The Chinese toilet is one topic that strikes fear in most traveler’s hearts. Is it easy to find a public toilet in China? Is every Chinese toilet a squat toilet? Over the last decade, I’ve seen practically every type of Chinese toilet and public bathroom and I’d like to share not only what you can expect to find with bathrooms in China but also how to use a Chinese squat toilet.
It’s understandable that all of us want a clean and hygienic bathroom when the need for a toilet arises. But when traveling, we are always at the mercy of public bathrooms or the toilet in our hotel room.
Let me put your mind at ease:
A Chinese toilet is in many cases much better and cleaner than you might expect.
China has come a long way over the past decade regarding the availability and sanitation of toilets.What you may have heard from past travelers or seen on film probably isn’t what you’ll experience when you arrive.
Don’t get me wrong, a public Chinese toilet is often still a dirty public toilet, like it is anywhere in the world, but China may surprise you.
In this article, we’re going to cover:
- Availability and Cleanliness of Chinese toilets;
- Using Chinese squat toilets;
- How to find a good Chinese toilet;
- Pro tips for using a toilet in China;
I’m going to walk you through what you should expect with toilets in China, how to use a squat toilet if you absolutely must, and tips for travelers who use public bathrooms in China.
Keep in mind that this is an expanded excerpt from the best-selling China travel handbook I published on Amazon.
If you’re planning a trip and you find yourself worried about the Chinese toilet situation, money, hotels or perhaps the general “unknown” of such a foreign country, you’ll want to grab a copy.
Chinese Toilet | Availability & Cleanliness?
The availability and cleanliness of a Chinese toilet varies depending on where you are in the country. As you might expect, larger tourist cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming, etc.) offer plenty of bathrooms that are usually very clean.
What’s even better, almost all hotels, major restaurants, and even train cars offer the option of a seated toilets.
Even the major tourist attractions that you read about in travel guides will offer relatively clean, Western-style toilets. As long as you’re not venturing too far into the countryside, you’ll more than likely have consistent access to clean, Western-style toilets.
That’s the good news.
The trouble only comes when you start getting off the beaten path.
I’ve taken buses into remote parts of western China where the “pit stop” was the bus literally stopping on the side of the road and finding privacy behind a big rock.
Of course, this was an extremely remote part of the country, and I knew going into it that the toilet situation would be different.
If you’ll be going somewhere off the beaten path, any good tour guide or China guide book will let you know what to expect with a Chinese toilet.
Even if you’re staying in the big cities, though, every once in a while you’re going to encounter a squatty potty. For this reason, it’s still good to know what to expect and how to use a squat toilet in China.
Chinese Squat Toilets: Do You Have to Use Them?
Traditionally, toilets in China have been what we call “squat toilets”. It is what it sounds like: a place to squat and do your business.
Thankfully, most travelers spend weeks in China and never once have to use a Chinese squat toilet.
You’ll see plenty of squat toilets, sure. But usually there will also be a western toilet option. The only major notable are in older Chinese homes or, as I said before, outside the big cities.
But what should you do if a squat toilet is your only option!?
The squat toilet in China used to intimidate me. Looking back, my concerns were overblown.
Squat toilets are really easy to use and just require some getting used to. After using a these a few times, you’ll no longer be intimidated or scared to use a public bathroom in China.
In all honesty, I like the fact that with Chinese squat toilets you don’t have to deal with nasty toilet seats and never need to wrap a seat with toilet paper.
Hopefully, this makes you less apprehensive of using a Chinese squat toilet.
I’d also watch this video below from my friend Kevin that teaches you how to use a Chinese squat toilet. It will definitely help prepare you for your first encounter with a Chinese squat toilet (and a good laugh):
Remember, if the intimidation factor is too much and you MUST use a Western toilet throughout your trip to China, you can always count on having one in your hotel and you’re also likely to find a Western toilet in many public toilets in cities like Beijing Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Some people have a really hard time with balance if you’re not used to squatting like this, which is especially true if you’re using a squatty toilet while taking a Chinese train.
Practice squatting before you’re forced to learn in a real life scenario!
How to Find a Good Public Toilet in China
A public Chinese toilet can be found practically everywhere in large cities, so don’t worry.
To find one, keep an eye out for blue signs that are marked “WC” or 公共厕所/gōnggòng cèsuǒ.
It might also say 卫生间 (Wèishēngjiān) or 洗手间 (Xǐshǒujiān) as well.
Here are some tips to help you find a clean Chinese toilet:
- Star Ratings: Many public restrooms in tourist destinations like the Forbidden City have star rankings outside them. In these areas, I’d try to wait until you see a 4-star bathroom or ask your tour guide if they know where one is, since that will be the cleanest bathroom.
