Toilets in China: What First-Time Travelers Should Expect

If you are visiting China for the first time, one common question is whether you will find Western-style toilets. The short answer is yes—many hotels, airports, shopping malls, and major tourist attractions in China do offer Western toilets. However, squat toilets are still common in older public restrooms, train stations, highway service areas, and some local attractions. The best approach is to be prepared for both.

Quick Answer: Are Western Toilets Common in China?

Western toilets are widely available in international hotels, higher-end shopping malls, airports, and many major tourist sites in China. But in public restrooms, especially in older buildings or less touristy areas, squat toilets are still very common. If you are traveling around China, you should expect to see both types.

Where You Are Most Likely to Find Western Toilets in China

Travelers are most likely to find Western-style toilets in places designed for international visitors or higher volumes of urban traffic. These usually include:

• International and upscale hotels
• Large airports
• Modern shopping malls
• Premium office buildings
• Some major tourist attractions
• Newer restaurants and cafés in big cities

If you stay in quality hotels during your trip, you can generally expect a Western toilet in your room.

Where Squat Toilets Are Still Common

Squat toilets remain a normal part of daily life in China and are still found in many public restrooms. You are more likely to see them in:

• Older public bathrooms
• Local markets
• Smaller restaurants
• Some train stations and bus stations
• Highway rest stops
• Older scenic areas or less developed tourist sites

This does not mean the facilities are necessarily poor—it simply reflects a different restroom standard that is still widely used in many places.

Do Public Bathrooms in China Have Toilet Paper and Soap?

Not always. In major cities, better public restrooms may provide toilet paper and soap, but you should not assume they will always be available. In many public bathrooms in China, especially older ones, toilet paper may not be supplied inside the stall, and soap may be limited or unavailable.

For that reason, travelers should carry tissues or toilet paper and a small bottle of hand sanitizer when going out for the day.

Practical Bathroom Tips for Travelers in China

• Carry tissues or toilet paper with you
• Bring hand sanitizer
• Do not assume every restroom will have soap
• Expect a mix of Western and squat toilets during your trip
• Use hotel or mall restrooms when possible if you prefer Western facilities

Is It Difficult for Foreign Travelers?

For most travelers, using restrooms in China is not a major problem once they know what to expect. The key is simply being prepared. If you strongly prefer Western toilets, plan restroom breaks in hotels, airports, larger malls, or major attractions. In large cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, finding Western-style facilities is usually much easier than many first-time visitors expect.

Final Advice for First-Time Visitors

Bathroom conditions in China vary by city, building age, and location. In tourist-friendly and modern areas, Western toilets are common enough that most travelers manage comfortably. Still, because squat toilets remain widespread in public spaces, carrying tissues and hand sanitizer is one of the easiest and smartest China travel tips to remember.

FAQ

Are there Western toilets in China?

Yes. Western toilets are common in hotels, airports, shopping malls, and many major tourist attractions in China.

Are squat toilets still common in China?

Yes. Squat toilets are still common in many public restrooms, especially in older buildings, stations, and less touristy areas.

Should I carry toilet paper in China?

Yes. It is a good idea to carry tissues or toilet paper because some public restrooms may not provide them.

Do public bathrooms in China have soap?

Some do, especially in modern buildings, but not all. Carrying hand sanitizer is recommended.

Will my hotel in China have a Western toilet?

Most quality hotels, especially those serving international travelers, provide Western-style toilets in guest rooms.