Quick answer: Most public toilets in China feature squat-style pans, often do not include toilet paper, and some charge 0.5–2 yuan entry. Modern airports, malls, and upgraded tourist sites typically have Western-style options available.
Types of Toilets You Will Encounter
Squat toilets are the most common type across China, especially in older neighborhoods, rural areas, and traditional public facilities. They consist of a ceramic pan set flush with the floor, with textured footrests on either side. Users squat rather than sit, which takes some adjustment for first-time visitors.
Western-style sit-down toilets are increasingly common in newer buildings. As of November 2026, most international airports, high-speed rail stations, modern shopping malls, and 4- and 5-star hotels provide Western-style toilets, often alongside squat options. Many tourist sites upgraded facilities during the national "Toilet Revolution" initiative that began in 2015, which improved both quality and availability across the country.
How to Use a Squat Toilet
If you have never used a squat toilet before, the technique is straightforward:
- Face the door or the hooded end of the pan
- Place your feet on the textured footrests on either side of the pan
- Squat down low enough to position yourself over the pan
- Use the provided grab bar if available for balance
Most first-time users find it easier with practice. Wearing pants with elastic waists rather than belts can make the process simpler.
What to Expect From Public Facilities
Public toilet standards vary significantly across China depending on location, building type, and when the facility was last renovated.
Toilet Paper
Do not assume toilet paper will be provided. As of November 2026, roughly half of all public toilets do not stock toilet paper in individual stalls, though many provide a shared dispenser near the entrance. Facilities that charge an entry fee are more likely to provide a small amount of paper upon request.
Always carry your own supply. Pack travel-sized toilet paper rolls or tissue packs, which are inexpensive and available at any convenience store in China. Facial tissue (mianzhi) works as a substitute if needed.
Entry Fees
Some older street-side public toilets charge a small entry fee, typically 0.5 to 2 yuan per person. The fee is usually collected by an attendant at the entrance, and you pay in cash. Newer facilities, mall toilets, and most tourist site toilets are free. As of November 2026, paid toilets are becoming less common in major cities but remain widespread in smaller towns and rural areas.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness ranges widely. Airports, high-speed rail stations, and modern malls typically maintain high standards. Older street-side facilities may be basic but functional. Tourist sites classified as 4A or 5A (the highest official rating) are required to maintain clean facilities as part of their rating requirements.
HXXC Travel's on-ground advisors note that popular tourist destinations in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu have some of the best-maintained public toilets in the country, due to ongoing investment in visitor infrastructure.
Accessibility
Accessible toilets for travelers with mobility issues are available at all major airports, high-speed rail stations, and 5A tourist sites. They are less common in older neighborhoods and smaller towns. If you have specific accessibility needs, inform your HXXC Travel advisor in advance so they can plan routes accordingly and note which facilities have accessible stalls.
Where to Find Toilets When Out
Knowing where to look can save time and stress when you need a restroom.
Tourist Sites
All formal tourist sites have public toilets near the entrance and at intervals along walking routes. Look for signs with the standard international toilet symbol, usually marked in both Chinese and English. At larger sites like the Great Wall or the Summer Palace, toilet locations are marked on site maps available at the entrance.
Shopping Malls and Restaurants
Shopping malls have clean, well-stocked toilets on every floor, usually near the elevator or food court. Most chain restaurants and hotel lobbies also have restrooms available for customers. These are often the best option when exploring city centers.
Transit Hubs
Airports, high-speed rail stations, and metro stations all have public toilets. On high-speed trains, toilets are available at the end of each car, with both squat and Western-style options on most newer train models. On metro systems, toilets are usually located in the paid area near the ticket gates.
Street-side Public Toilets
Major cities have public toilets every few blocks on busy streets. Look for blue or green signs marked "公共厕所" (gonggong cesuo, meaning public toilet) with the standard toilet symbol. In residential areas, toilets are often located near wet markets or bus stops.