- Find “Smart” Toilets: Since 2015, China has been undergoing a “toilet revolution” where many public toilets have facial scanning technology to disperse paper, have WiFi (although there are easier ways to find public WiFi in China), and even show metrics on how long a stall has been occupied! So keep your eyes peeled to see if you can find one of these “smart toilets” when traveling to any major tier-1 city in China.
- Crash a Fancy Hotel: One of my top travel hacks for finding a clean toilet in China is to always go into a fancy hotel. As a foreign tourist, no one will question why you are there and you’re almost guaranteed to find a clean, Western toilet!
These tips only apply to public toilets in big cities though. Again, when venturing out to local towns or the countryside, prepare yourself for some primitive and unsanitary toilets.
Differentiating Men’s/Women’s Chinese Toilets
Generally speaking, you’ll shouldn’t have problems determining which one is the men’s or women’s room as they are usually marked with the standard graphic indicating a man or woman.
That is at least until you go out to small towns or the countryside where the men’s and women’s room may tend to be spelled out with Chinese characters.
Here’s how you can tell the difference:
You can always think of the Chinese character for “female” as one that looks like a woman crossing her legs.
You’ll want to make sure you’re familiar with the Chinese characters above to ensure you don’t surprise members of the opposite sex when entering a public Chinese toilet.
Pro Tips for Using a Chinese Toilet
Now that you are up to speed on how to find public toilets in China as well as how to use a squat toilet in China should that be necessary, let’s cover some essential tips to follow on your trip:
- Bring Your Own Toilet Paper: While sometimes you will be provided with some toilet paper at public toilets that accept fees, this is not always the case as public toilets in China often don’t supply toilet paper. So, always always (and I mean always) remember to bring your own toilet paper.
- When You Forget Toilet Paper… There are convenience stands and stores everywhere that sell small packets of tissue paper. While not exactly toilet paper, it’s thick and will get the job done. It’s also as cheap as 1 RMB in most places. So if you forget your toilet paper when leaving your hotel, no need to fear as tissue paper is always near.
- Avoid Flushing Toilet Paper: In many restrooms, you’ll see signs asking you not to flush paper products down the toilet. Instead, dispose it in the bin that is almost always right next to you.
- Don’t Face the Wrong Direction When Using a Squatty Toilet: Your back should be facing the wall when using a squat toilet in China. Also be careful when flushing as some China squat toilets flush with lots of water pressure.
- Carry Hand Sanitizer with You at All Times: Hand soap is another thing you seldom find in Chinese public toilets and it’s one of the items I recommend you bring when you pack for your China trip. I’ve also heard Chinese people say the soap is fake or is harmful to your skin even when it is available. Even if it is real, in most cases it is really watered down. So carry hand sanitizer when using a public toilet in China for washing your hands.
- Don’t Lay Your Bags on the Floor: After moving back from China, I notice Americans have habits of throwing bags on the floor in restaurants, the subways, and I expect they may do this in bathrooms too. Don’t do that in a public Chinese toilet. It’s just straight up gross.
- Use Tissue Paper to Flush the Toilet: This is probably a little overkill, but as a germophobe, I always tore off a small piece of tissue paper to pull the handles to flush public toilets in China. I’ll let you decide for yourself if you want to take this extra step.
Now that’s quite an extensive list of tips above, but after carefully reviewing them and remembering to follow them, you’re more likely to come out of a Chinese toilet relieved rather than disgusted.
Final Thoughts on the Toilet in China
When it comes to using a Chinese toilet while you’re traveling in China, I hope that this article helped relieve you of any anxiety (get it…relieve? I’m funny, I know).
You’ll have plenty of clean bathrooms to choose from in major Chinese cities and you can always count on your Chinese hotel having a Western toilet.
Make sure you never leave your hotel without toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you. You’ll regret it if you don’t!
And don’t forget! You can find great tips like this and so much more in my book Travel to China | Everything You Need to Know Before You Go. It’s the perfect way to help set your expectations and provide the “how to” travel tips for China that most travel guides gloss over.
Further Reading & Resources
2020 China Public Holidays Calendar [Infographic]
How to Notarize a Document in China 2022 | Notary Public China
China Business Guide | Gift Giving Ideas for China Business Partners
Traveling or Moving to China Soon?
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FAQs
Do Chinese use squat toilets? ›
Today, a majority of public toilets in China — both in the north and in the south — are squat toilets. This is mainly because squatting toilets cost less to build and maintain than seated ones.
