How to Use Chinese Toilets: A Survival Guide for Foreign Travelers (2026)

If you're planning a trip to China, you've probably thought about the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and the dumplings. But there's one cultural experience that catches almost every Western traveler off guard: the Chinese squat toilet.

Whether you're navigating a public restroom in Beijing, a highway service station, or a rural village, knowing what to expect — and how to handle it — can make the difference between a stressful moment and a funny travel story. This guide covers everything you need to know about toilets in China, from the different types you'll encounter to essential etiquette tips.

The Two Types of Toilets in China

1. The Squat Toilet

This is the most common type of public toilet in China, especially outside major international hotels and tourist hubs. It consists of a porcelain basin set into the floor with two raised footrests on either side. There's no seat — you squat over it.

Why does China use squat toilets? The reasons are both cultural and practical. Squatting is considered more hygienic because your body doesn't touch a shared surface. It's also cheaper to install and maintain, which is important in a country with over 1.4 billion people. From a health perspective, some studies even suggest that squatting is a more natural position for elimination.

How to use a squat toilet:

1. Face the hood (the curved part at one end) — this is the front.
2. Place your feet on the textured footrests on either side.
3. Drop your pants or trousers to around knee level.
4. Squat down, keeping your balance. Your heels should stay on the ground.
5. Do your business.
6. Use the provided toilet paper (or your own — see below).
7. Flush by pressing the button, pulling the chain, or using the ladle and bucket.

2. The Sitting Toilet

Western-style sitting toilets are increasingly common in China, especially in:

• International chain hotels (Hilton, Marriott, etc.)
• Major airports and high-speed train stations
• Shopping malls in tier-1 cities
• Newer restaurants catering to foreigners
• Some tourist attractions

If you have mobility issues or simply prefer a sitting toilet, look for the handicap-accessible stall — these almost always have a seat. You can also ask for a "zuo bian qi", though in many places, the stall itself will have a pictogram indicating which type it is.

What to Carry: Your Toilet Survival Kit

One of the most important things to know about public restrooms in China is that toilet paper is often not provided. Many Chinese public toilets don't have stalls stocked with paper, and when they do, it may be a single shared roll near the entrance rather than in each stall.

Here's what to keep in your bag at all times:

• A small pack of tissues or travel toilet paper — available at every convenience store for 1–2 RMB
• Hand sanitizer — many public restrooms don't have soap
• Wet wipes — useful for more than just your hands
• Small change — some older or rural toilets charge a small fee (typically 0.5–1 RMB)
• A portable bidet or wipes — optional but helpful if you're not used to squatting

Pro tip: You can buy small packs of tissues at any FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, or Lawson store. Stock up when you see them — you'll go through them faster than you think.

Toilet Etiquette in China: What You Need to Know

Always Carry Your Own Paper

This bears repeating. While modern restrooms in places like Shanghai or Guangzhou may provide toilet paper, you should never assume it'll be there. The moment you need it is the wrong moment to discover the stall is empty.

Don't Flush Toilet Paper

In many Chinese restrooms — especially older ones or those in rural areas — plumbing systems are not designed to handle flushed toilet paper. You'll often see a sign (sometimes only in Chinese) asking you to put used paper in the wastebasket provided. This can feel strange at first, but it's essential to follow this rule to avoid clogging the pipes.

Look for a small bin or basket next to the toilet. That's where used paper goes. Modern hotels and airports with Western plumbing usually allow flushing, but when in doubt, use the bin.

The Line (or Lack Thereof)

Chinese restroom culture doesn't always form neat lines the way Westerners expect. It's not uncommon for people to gather near the stalls and move into whichever one opens first. Don't take it personally — it's simply a different cultural norm. Stay alert and move when a stall becomes available.

No Tipping Required

Paid restrooms in China are rare these days, but if you encounter an attendant who hands you paper, the fee is usually posted and very small (0.5–2 RMB). There's no need to tip.

Children's Bathroom Habits

You may notice that some Chinese parents let very young children relieve themselves in public areas, sometimes using split pants that allow children to go without a diaper. This is a traditional practice that's declining in cities but still visible in smaller towns. There's nothing you need to do — simply look away and carry on.

Finding a Toilet in China

Use Apps

Several apps can help you find nearby public restrooms:

• Amap and Baidu Maps both show toilet locations when you search for the Chinese term for public toilet
• WeChat has a built-in toilet finder feature in some cities — search for the relevant Chinese phrase in the WeChat search bar

Look for Signs

The character for toilet/restroom is 洗手间 (xǐ shǒu jiān — literally "wash hands room") or 卫生间 (wèi shēng jiān — "hygiene room"). On signage, you may also see:

• WC — widely understood and used
• 公厕 (gōng cè) — public toilet
• 男 (nán) — men's
• 女 (nǚ) — women's

At tourist sites, signs are usually bilingual. In smaller towns, you may only see Chinese characters, so memorize 男 and 女 before your trip.

Where to Find the Cleanest Restrooms

If you're particular about cleanliness, prioritize these locations:

1. International hotels — lobbies often have clean public restrooms
2. Shopping malls — modern, well-maintained, and usually free
3. Fast food chains — KFC, McDonald's, and Starbucks generally have decent restrooms
4. Major train stations and airports — facilities have improved dramatically
5. Tourist attractions — newer sites have invested in clean facilities

Avoid highway service station restrooms during peak travel seasons (like Chinese New Year or National Day) — they can be extremely crowded and less clean.

The "Great Firewall" and Bathroom Apps

If you're using Google Maps to find restrooms, be aware that Google services are blocked in China without a VPN. You'll need to download Amap or Baidu Maps before you arrive, or use a VPN. For more tips on staying connected during your trip, check out this comprehensive China travel guide for up-to-date digital tool recommendations.

Special Considerations

For Women

Women's restrooms in China are generally similar to men's in terms of squat/sit ratio. One difference is that you may see more children — both boys and girls — accompanying their mothers into women's restrooms. This is completely normal and not something to be concerned about.

For People with Disabilities

Accessible restrooms with handrails and sitting toilets are becoming more common in major cities, but they're still hit or miss in rural areas. Airports, high-speed rail stations, and modern shopping centers are your best bet. If you have specific accessibility needs, it's worth researching facilities at your destinations in advance.

For Families

Family restrooms (third restrooms) are increasingly available at tourist sites and major transit hubs. These are designed for parents with children of the opposite gender, people with disabilities, and anyone who needs extra space.

Embracing the Experience

Let's be honest: using a squat toilet for the first time can feel awkward. Your legs might get tired, you might lose your balance, and you might wonder how anyone does this every day. But here's the thing — billions of people around the world use squat toilets without issue, and after a few days, you'll probably get used to it. Some travelers even grow to prefer it.

The key is preparation. Carry tissues, know what to expect, and maintain a sense of humor. Like many things in China, the toilet experience is different from what you're used to — but it's entirely manageable with a little knowledge and the right supplies.

If you're looking for more practical travel tips for China, from navigating public transit to ordering food like a local, chinapal.world has you covered with comprehensive guides designed to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Safe travels — and don't forget the tissues!