Using Public Bathrooms in China as a Foreigner: Squat Toilets, No Toilet Paper, and Unexpected Adventures

Let’s talk about something no one warns you about until it’s too late: public bathrooms in China 🚽

They’re everywhere—which is great. But using them as a foreigner for the first time can feel like an unexpected cultural adventure. Here’s what you need to know to avoid surprises, awkward moments, and soggy socks.

1. 🚻 Squat Toilets Are the Norm

In most public restrooms outside upscale malls or hotels, you’ll find squat toilets—not Western-style seated ones. It’s literally a ceramic hole in the ground. And yes, you’ll need to squat.

• Not great for knees? Try larger train stations or hotel lobbies for seated options.
• Some stalls have both—look for a sign with a little chair icon.

Pro tip: Face the door while squatting. It’s the local way, and it makes balance easier. 🧘

2. 🧻 There’s Often No Toilet Paper

China assumes you bring your own. Most public bathrooms do not provide toilet paper. If they do, it might be a single shared dispenser at the entrance (already empty).

💡 Always carry tissues or a mini toilet paper roll in your bag. Every foreigner in China learns this the hard way—once.

3. 🚿 No Soap, No Dryers, Maybe No Sink

Don’t expect Western hygiene standards. Some bathrooms don’t have:

• 🧼 Soap
• 👐 Paper towels
• 💨 Hand dryers
• 🚰 Even running water (in older places)

Bring hand sanitizer. Every time. No exceptions.

4. 🧽 Cleanliness Varies. A Lot.

Bathrooms in airports and new malls? Sparkling clean. 🚿
Gas station bathrooms on highways? Let’s just say: brace yourself.

• Train stations and tourist sites are unpredictable—could be okay, could be horror movie
• High-speed train bathrooms are usually decent (but cramped)

🍀 If you see an attendant with a mop outside, it’s usually a good sign.

5. 🪟 Doors Might Not Fully Close (or Lock)

Some older bathroom stalls don’t have locks, or the door may not close all the way. You’ll need to get creative:

• Use a scarf or bag strap to hold the door shut
• Politely cough before entering an occupied stall
• Practice the “slightly squatting while holding door shut” position 😬

6. 🧭 Finding Bathrooms in Public Places

Use Chinese apps like Dianping, or just ask someone:

• 🚻 “洗手间在哪儿？” (xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎr?) = Where’s the restroom?
• Look for the 🚹🚺 sign or characters 洗手间 or 卫生间

In some parks, there are free public toilet buildings—sometimes marked only in Chinese.

7. 😅 Cultural Notes & Etiquette

• 👀 Locals may peek to see if a stall is free—get used to eye contact at the worst moment
• 👶 Small kids often pee in public (no one bats an eye)
• 🗣️ People may talk on the phone—or loudly chat with others—while squatting
• 🪣 Used toilet paper sometimes goes in a bin, not the toilet (especially in older plumbing systems)

Final Thoughts 💡

Using public bathrooms in China isn’t scary—it’s just different. Once you’re prepared with tissues, sanitizer, and realistic expectations, it becomes another quirky part of the journey.

And hey, after surviving your first squat toilet in a dimly-lit train station with no paper or soap… you’ll feel like a true China travel veteran. 🥇