How do squat toilets work in China? ›Try not to swallow you towards the contours. You don't want to go back here. And aim right for where
Why do Asians use squat toilets? ›Health Benefits of Squat Toilets
Because of human physiology, the squatting position is more natural for better elimination and reduces "fecal stagnation" which is thought to play a big part in colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and even appendicitis.
There are two types of toilet in China, the western style” throne” and the squat toilet. The squat toilet is basically a elongated hole in the floor, with footrests on each sides, and sometimes a splash guard at one end. The user squats down low. And I mean low, if you don't want to splash all over the place.
Is squatting better for bowel movements? ›It's not just marketing hype — pooping in a squatting position really is better for many people's bodies. Not only does squatting provide a clearer exit for your bowel movements, but it also gives some of the job of emptying your bowels to gravity, thereby cutting down on the strain on your muscles as you poop.
What countries use squat toilets? ›Squat toilets, which travelers often expect in Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand, or Taiwan, are more common than you'd think. Before the throne-like, flush toilets which became popular in the 19th century, people used outhouses, chamber pots, or simply holes in the ground.
Are squat toilets more hygienic? ›Some people claim that squat toilets are more hygienic, due to the lack of direct contact with the seat. Seat contact is not a real health risk, however, and squat toilets allow splatter on one's own legs and feet.
Is it safe to squat on toilet? ›Squatting over instead of sitting down on the toilet can change the mechanics of urinating; over time that can increase the risk of lowering urinary tract symptoms including pelvic floor dysfunction and infections.
Do you flush toilet paper in China? ›Don't Flush
If you didn't know, you do now – you cannot flush toilet paper in China, even in western toilets. This is mostly due to the older sewage systems and piping. There are some more modern areas and hotels where you can, but unless you're sure, it's better to just toss it.
Most Italian public toilets don't have a toilet seat.
This has to do with maintenance. Since public toilets are often less than spotless, people often climb with their shoes on top of them, not to sit on a potentially dirty seat.
Does Japan have squat toilets? ›
There are two styles of toilets commonly found in Japan; the oldest type is a simple squat toilet, which is still common in public conveniences. After World War II, modern Western-type flush toilets and urinals became common.
How do you clean a squat toilet? ›Squat toilets often are cleaned by simply hosing out the area, so floors of squat toilets will almost always be wet and possibly muddy. Before you enter it's best to roll up your pants or, once inside the cubicle, delicately remove them entirely to avoid them getting dirty.
Who invented squat toilet? ›There is some evidence that the squat toilet may have been invented by John Harrington in 1596, who was looking for a way to allow women to urinate while preserving their modesty.
Do they use bidet in China? ›In China, many people use what's called a "chamber pot". This is a small pot that you can use to urinate or defecate in. After you're done, you simply empty it out. They also use bidets in China.
What is a Japanese toilet? ›A Japanese toilet or smart toilet, as it's often referred to, is a toilet built with smart technology. Put simply, this means smart toilets can interact with their user via remote control access. With a press of the button, you can flush, spray and dry. As the name suggests, Japanese toilets originated in Japan.
How do you sit on a Squatty Potty? ›How the Squatty Potty Works in 20 Seconds! - YouTube
Why do people squat when pooping? ›Squatting relaxes your puborectalis muscle more and straightens out your colon, giving the poop a straight route out. As a result, you can go more easily with less straining.
How tall should a poop stool be? ›A normal stool size is at least a couple inches in length, and ideally between four and eight inches. Tiny poops aren't good.
Do you wipe after using a bidet? ›Use a bidet after you poop, but before you wipe.
Some people like to wipe with toilet paper after using a bidet, but it's a matter of personal preference. The bidet should do a good job at cleaning your bottom, so toilet paper isn't necessary.
There's no space or additional plumbing setup for bidet fixtures. But the biggest reason it hasn't caught on comes down to habit. Most Americans grew up using toilet paper. And many might not even know there's an alternative way to stay clean.
Why do public toilet seats in America have gaps? ›
The gap in the seat is designed to “allow women to wipe the perineal area after using the toilet without contacting the seat,” she tells Slate. Simick notes that the design also benefits men.
Can old people use squat toilets? ›They are a very comfortable option for seniors whose knee caps and hips just wouldn't budge into a squat position. Canvas frame seats – these are similar to the toilet covers but they also feature a bag where you can poop into then dispose of the waste when done – just like a bedpan.
Why does Japan use squat toilets? ›“Japanese toilets can be used without actually having to come into physical contact with them. Since you're not forced to sit on something that was last used by a complete stranger, you also don't have to endure their remaining [butt cheek] warmth, and come away feeling much cleaner.”
