Travelling in China and confused about public toilets? Don’t worry — using public restrooms in China is simpler than you think. This guide covers everything you need to know to use them safely, cleanly, and without stress.
1. Where to find clean public toilets
Clean, accessible toilets are easy to find in major Chinese cities:
- Shopping malls (almost always free and clean)
- Starbucks / Luckin Coffee (free for customers)
- Museums, tourist spots, and stations
- Fast food restaurants (KFC, McDonald’s)
- Hotels (free for guests)
Most cities now have public toilet maps in Alipay or WeChat Chat under “Public Toilets,” so you can locate the nearest one in 2 seconds.
2. Common types of toilets
There are two main types:
- Squat toilets (most common)
- Western-style sitting toilets (found in malls, hotels, and airports)
If you see a squat toilet but prefer a sitting one, check:
- Shopping malls
- Gas stations
- Large restaurants
- Airports and train stations
3. How to use public toilets safely
- Bring toilet paper — many public restrooms do not provide it
- Use hand sanitizer after using the toilet
- Avoid touching surfaces when possible
- If possible, use malls or coffee shop toilets — they are cleaner and free
4. Pay toilets vs free toilets
Some smaller restrooms may charge 0.5–1 RMB (about $0.10–$0.15).
But in big cities, malls, Starbucks, and stations offer free toilets.
If you encounter a pay toilet, you can pay with:
- Cash
- Alipay / WeChat Pay
5. Pro tips for foreigners
- Download an offline toilet map before traveling
- Carry wet wipes for extra cleanliness
- Use mall or café toilets when possible
- Ask hotel staff for the nearest clean restroom
6. Conclusion
Public toilets in China are easy to use once you know the basics. With this guide, you can travel around China comfortably, without worrying about restrooms.