Are public restrooms in China clean? Do they have toilet paper?

Restroom Quality by Location

EXCELLENT: Airports, high-speed rail stations, shopping malls, international hotels, Western chain restaurants (McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks), modern tourist attractions. Western-style toilets, toilet paper, soap, hand dryers, clean. Some have smart toilets with bidet and heated seats.

GOOD: Metro stations (newer ones), museums, upscale restaurants, hotel lobbies. Usually Western-style, may or may not have paper. Clean enough.

VARIABLE: Parks, bus stations, older tourist sites, local restaurants. Mix of squat and Western toilets. May not have paper. Cleanliness varies — check before entering.

BASIC: Street-side public toilets, rural areas, small towns. Often squat-style, no paper, no soap, may have odor. Functional but not pleasant. Use only if necessary.

China's 'Toilet Revolution' (2015–present): The government has invested billions to upgrade public toilets, especially at tourist sites. Quality has improved dramatically in recent years. Major tourist cities are generally fine.

Finding restrooms: Use Amap (高德) and search '卫生间' (toilet) — it shows nearby public restrooms with ratings. Or use mall/restaurant restrooms as your go-to option.

Squat Toilets — How to Use

Squat toilets (蹲坑) are common in older buildings and rural areas. They're simply a porcelain basin in the floor that you squat over. Many foreigners find them intimidating at first, but they're actually hygienic (no seat contact).

How to use: Face the door (or the hooded end if there's one), pull pants down to knees, squat over the basin. There's usually a footrest on each side. Stay balanced — hold onto the wall or a railing if available.

Flushing: There's a flush button/lever on the wall, or a foot pedal on the floor. Some older ones require you to pour water from a bucket. Flush after use.

Toilet paper: NEVER throw toilet paper in the squat toilet — it can clog the pipes. There's usually a small trash bin (垃圾桶) next to the toilet for used paper. This is normal in China.

Tips: Wear pants that can be pulled down easily (avoid tight jeans). Use the stall with Western toilet if available (look for the '坐便' sign or a toilet icon vs squat icon). Carry hand sanitizer — soap may not be available.

Squat toilets are actually cleaner than Western toilets (no skin contact with the seat) and are common throughout Asia. Don't be afraid — just take it slow.

Essential Items to Carry

Tissues (纸巾): The #1 essential. Carry a small pack of pocket tissues at all times. You'll need them for toilets, wiping tables, cleaning hands, and as napkins. Available at any convenience store (¥2–5/pack).

Wet wipes (湿纸巾): Useful for cleaning hands when there's no soap, wiping toilet seats, and freshening up. Antibacterial wipes are best. Available at convenience stores and pharmacies.

Hand sanitizer (免洗洗手液): Carry a small bottle (60ml or less for carry-on). Use before eating and after using restrooms without soap.

Small change: A few restrooms (especially at tourist sites and bus stations) may charge ¥1–2. Most are free, but carry small coins just in case.

Toilet seat covers: If you're particular about hygiene, carry disposable toilet seat covers (available at travel stores). Or use toilet paper to line the seat.

Period products: Tampons are less common in China (pads are dominant). Bring your own supply if you use tampons. Pads are available everywhere (convenience stores, pharmacies).

Where to go when desperate: McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks, shopping malls, and hotel lobbies always have clean, Western-style restrooms with toilet paper. Don't hesitate to walk in and use them — it's socially acceptable.