Does Korea use squat toilets? ›Squatter toilets are leftovers from before Korea's rapid modernization, and are commonly found in less developed areas of Korea. The Korea Herald reports the government replaced many squat toilets with flush toilets in 1988, when the Summer Olympics were held in Seoul.
How can I pee without sitting on the toilet? ›For the least messy results, try placing your feet fairly wide apart (think wider than hip-width). This will create a steady base. Then hover towards the seat while leaning slightly forward. Many people find it useful to try to balance their hands or elbows on your thighs while leaning forward to prevent wobbling.
Can squatting cause hemorrhoids? ›If done improperly, heavy squats may trigger hemorrhoids. Squats are one of the best exercises for targeting the largest muscles in the body. But if you use too much weight or lift with improper form or breath, squats can also trigger hemorrhoids.
How do you pee in a western toilet? ›In other words, most women had not learned the correct way to urinate in a western toilet [8]. To make it more effective, place the knees slightly higher than the horizontal position, with a platform underneath the feet, so that the external urethral orifice is more exposed to the air.
Which countries do not use toilet paper? ›France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain: Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries (most of them from Europe) usually have a bidet in their washrooms. A bidet like a toilet, but also includes a spout that streams water like a water fountain to rinse you clean.
Why do people not flush their toilet paper? ›The worst thing you can possibly do in a public restroom is cause a blockage. No one wants to be that person. And some countries do not have systems that can break down toilet paper easily, so it's customary not to flush.
What are toilets like in Italy? ›What are the bathrooms like in Italy? Public bathrooms in Italy usually have seatless toilets and you usually have to pay a small fee for the service. While using a free bathroom may sound tempting, know that they're usually dirty – it's worth the small fee to be able to use a clean bathroom!
How does a woman sit on a bidet? ›
Position yourself onto the bidet by either sitting on the rim or squatting over it. (Unlike toilets, freestanding bidets do not have a seat you sit on.) Depending on which area you need cleaned, select the setting or mode that will get the job done. To clean after urinating, select our feminine wash setting.
How do people dry after using a bidet? ›The modern bidet seats even have drying options. If you press the 'Dry' button, provided there is one, the air dryer will dry the area. If you are using the traditional bidet, you can dry using toilet paper or a towel. In most public toilets with bidets, towels are provided on a ring next to it.
Why is French toilet paper pink? ›Sanitary marketers chose the color pink because the French people associate it culturally with purity. It's also associated with the softness of healthy young skin. Besides France, Germany is another country where colorful toilet paper is common. You can find toilet paper rolls with patterns, usually flowers.
Can you flush toilet paper in Japan? ›In all regions of Japan, you are allowed to flush used toilet paper down the toilet, at washrooms in hotels, ryokans (Japanese inns), department stores, restaurants, trains stations, road stations, public facilities and home. This rule of toilet use varies in each country of Asia.
What is a privy toilet? ›So what is a privy? You may know it by a different name: head, john, latrine, lavatory, outhouse, potty, restroom, the can, throne, washroom, water closet... Simply, a privy is an outdoor toilet.
How do Japanese sit on the toilet? ›The Traditional Japanese Toilet - Squat to Use
Traditional Japanese toilets, or the washiki toire, involve squatting over the urinal. They are very uncommon in modern homes. As previously mentioned, you will find them mainly in public toilets, tourist destinations, and old buildings.
It can be dried up with a cloth or left to dry up by itself. Hands are washed with soap and dried with towel. Indians don't take food with left hand as it is used for washing the butt.
Why are Dutch toilets different? ›Arguably the most alarming feature of a Water Closet is the infamous Dutch toilet bowl. Dutch engineers have designed the bowl itself to contain a plateau set well above the normal water level. To say the least, one must be very comfortable with themselves and all their excrements on the display shelf.
Why are Indian toilets the best? ›03/6Indian toilets can improve digestion
Squatting squeezes your stomach, which aids digestion by pressing, pressurizing and churning the food in your stomach. Sitting in western-style toilet does not put any pressure on our stomach and sometimes doesn't even lead to good and satisfactory clearance of stool.
Squat toilets are not seen in most of the Western world, but in China, it's more likely than not that a person will walk into a restroom and find a toilet that is level (or, pardon the pun, "flush") with the floor.
How do squat toilets work in Thailand? ›
Asian / Thai Style Squat Toilet - Use & Etiquette - YouTube
Why do Asians use bidets? ›In many Asian countries, water management systems are not as good as in the West. Because of the sanitary problems it may cause, flushing toilet paper is not recommended. That's why people there usually use water bowls, bidets, or bidet showers instead of paper.