If you are traveling with an HXXC private tour guide, they will know the best toilet stops along your route and can direct you to the cleanest and most accessible facilities.
Packing Essentials for Toilet Preparedness
Prepare these items before your trip to ensure you are always ready:
Must-Have Items
- Travel-sized toilet paper roll or pack of facial tissues (carry at least one small pack per person per day)
- Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol), as soap is not always available at older facilities
- Small pack of antibacterial wipes, for wiping surfaces if needed
- Change for paid toilets (keep 5–10 yuan in small bills and coins in your pocket)
Optional Comfort Items
- Disposable toilet seat covers, for Western-style toilets if you prefer them
- A small bottle of water for rinsing
- Portable urinal device, for women who find squatting difficult or for situations where facilities are unavailable
Note that you cannot bring liquids over 100ml through airport security in China, same as most international standards, so pack travel-sized bottles in your carry-on.
Etiquette and Practical Tips
A few simple rules help keep facilities clean and functioning for everyone.
Disposal of Paper
In some older buildings with narrow plumbing, toilet paper cannot be flushed. Look for a waste bin next to the toilet — if one is provided, place used paper in the bin rather than flushing it. In newer buildings with modern plumbing, it is usually safe to flush toilet paper. When in doubt, use the bin.
Queuing
Queues work the same way as in most countries. If there is no designated line, people wait in order of arrival. At busy sites, be prepared to wait a few minutes during peak hours.
Handwashing
Most facilities have sinks with running water, but soap dispensers are often empty or not provided. This is why carrying hand sanitizer is important. Hand dryers or paper towels are also not guaranteed.
Traveling in Rural Areas
If your itinerary includes rural villages, mountain hikes, or remote scenic areas, toilet standards drop significantly. Some facilities may be very basic pit latrines, and in some remote areas, there may be no public toilets at all.
For multi-day hikes or visits to very remote areas:
- Carry extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Bring a small trowel if you may need to dig a cat hole
- Follow leave-no-trace principles if using the outdoors
- Ask your guide about toilet availability before setting out
HXXC Travel advisors can advise on toilet conditions for any specific destination on your itinerary and help you plan accordingly.
References & Updates
This guide was reviewed by HXXC Travel's on-ground team in Jiangmen, Guangdong, and is updated monthly to reflect current conditions. Last updated: October 23, 2026.
Fees, facility standards, and availability can change without notice. Always double-check with your hotel or tour guide for the most current information at your specific destination.
FAQ
Do they have Western toilets in China?
Yes, Western-style sit-down toilets are available at most international airports, high-speed rail stations, modern shopping malls, 4- and 5-star hotels, and upgraded tourist sites. Squat toilets remain more common in older buildings, residential areas, and smaller towns.
Do you have to pay to use public toilets in China?
Most public toilets in malls, transit hubs, and tourist sites are free. Some older street-side facilities charge 0.5–2 yuan per person, collected by an attendant. As of November 2026, paid toilets are becoming less common in major cities but still exist in smaller towns.
Is toilet paper provided in Chinese public toilets?
Not reliably. Many public toilets do not stock toilet paper in individual stalls. Always carry your own supply of toilet paper or facial tissues, which you can buy at any convenience store in China.
Can you flush toilet paper in China?
It depends on the building's plumbing. In newer buildings with modern sewage systems, you can flush toilet paper. In older buildings, you should place used paper in the waste bin provided next to the toilet to avoid clogging. When in doubt, use the bin.
Are public toilets in China clean?
Cleanliness varies by location. Airports, high-speed rail stations, and modern shopping malls generally have well-maintained facilities. Older street-side toilets may be basic but functional. 4A and 5A-rated tourist sites are required to maintain clean facilities as part of their official rating.
What should I do if I need a toilet while sightseeing?
The most reliable options are shopping malls, chain restaurants, and formal tourist sites. Street-side public toilets are marked with blue or green signs reading "公共厕所" (gonggong cesuo). If you are on a guided tour with HXXC Travel, your guide will know the best rest stops along your route.
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