Squat toilets still reign in China. While the “western” toilet is making inroads, in big cities and airports, you will find some of them in the row of toilets in the bathroom. However, there are still lots and lots of “squat potties” and probably not, you will venture into one.
But fear not! Using a squat toilet is. There are tricks to the trade and if you are prepared, you can do your business with confidence. But I recommend being prepared. While it’s not as difficult as it sounds, it’s good to know what you’re getting into before you go.
What is a squat bath?
Fair enough question. So have you never found a squat toilet? Have you ever peed in the forest? It is like this, only with walls, a door (sometimes) and a ceramic hole in the ground that (sometimes) discharges.
Supposedly using squat toilets is good for your system. They are just as their title indicates. You squat down to do your business instead of sitting on a toilet like we are used to in other parts of the world.
How to use a squat toilet in China
- Tissue pack. Before leaving the hotel, be sure to bring portable toilet paper. Many public restrooms do not provide it. It is also good to bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer, as if there is a sink, there may be no soap and probably no towels.
- Plan Your Business 1. “Preventive peeing” or going before you go is a good way to avoid getting stuck in a place that doesn’t have a good bathroom. (By the way, nice doesn’t necessarily mean western). Imagine you are five years old and make sure everyone goes before you leave the house.
- Plan Your Business 2. If you are going to be away from home, think about where you will be and try planning some stops in between. Especially in big cities, international hotels, fancy restaurants and shopping malls will have clean bathrooms with most of the amenities (toilet paper, western toilets, soap and towels). Places to avoid using the toilet: large markets (especially open air markets), public toilets on the street (although they are improving), tourist spots.
- Hand bag. If you can, give the unnecessary bags to a friend while using the bathroom. There are usually no hooks and you will need your hands to balance, to dig around your bag for tissues, and to hold onto the door if the lock is broken.
- Lining up. If you find yourself outside the comfort of your hotel, don’t panic. It won’t be unbearable. Queues in China do not work the same way as in the United States. Women generally line up in front of a particular stall rather than lag behind when it opens. This can create a free game for everyone, so it is best to stay at one door and keep an eye on it. If it turns out that it is not a western toilet, it is better to go in there than to queue again. Many times, doors have pictures or signs indicating squat or western toilets. Also, check the lock, if it is red, then it is busy. Green means free but always calling.
- Plaid pants. I don’t want to scare you, but some bathrooms are pretty damp, either from the splash effect or the bathroom maid (there is usually someone assigned to sit in the bathroom and clean it) running around crazy with her mop. Either way, it’s not the moisture you want in your new linen pants. If it’s wet, roll them up, especially if you’re in line for a squat bath. If you see other Chinese ladies rolling, be sure to do so. They know something that you don’t.
- The squat position. OK, well, you found yourself in a squat bathroom. It’s really not that bad and many argue that it’s actually healthier to go this way than to sit. Whatever, if you’re not used to it, squatting can be really difficult. Look straight ahead and try to lower your pants while making sure the ends are up (hopefully you’ve rolled) and not touching the floor. There are slotted foot spots on either side of the toilet. Try to get somewhere in the middle, with your feet flat on the floor (you don’t want to fall, trust me) and aim for the potty.
- Paper Waste – Not in the Pot! Chinese plumbing in public toilets generally does not handle paper. If you can remember, please put something other than # 1 or # 2 in the basket. Try your best not to look at the basket, it is usually open and full of things you would rather not look at.
- Ends. Outside of you, accomplished squat toilet user. Unroll your pants, wash your hands, if you can, and find your friends waiting for you outside.
How to help children squat on a toilet
Oh yeah, here’s your moment of truth. your newly potty trained three year old needs to go and the only place is a squat toilet. This is what you should do:
- Pants down the side. Help lower your child’s pants before the squat begins.
- Foot placement. It is important to have your child straddle the toilet before squatting.
- Support your child. I find it best to squat in front of my daughter while holding her around her back under her arms to make her feel comfortable. You can also stand and hold your child’s arms / hands, but this can be uncomfortable for them.
- Hold on to the pants. If possible, especially for girls who urinate, keep your pants away from her (maybe even take them off) so she doesn’t get wet).
Tips from your expert
- It’s really not that bad once you get used to it. And isn’t it better than hanging out on a public toilet seat?
- A note about the feeder . As horrible as it may sound, there are places where there are still channels in public toilets. In these types of public restrooms, there are usually doorless stalls that overlook a long canal with water running from one end to the other. People back up and squat on the trough and everything floats away. These types of toilets go the way of the dinosaur, but consider yourself warned.
- China’s reputation for horrible public toilets used to be well deserved, but these days, the government is doing a lot to improve the state of the facilities. You will often find star rated public restrooms. There is a lovely 4-star public bath on the Sacred Way outside of Beijing, for example.
- Have some coins (1-2 rmb) with you to use in public restrooms. There is usually a charge and you will be given toilet paper with the fee.
- Try not to be scared by squat toilets. Probably not, you won’t have to wear one and if you do, it’s all part of the experience.