How do people use the bathroom in China? ›Chinese toilets are normally squat style, which admittedly take some getting used to. However, comfort yourself in the knowledge that using a squat toilet means you don't touch anything and you don't have to cover the toilet seat with paper before you can sit down.
Do men use bidets? ›Do men use bidets? They sure do! People of all genders enjoy the thorough clean of a bidet, and there are many specific benefits for men and trans people with penises.
Do Japanese toilets clean themselves? ›In contrast, Web Japan explains that Japanese toilets have bidet systems built into the toilet bowl itself, so users can do their business and clean themselves, all without needing to stand up.
How did people clean themselves before toilet paper? ›And though sticks have been popular for cleaning the anus throughout history, ancient people wiped with many other materials, such as water, leaves, grass, stones, animal furs and seashells. In the Middle Ages, Morrison added, people also used moss, sedge, hay, straw and pieces of tapestry.
Do you flush toilet paper in China? ›Don't Flush
If you didn't know, you do now – you cannot flush toilet paper in China, even in western toilets. This is mostly due to the older sewage systems and piping. There are some more modern areas and hotels where you can, but unless you're sure, it's better to just toss it.
There is some evidence that the squat toilet may have been invented by John Harrington in 1596, who was looking for a way to allow women to urinate while preserving their modesty.
Why are Dutch toilets different? ›Arguably the most alarming feature of a Water Closet is the infamous Dutch toilet bowl. Dutch engineers have designed the bowl itself to contain a plateau set well above the normal water level. To say the least, one must be very comfortable with themselves and all their excrements on the display shelf.
What are Japanese bathrooms like? ›The bathroom in a typical Japanese home consists of two rooms, an entrance room where you undress and which is equipped with a sink, and the actual bathroom which is equipped with a shower and a deep bath tub. The toilet is usually located in an entirely separate room.
Why don't they have toilet seats in Italy? ›
We asked Italian friends about the frequent absence of toilet seats, and they helped to fill in the blanks. Apparently, the toilet seats are there originally but, then, they break. The seats break because people stand on them. People stand on them because they are not kept clean enough to sit on.
Do they use bidet in China? ›In China, many people use what's called a "chamber pot". This is a small pot that you can use to urinate or defecate in. After you're done, you simply empty it out. They also use bidets in China.
Which countries do not use toilet paper? ›France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain: Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries (most of them from Europe) usually have a bidet in their washrooms. A bidet like a toilet, but also includes a spout that streams water like a water fountain to rinse you clean.
Are squat toilets more hygienic? ›Some people claim that squat toilets are more hygienic, due to the lack of direct contact with the seat. Seat contact is not a real health risk, however, and squat toilets allow splatter on one's own legs and feet.
Does Japan have squat toilets? ›There are two styles of toilets commonly found in Japan; the oldest type is a simple squat toilet, which is still common in public conveniences. After World War II, modern Western-type flush toilets and urinals became common.
How do you clean a squat toilet? ›Squat toilets often are cleaned by simply hosing out the area, so floors of squat toilets will almost always be wet and possibly muddy. Before you enter it's best to roll up your pants or, once inside the cubicle, delicately remove them entirely to avoid them getting dirty.
How do people dry themselves after using a bidet? ›The modern bidet seats even have drying options. If you press the 'Dry' button, provided there is one, the air dryer will dry the area. If you are using the traditional bidet, you can dry using toilet paper or a towel. In most public toilets with bidets, towels are provided on a ring next to it.
What is a Swedish toilet? ›Public toilets in Sweden are self-cleaning (rotating toilet seats) or cleaned manually on a regular basis, especially toilets in malls and sit-down restaurants, so you don't have to worry about a dirty situation when you go to do your business. Sweden doesn't have many squat toilets either.
Do people wipe after using a bidet? ›Use a bidet after you poop, but before you wipe.
Some people like to wipe with toilet paper after using a bidet, but it's a matter of personal preference. The bidet should do a good job at cleaning your bottom, so toilet paper isn't necessary.
It is common for people to sit down while showering before entering the public bath or hot spring, so the chairs are free to use. The most important part here is an obvious one: keeping everything clean and tidy.
Do Japanese take a bath everyday? ›
Many Japanese people take a bath more or less every day. In some parts of the world, people may refer to showering as “taking a bath,” but not in Japan. In Japan, simply showering does not count.
Why do Japanese bathe at night? ›Most people in Japan think of the bathtub as washing away not only their sweat and dirt from the day but their fatigue, too. so it is typically custom to take baths every night.