You open the toilet-stall door in China.
There is no seat.
Just a porcelain toilet in the floor.
And suddenly one of travel’s great questions becomes very urgent:
“Am I supposed to squat over THAT? 😳”
🥟 The Quick Bite
Yes.
It’s a squat toilet (蹲厕, dūncè), and you’ll still encounter them in public toilets around China.
You place your feet on either side, lower yourself into a full squat and use the toilet while squatting.
Simple in theory.
Your knees may have another opinion. 😂
🌍 If You’re Trying to Place It…
The purpose is exactly the same as a seated toilet.
The difference is simply your position:
sit-down toilet → you sit
squat toilet → you squat
For people who have used them since childhood, this can feel completely ordinary.
For a first-time user, it can feel like an unexpected leg workout.
🚻 Which Way Do I Face?
Look at the toilet itself and any foot markings or instructions provided.
Squat-toilet designs vary, so don’t rely on one universal internet rule about which direction everyone must face.
Position yourself securely over the opening and keep your feet on the designated areas.
Most importantly:
don’t stand on a seated toilet to imitate a squat toilet.
🧻 Dad’s Practical Bite: Carry Tissues
Don’t assume every public toilet will have toilet paper inside the stall.
Official Beijing visitor guidance specifically advises travelers to carry their own supply because some public toilets don’t provide it.
Useful Chinese:
厕所 (cèsuǒ) — toilet
卫生间 (wèishēngjiān) — restroom
蹲厕 (dūncè) — squat toilet
坐厕 (zuòcè) — seated toilet
卫生纸 (wèishēngzhǐ) — toilet paper
A small packet of tissues in your day bag can become surprisingly precious. 😂
🦵 What If I Can’t Squat?
Don’t force yourself.
Many modern facilities — particularly hotels, malls and other major public venues — also have seated toilets, although availability varies.
Look for another stall or ask:
“有坐厕吗?” (Yǒu zuòcè ma?)
“Is there a seated toilet?”
Travelers with limited knee mobility should plan ahead rather than assuming every restroom will have the toilet type they need.
🥟 One Last Bite
The first squat toilet can look intimidating.
By the second or third, you at least know what you’re looking at.
Feet in position → squat carefully → keep your balance → tissues ready.
And when you stand back up successfully…
Congratulations. 😂
You’ve just mastered one small piece of everyday travel in China.
See China. Understand It Better.
