Chinese Toilets

If you have visited different countries, you likely know the toilet standards are different within a country. Let’s find out how are Chinese toilets? 

To Sit or Squat?

Commonly two types of toilets are found in China, the squat and the throne. The squat toilet is normally a hole in the ground, with a footrest and a splash guard. The squat toilets are usually easy to use but many westerners seem uncomfortable with squatting positions. 

Several people consider the squat toilets are more aseptic than a toilet with a seat. I also agree, if you question cleanliness it is certainly good not to touch anything. But it is not a problem for some Western. 

Some people question the direction to face in a squatting position. You should face the door. Sometimes you will found some advertisement on the door; it is just to entertain you. 

Why is there a Waste Basket close to every Chinese Toilet?

Wastebaskets are usually placed in the corner of every toilet stall; it is used to thrown toilet paper. You should not flash the wastage in the toilet. It can cause clogged up. The wastebaskets may not look appealing, but it prevents the drains from blocking up.

Most public toilets don’t have toilet paper, so always bring your toilet paper. Even a soap or hand towel may not provide in public restrooms. 

Where to go when out and about

In Beijing, you can find many public restrooms, especially near the older Hutong areas. The older Hutong homes often lack drainage system for private toilets, for this reason, people use the public toilet. 

The newly constructed public restrooms usually have regular cubicles with lockable doors, but the old ones may have low partition walls without lockable doors. However, some people don’t close the door even if there are cubicles with doors. Don’t be surprised it is a normal thing. In China, the sense of privacy is very different than in Western countries.

How about Toilets in Restaurants?

In China, Western restaurants usually have western-style toilets. The local Chinese restaurants typically have squat toilets. However, high-end restaurants may have both western and squat toilets. There will a sign of toilet type on the stall doors. 

In China, the toilet may seem Western, but the drainage system often is not. You will find a dustbin right next to every stall; you can use it to trash toilet paper. You may also find a sign on the door telling you not to trash papers into the toilet. 

However, in the older areas, some cafes and bards don’t have toilets. So you have to go to the nearest public restroom. 

Toilet in Private Homes

Newly constructed houses and apartments in high-end expat areas usually have Western-style toilets. The drainage system is not the same as Western standards, so don’t throw wastage into the toilet. 

In typical plumbing, P-trap pipes are not often used, so you may feel weird odors coming out of the sink. To avoid this smell, check for the Western plumbing standards when looking for an apartment. The smelly toilet can bother you and your family.