Restrooms and Asian-Style Squat Toilets

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[edit] Toilets

There are two basic styles of toilet in China: the western-style sitting toilet, and the Asian-style squat toilet. Both types of toilets are popular in China. The squat toilets are more common in northern and northwest part of China and rural areas, and sitting toilets are common in hotels, and private homes in East and South China. Generally the new buildings have a mixture of both types of toilets, while the old buildings have more squat toilets.

A squat toilet consists essentially of an oblong hole on the floor, and on either side of it are the foot rests. Shown at right side are some squat toilets common in China.

Arguments for and against the squat toilets and sitting toilets include

  • (for) no contact between the buttocks and a potentially unsanitary surface
  • (for) no splashes of water on the buttocks after a heavy defecation
  • (for) health benefits of the natural squatting position
  • (against) easy to clog the toilet with toilet paper
  • (against) not accessible to handicapped or disabled persons
A squat toilet in Shanghai
A squat toilet in Shanghai

However, whatever the arguments are, the bottom line is: Mastering the squatter can give you lots of convenience and save you potential heartache, stomachache, time, comfort and embarrassment. It gives you the fearlessness to travel anywhere (not only in China, but also in other parts of the world, such as Russia, France, Italy, Turkey, Japan.)

Some tips for using squat toilets:

  • Practice at your home before the trip. We are biologically designed to squat. We just need some fine tuning.
  • Cultivate the right mindset. Relax; it's a subsection of everyone's every day life.
  • Reach out to touch a wall or any kind of supports if balance is an issue. You'll be washing your hands after, won't you?
  • Always keep some toilet paper with you.
  • Don't lose your keys, wallet, cell phone or passport
  • Don't forget to pour a little water in, if it’s a porcelain/metal squatter, before you go. It helps wash it all down afterward.

[edit] Names and Signs of Bathrooms

  • WC -- refers to the initial letters of Water Closet
  • Lavatory -- Lavatory is the common signage for toilets on commercial airlines around the world
  • Washroom
  • Restroom
  • Bathroom

[edit] See also

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