China Toilet

China Toilet: Stories from the Dragon Land by mr.hotsia

When it comes to traveling in China, one thing mr.hotsia encountered and must honestly share is the “toilet”. It is definitely not what many people think or expect. Chinese toilets are an experience you cannot avoid, and if you are planning to visit China, you should prepare your mind and yourself well.

I traveled to many provinces in China, even small provinces with few tourists. Public toilets in these places still pose many challenges. Some are quite clean, while others... well, I have to say they are truly “challenging”.

The Origin of the Chinese Toilet Experience

Once I stayed in a province famous for its local food, especially small eels used in stir-fried eel noodles and eel curry, which I have written about in an article.Enjoying Eels in Tanghua ProvinceThere I found that public toilets in night markets or pedestrian streets were still pit toilets without proper doors. Sometimes there was standing water, sometimes not too smelly, but sometimes I had to run out quickly.

This experience was no different from what I encountered at the Suphanburi morning market in China.Suphanburi Morning MarketAlthough it is a lively morning market with plenty of fresh food, the toilets there were not well maintained. Many Chinese people here use squat toilets, which can be difficult for those not used to them.

Chinese Toilets and the Variety You Must Face

In big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, public toilets are somewhat better. They have comfortable sitting toilets, clean running water, handwashing facilities, and sometimes soap. But in smaller cities or rural areas, such toilets are still rare. Most are pit or squat toilets without lids, with odors and cleanliness unlike what we are used to in Thailand.

Another thing mr.hotsia noticed is that some Chinese toilets do not provide toilet paper. You must always bring your own. Small trash bins are placed for disposing of used paper to prevent pipe blockages, which is very different from our country.

Tips from mr.hotsia for Using Toilets in China

• Always bring tissue paper and hand sanitizer because some places don’t provide them.
• If you encounter a squat toilet, don’t panic. Practice squatting beforehand; you will get used to it.
• Avoid choosing places that look too dirty even if urgent, as it may risk hygiene.
• In big cities, public toilets usually charge a small fee, about 1-2 yuan. Don’t forget to bring coins.
• If traveling to remote areas, prepare plastic bags and wet wipes; they will be very helpful.

Why You Need to Understand “Chinese Toilets” from a Traveler’s Perspective

mr.hotsia believes that travel is not only about beautiful images or good stories. Small things like using the toilet are a true test for travelers. Experiencing the real lifestyle of Chinese people through their toilets opens your mind and helps you understand cultural differences and living standards in each area better.

When you try public toilets in China, you will understand that cleanliness and orderliness are things that need improvement. As tourists, we must be patient and prepared to make our journey smooth.

Connecting with Travel Experiences in China

If you enjoy market visits and local Chinese food, I recommend reading my stories aboutSuphanburi Morning Marketwhich is full of fresh food and lively atmosphere, allowing you to see local life and culture up close, while also preparing for public toilets that may not be as comfortable as at home.

Also, if you are interested in deep Chinese cuisine and want to try unique local dishes, check out my videos and articles about Beggar's Chicken (叫化鸡) or Zhengxin Chicken Steak, popular street foods as well.

Summary

China toilets are a travel lesson that mr.hotsia wants everyone to be mentally and physically prepared for. Don’t expect every place to be like hotels or luxury malls, because many areas still have pit and squat toilets that require adjustment. But if we see it as part of learning and experiencing real life, it becomes a fun and memorable experience for true travelers.