Foreign Tourists Struggle with Squat Toilets, Experts Suggest

Foreign Tourists Struggle with Squat Toilets in China, Cry for Help, Experts Suggest

For many Chinese people, using squat toilets in public restrooms or tourist attractions is second nature. However, as China expands its visa-free policy and welcomes more foreign tourists, squat toilets have become an unexpected challenge for many visitors unaccustomed to this style of restroom.

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Many locals may not realize just how difficult it is for foreigners to use squat toilets. 

Statistics show that in 2024 alone, China received 20.115 million visa-free foreign visitors, an increase of 112.3% compared to the previous year.

Wang Yu, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chairman of Spring Airlines, has noticed that most public toilets in China are squat-style, making it difficult for foreign tourists who are unfamiliar with the "Asian squat." This discomfort negatively impacts their overall travel experience. Wang emphasized that for some foreign tourists, China's tourism infrastructure lacks sufficient convenience and inclusivity.

Last year, Wang submitted a proposal titled Enhancing China's Friendly Image by Addressing Key Issues in Inbound Tourism, which was highly regarded by relevant authorities. This year, at the National People's Congress and the CPPCC, Wang continues to advocate for improving inbound tourism. 

He suggests increasing the ratio of seated toilets to squat toilets, proposing a 2:1 or 3:1 balance, while also equipping restrooms with necessary sanitation facilities.

Beyond the squat toilet issue, Wang identified other challenges faced by foreign tourists in China. Many visitors find it difficult to access foreign credit card websites and payment apps, making transactions inconvenient. Additionally, major delivery platforms often do not support passport-based identification, making it impossible for foreign tourists to book domestic flights or courier services online. Language barriers further complicate navigation, as inaccurate translations or missing signage prevent visitors from easily locating essential facilities, disrupting their travel plans.

"To further promote inbound tourism, we must not only expand visa-free policies but also improve tourism services and infrastructure," Wang said. He recommends enhancing network accessibility, facilitating mobile payments for inbound tourists, streamlining online bookings for domestic services, and improving multilingual signage to ensure a smoother experience for visitors.

Wang also noted a recent surge in South Korean tourists visiting Shanghai for weekend trips, thanks to China's favorable inbound tourism policies. However, despite positive feedback, issues such as taxi fare overcharging, smoking in public areas, and subpar hygiene in some restaurants have drawn criticism.

To address these concerns, Wang suggests targeted regulations to curb overcharging by taxi drivers and improve hygiene standards in restaurants. Additionally, he advocates for nationwide campaigns promoting "civilized behavior."

With thoughtful improvements in infrastructure, services, and cultural awareness, China can ensure a more seamless and enjoyable experience for international visitors, fostering long-term growth in its inbound tourism sector.

Source & Pic: 新民晚报

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