China Toilet Tips: Squat vs. Western, Survival Guide for Travelers and Families

If there's one topic that comes up again and again when talking to first-time visitors to China, it's the toilets. Yes, we're going there. While the situation has improved dramatically in the last 10 years, toilets remain one of the most common sources of anxiety for international travelers - especially families with children.

We've traveled extensively across China in the last few years, so here’s our practical, and up-to-date guide according to our experiences.

The Good News

The toilet situation in China has improved faster than most people realize. In 2026, you will find far more clean and modern facilities than even five years ago, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Many young Chinese people also prefer Western toilets now, so new constructions almost always include them.

Most hotels, shopping malls, major tourist attractions, and new public facilities now have Western-style toilets. However, squat toilets are still very common, especially in:

Older public restrooms
Smaller restaurants and street food areas
Rural areas and some mid-tier attractions
Train stations (though many now have both options)

In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi’an, you can usually find a Western toilet without too much trouble if you know where to look. In smaller cities and tourist spots like Guilin or Zhangjiajie, it's more of a mix.

Squat Toilets – What to Expect

Chances are you will be faced with a squat toilet at least once during your travels once you venture outside the luxury hotel and shopping center realm.

Squat toilets (also called "Turkish toilets" or the "hole on the ground" ones) are basically a porcelain hole in the ground with foot pads/grids on either side. Many Western travelers find them challenging at first, especially with children.

The kids will take their cues from you so try to play it cool with the squatty potty. If this is your first time confronting one of these contraptions, try to get some practice at home before your trip.

Here's some tips for the squat toilet:

Don't carry anything in your hands but toilet paper, there might not be a place to put a bag or phone so leave that with someone else
If you're wearing long pants, roll them. The wet stuff down there might not be water...
Stand with your feet apart, the feet go in the "grids" on both sides of the toilet. Push pants and underwear down, a bit past your knees. Skirts are easier, just lift and keep away.
Lower yourself to a squat position, as far down as you can go, try to maintain your balance and do your business...
If you have problems standing up or you tip over, you need to practice some more. If you have mastered this, then you can graduate to the next level: doing the same during a bumpy train ride...
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT flush the toilet paper away as some of the plumbing cannot handle it. Instead, toss it in the basket.

Practical Toilet Tips for Travelers

Your best bet of finding Western toilets will be at hotels, and western style restaurants and shopping malls. When you see one, use it, don't wait until the situation gets desperate, make the little ones go even if "they don't have to". You never know when or where the next one will come, or how much worse it could be...

Always Be Prepared

Always bring toilet paper with you. Carry a small packet of tissues everywhere — many public toilets don't provide toilet paper. Some places have one big roll at the entrance, but this is really hit or miss. Be safe.
Hand sanitizer or wipes are essential. Some restrooms have soap, many don't.
A smelly bathroom is the rule more than the exception. It's amazing how long you can hold your breath when you have to... One tip we found helpful at one of the travel forums, was to bring mint or some other strong smelling chapstick and apply some right under the nose to sort of camouflage the stink.

Finding Western Toilets

Western toilets are becoming the norm in newer buildings and tourist areas, but they are not guaranteed everywhere.

Hotels: Almost always have Western toilets in guest rooms. Higher-end hotels usually have them in public areas too.
Shopping Malls & Chain Restaurants: Starbucks, McDonald’s, KFC, and big malls are your best friends.
Major Tourist Attractions: Most now have at least some Western toilets, especially near entrances.

When you see row after row of squat toilets, don't give up. Sometimes if you go to the very end of the row, you might find the one "sit down" toilet right at the last spot, so check and you might get lucky.

Strategies for Families with Kids

Toddlers: Bring a portable potty seat or travel potty. Many parents swear by the collapsible ones that fit in a daypack.
Young Children: Teach them how to use squat toilets before the trip. Practice at home if possible.
Teens: Usually adapt quickly, but still appreciate knowing where the "good" toilets are.
Timing: Use the toilet at your hotel before heading out for the day. Plan bathroom stops at malls or big attractions.
Lines can be long at popular spots — be patient.
Wear closed shoes if you're worried about cleanliness.
In airports and train stations, look for the “Mother & Baby Room” (母婴室) — these usually have clean Western toilets and changing facilities.
Many newer high-speed trains have excellent Western-style bathrooms.
If you see a long line for Western toilets, the squat ones are often emptier (and sometimes cleaner).
ALWAYS have toilet paper or tissues with you!

Final Advice:

With the right preparation and a flexible attitude, toilet worries quickly become a minor inconvenience rather than a major stress. Most families look back and laugh about their early toilet adventures in China.

Don’t let toilet anxiety stop you from visiting China. Pack smart, stay flexible, and focus on the incredible experiences waiting for you and your children. The pandas, the Great Wall, and the friendly people are worth every squat toilet moment.