?
As of 2024, there are over 370,000 public restrooms in cities and counties across the country, with about 165,000 located in urban areas, all of which are free to use. For example, Shanghai ranks among the top cities in China for the number of public bathrooms, with nearly 13,000. Each restroom is uniquely designed, features a pleasant environment, and offers many convenient services, such as 24-hour access and free toilet paper.
The numbers mentioned above refer only to public restrooms in parks or along streets. In addition to these, shopping malls, cafes, subway stations, and even McDonald’s also have restrooms that are open to the public, which can be used without any purchase.
What Are Restroom Conditions Like in China?
Most public restrooms in Chinese cities are regularly cleaned, disinfected, and well-ventilated by dedicated staff. Each restroom features private stalls for good privacy. The development of public restrooms is rapidly advancing, with a growing emphasis on harmonizing them with their surroundings. Some shopping mall restrooms even have unique designs, ranging from luxurious to tropical rainforest or vintage styles.
However, during peak tourist seasons, conditions may decline due to the influx of visitors, leading to crowded restrooms. This is understandable given the increased demand.
Where to Find Free Restrooms While Traveling in China
Public Restrooms: There are many free public restrooms in cities, located along streets, in parks, and at tourist attractions. Some even have facilities for mothers and infants.
Airports, Train Stations, and Subway Stations: Restrooms at these transportation hubs are free for travelers to use, and there is a higher likelihood of finding western-style toilets.
Shopping Malls, Sports Venues, and Hospitals: The lavatories in these places are also open to the public free of charge.
- Coffee Shops, McDonald’s, KFC, etc.: These establishments usually have washrooms available for customers. You can simply ask the staff for permission to use them without making a purchase.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Restrooms in China
Carry Tissue: Always remember to bring a pack of tissues with you, as not every restroom will have toilet paper available.
Expect Lines During Peak Times: Restrooms at tourist attractions may require you to wait in line during peak travel seasons, so it’s advisable to take care of this before entering the site.
