Potty Options in China

The Western Potty:  The easiest choice in potty options

The Porcelain Squattie Potty: Second only to the Western Potty

The Channel Potty: Common in roadside rest stops

The Village Squatty:  Common in small villages.

          The Good Earth:  When a potty isn't available


We were on our way to the Longsheng Minority Village near Guilin, PRC when we stopped at a roadside service station to use the restroom. It was this experience that got me to thinking about the potty options available in China.


It’s a joyous exclamation when my girls say, “They have a western toilet!” It’s true. A western toilet is the most glamorous potty options in China today. Things have changed since my trips in 2004 and 2006. Because of the Olympics, many of the Beijing area attractions have a western toilet! The other thing I have learned is that even some of the not-so-frequented locations in Beijing have what they call a “handicapped toilet” or “wheelchair accessible toilet.” These toilets are always western in nature! Future travelers take note to always check that stall. Oh, I better warn you though…not all bathrooms have stalls! Yep, it’s an open concept to taking care of your potty needs. While in the Hutongs I was thrilled that the open-concept bathroom had a handicap toilet….western with bars to help one get down and get up….what a deal! It was in the Hutong public bathroom that I witnessed an amazing scene. I was helping one of the girls use the western toilet as two Chinese women were taking care of their needs using the squattie potty. Imagine my surprise to see one woman texting on her cell phone while she was squatting…amazing! All of the hotels tend to have a western toilet…whew! And if you are lucky, although you may not have the option of texting while you take care of business, most hotels have a telephone directly next to the toilet for your convenience.

The final four potty options in China all involve squatting. “Squattie Potties” as they are best known as by westerners require a skill level and physical ability not always mastered by most westerners. Oh, before I forget…..always carry your own TP with you in China….you never know if there is any available. Most squattie options do not offer TP so be prepared by BYOTP! I recommend several of the “Charmin To Go” pull out dispenser. It’s one-ply, but you get 55 sheets in a roll and they come in a nifty pull-out dispenser. The great thing is that you only need to bring two to China and just refill it with the TP from the hotel! Yes, I roll my own TP! That’s just how I roll. The other thing you must know about China is that you NEVER flush your TP down the squattie. Most squatties have a trash can for the TP and you should just toss it in there. If there isn’t a trash can, flush at your own risk. I’d run as fast as you can after you flush though.

Okay, so back to the topic at hand. Squatting is very difficult for larger women with bad knees. If that’s you, I suggest you drink less to avoid having to figure things out. If you use the squattie potty in China, be sure to hang your bag/backpack on a hook or leave it with someone on the outside…..don’t forget the TP if you pass the bag on to someone else. You NEVER want to put your bag on the floor of a squattie potty! NEVER! You never know the accuracy of previous users and would not want to contaminate your bag/pack.

The first in line of squattie potties is the porcelain one! It’s the best in squatties available. All are linked in to the local sewage system and operate much like a western toilet with the exception of there is no seat so you squat instead of sit. The porcelain potty sits firmly in the floor and does not have much above floor level. There are ridges on each side of the squattie to show you where to put your feet before you squat. Keep in mind that if your aim is not the greatest, porcelain is slippery when wet. If the porcelain potty is not in an open-concept environment, you would utilize the squattie in the same manor as a western toilet….always facing the door with your back to the wall. This way you can always see if someone is coming! Sadly, many women in China are intrigued with westerners and will not be ashamed to watch if this is an open-concept bathroom!

The next squattie in order of best to really bad is what I call the “Channel Potty.” We experienced this potty on our way to the village this morning. You can see it in the pictures above. The channel potty is just that….a channel in the floor…..it’s a “no frills” way of pottying. The channel is only about six inches deep and is made of concrete. The channel is about six inches wide. The channel potty is different than the porcelain potty in that you access the potty side-ways, always facing the wall. The added length of the channel is actually nice for those who are not that good at using a squattie potty. Most road-side rest stops have a channel potty so be prepared.

The third squattie potty is not for the weak or easily grossed out so if that is you…..quit reading now! On our way out of the village this afternoon, I was alone in the van with the girls. You know the saying, “When you have to go, you have to go.” Well, Lily had to go! There was no talking her through waiting until the next road-side stop. We were in a rough area south of the village. There were some small houses and shack along the creek. I didn’t know what to tell the driver since I didn’t know how to say in Mandarin, “She’s gotta go.” I remembered what Sarah used to say when we first got her, “Nyow nyow.” I took the chance and said, “nyow nyow.” His eyes lit up and I could tell he knew exactly what I meant! So he got out of the van and ran down the street. He came back and pointed to a door in a row of shacks. Lily, Sarah and I slowly walked towards the door not knowing what we’d find. I almost can’t even talk about it, it was that gross. Yes, a picture says it all! It was two steps up a wood platform. The wood was warn and the stall was dark and nasty. There in the wood floor was a hole…yes, the ultimate in bad squattie potties. Before I could say, “Lily, lets go outside behind a tree, she had her pants down and took care of her business.” We did a triple dose of antibacterial hand sanitizer and were on our way. Our guide was shocked to see us come out of this squattie. She said, “Oh, that is very dirty.” I said, “I know, but if she has to go, she has to go.” I’m just glad Lily didn’t fall, she might have gotten a splinter!

The final squattie option is simply using the good earth the Lord has given us! The squatting is the same, you just have to find a tree or a bush to take care of business. We have not experienced this option in our journey through China, but the trip is young….you never know! And quite honestly, after the wood squattie, I think I’d pick a tree or bush any day over doing what Lily did!

I certainly hope this post will be of service to anyone planning on travelling through China!  I hope I've helped you prepare for your potty plans.  Good luck!