Charged toilets can be found in the streets and tourist places in large and medium-sized cities; use of such a toilet costs 0.20 or 0.30 yuan per person. Washrooms in airports and large shopping centres are free of charge.

1. Places to find a Toilet

Star-rated toilets in tour attractions

Residantial areas in hutong or along the main streets

Big supermarkets and shopping centers

Hotel lobbies

Places that serve coffee

2. How to Read the Signs

Most public bathrooms in the big cities have the distinguishing international stick figures of a man or a woman; some also include the British "W.C."(for water closet as the toilet is known in England). The Chinese character for "men" is 男 and the Chinese character for women is"女."

3 A Word to the Wise

Carry toilet paper with you. Most free public bathrooms do not provide toilet paper. Even at some of the one star-rated tourist toilets, paper is provided but only at a general location in the room, not at the stalls. Some Public bathrooms require a small entry fee. An attendant should be available in these to provide toilet paper. If you do not know Chinese and are in a hurry - your own toilet paper might come in handy in this situation, too.