Welcome to China! You’re in for an incredible journey filled with amazing sights, food, and culture. But let’s talk about one of the first questions many Western travelers have: “Where are all the sitting toilets?”
You’ve probably noticed that the vast majority of public restrooms, especially in older buildings, tourist sites, and restaurants, feature squat toilets (蹲便器, dūnbiànqì). If squatting isn’t for you, don’t worry. This guide will help you become an expert at finding the Western-style “throne” (坐便器, zuòbiànqì) when you need it most.
First, Why Are Squat Toilets So Common?
It’s not just to be different—there are two very practical reasons for the prevalence of squat toilets in public spaces:
- Hygiene: In a high-traffic public restroom, many people prefer a squat toilet because there is no direct skin contact with a surface used by thousands of others. This is widely seen as reducing the spread of germs.
- Maintenance: They are incredibly easy and fast to clean and maintain. A simple hose-down and mop-up is often all that’s needed, which is efficient for busy locations.
Your Go-To List: Where to Find a Sitting Toilet
Once you know where to look, finding a comfortable, familiar restroom becomes much easier. Here are your “safe bets.”
1. International Fast-Food Chains
This is your most reliable, widespread option. Western chains have built their brand on predictable standards, and that includes the restrooms.
- Look for: McDonald’s and KFC.
- The Bonus Bet: Starbucks is another excellent choice.
- Good to know: These chains are everywhere, even in smaller cities. Their restrooms are generally clean and almost always have at least one, if not all, sitting toilets. You may need to be a customer to use them, so buying a bottle of water or a coffee is a good courtesy.
2. Large, Modern Shopping Malls
Forget small local shops or old department stores. Head straight for the glittering, new commercial complexes. These are built to international standards to attract high-end brands and customers.
- Look for: Major mall chains that are all over China, such as Wanda Plaza (万达广场), Longhu Tianjie (龙湖天街), or The MixC (万象城).
- Good to know: These restrooms are usually very clean. Inside the main restroom, you’ll often find a mix of squat and sitting stalls. The stall door will have an icon showing which type it is.
3. Mid-Range & Business Hotels
This is a fantastic travel hack, especially if you’re out sightseeing and not near a mall. Walk confidently into the lobby of a mid-range or business-class hotel.
- Look for: Chains like Ji Hotel (全季酒店) or Atour Hotel (亚朵酒店). These brands cater to business travelers and are used to international expectations.
- How to do it: You can often find a restroom in the lobby. If not, simply walk to the front desk and politely ask for help, they are almost always accommodating.
More Essential Tips for Your Trip
Here are a few extra pieces of advice that are just as important as finding the right toilet.
- The Secret Weapon: The Accessible Restroom In most malls, airports, train stations, and newer subway stations, you will find a “Accessible Restroom” (无障碍卫生间, wúzhàng’ài wèishēngjiān). This is a large, private, standalone room. It is always a Western-style sitting toilet and is usually very clean. If the main restroom lets you down, look for the international accessibility symbol.
- The Golden Rule: B.Y.O.T.P. (Bring Your Own Toilet Paper) This is the most important rule. Always carry a pack of tissues or a roll of toilet paper with you. Public restrooms in China, even in nice malls, often do not provide toilet paper inside the stalls. There may be a single large dispenser by the main entrance (so grab some before you go into the stall), but most of the time, there is none at all.
- Carry Hand Sanitizer Soap is also not a guarantee, so having hand sanitizer is a life-saver.
- Use the Waste Basket You will see a small waste basket next to almost every toilet (squat or sitting). In many buildings, the plumbing is not designed to handle paper. Put your used toilet paper in the basket, not in the toilet bowl.
Don’t let “toilet anxiety” stop you from exploring this amazing country. By keeping these “safe spots” in mind, you’ll be able to navigate China with confidence and comfort.