When traveling in China, many foreign visitors are surprised to find that public toilets in airports, train stations, shopping malls, and tourist attractions often use squat toilets instead of Western-style seated toilets.
This is one of the most common cultural differences travelers notice, but it is actually a normal part of China’s public infrastructure system. It is not related to poor hygiene or lack of development, but rather a combination of practicality, history, and public usage patterns.
This guide explains everything you need to know before traveling in China, including how toilets work, what to expect, and practical tips for Muslim travelers.
🚽 1. Why Does China Use Squat Toilets in Public Areas?
✔ High usage and heavy traffic environments
Public toilets in China are designed for extremely high user volume, especially in:
- Train stations (high-speed rail hubs)
- Airports
- Tourist attractions
- Shopping centers
During holidays, a single public toilet may serve thousands of people per day.
Because of this, squat toilets are preferred since they are:
- More durable under heavy use
- Less likely to break
- Faster to clean and maintain
- More efficient for quick turnover
✔ Hygiene perception and reduced contact
In China, many people believe squat toilets are more hygienic in public environments because:
- Users do not touch the toilet seat
- There is less direct physical contact
- It reduces concerns about shared surfaces
This “no-contact usage” idea has influenced public restroom design for decades.
✔ Historical development of public infrastructure
During China’s rapid urbanization phase, the main priority for public toilets was:
- Accessibility
- Functionality
- Cost efficiency
- Fast nationwide coverage
Squat toilets became the standard design because they were cheaper to build and easier to maintain at scale.
Even though China has modernized quickly, many older facilities are still in use today.
🚻 2. What Types of Toilets Can You Find in China?
Today, most public toilets in China include a mix of different types:
🟤 Squat toilets
- Most common in public areas
- Standard in older facilities
- Fast and efficient for high traffic
⚪ Western-style seated toilets
- Common in hotels
- Increasing in shopping malls
- Standard in airports and new buildings
♿ Accessible toilets
- Designed for elderly, children, and disabled users
- Usually more spacious and cleaner
- Often includes seated toilet + handrails
👉 In modern Chinese cities, both squat and seated toilets usually coexist in the same building.
🧳 3. Practical Toilet Tips for Foreign Tourists in China
If you are traveling in China for the first time, here are some useful tips:
✔ Always carry tissues
Some public toilets do not provide toilet paper, especially in older or rural areas.
✔ Look at the signs before entering
Toilets are usually clearly marked:
- Squat toilet icon
- Seated toilet icon
✔ Choose modern facilities when possible
Best options for comfort:
- Airports
- Shopping malls
- International hotels
✔ Expect different cleanliness levels
Cleanliness varies depending on location:
- City centers → usually clean and maintained
- Tourist hotspots → mixed but improving
- Rural areas → more basic facilities
🧼 4. Is It Clean to Use Public Toilets in China?
This is a common concern for many travelers.
In general:
- Major cities maintain regular cleaning schedules
- Airports and malls are very clean
- Tourist areas have improved significantly in recent years
However, during peak travel times, some busy toilets may require extra care and attention.
👉 Overall, public toilets in China are safe and widely used by locals every day.
🕌 5. Muslim-Friendly Toilet Guide in China
For Muslim travelers, China can actually be quite practical in terms of toilet usage, especially regarding cleanliness practices.
✔ Squat toilets and Islamic hygiene (Taharah)
Squat toilets are often more convenient for Muslim travelers because:
- No physical contact with toilet surfaces
- Easier to maintain cleanliness of clothing
- More suitable for water-based cleaning (istinja)
Many Muslim travelers find squat toilets closer to their preferred hygiene practices.
✔ Water availability in some facilities
In many locations, especially modern ones, you may find:
- Hand-held spray hoses (bidet-style)
- Water taps inside or near toilets
- Wash basins in restrooms
Hotels and airports are the most reliable for these facilities.
✔ Muslim-friendly infrastructure in major cities
Cities such as:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Chengdu
generally offer:
- Clean public toilets in commercial areas
- Better facilities near mosques
- International-standard airport restrooms
- Halal restaurants nearby with restroom access
🌏 6. Toilet Development Trend in China
China is actively upgrading its public restroom system:
- More Western-style toilets in new buildings
- Smart toilets in airports and cities
- Improved sanitation standards in tourist destinations
- Better accessibility for international visitors
Today, most modern facilities offer both squat and seated toilets, making travel more comfortable than before.
❓ FAQ – China Public Toilets for Tourists
Q1: Why are squat toilets still common in China?
Because they are practical for high-traffic public use, easier to maintain, and historically widely adopted during rapid urban development.
Q2: Can foreigners use toilets in China easily?
Yes. Most public toilets are clearly marked and easy to understand, especially in cities.
Q3: Are seated toilets available in China?
Yes. Hotels, airports, and modern malls usually have seated toilets.
Q4: Is it safe and hygienic?
Yes. Public toilets in major cities are regularly cleaned and widely used by locals.
Q5: Are toilets in China suitable for Muslim travelers?
Yes. Squat toilets and water-based cleaning options make them generally convenient for Muslim visitors.