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The Stars Are Out in Beijing's Bathrooms

Where: Beijing, China
January 19, 2007 at 10:30 AM | by | Comments (0)


While some Japanese toilets are definitely way too hi-tech for everyday travelers like us, the Chinese system has another twist: Beijing has a system of star-rated toilets. Ranging from one to four star ratings (they're obviously saving the five star ratings for the hi-tech future), it all started in preparation for th 2008 Beijing Olympics and already the situation has improved considerably for tourists who otherwise might have just had to cross their legs.

So how do you rate a toilet? Well, a key difference is the location of the toilet paper:

Three and four-star bathrooms must have toilet paper available in each individual stall. However, while one and two-star facilities must provide toilet paper, the paper can be located in a central position in the room rather than next to the toilet.

On top of that, women's bathrooms must be one third bigger than men's--a reversal of the previous situation. You can thank the Beijing Tourism Administration, gals.

[Photo: willsfca]

Related Stories:
· Beijing's Toilets Go Upscale [Travel in China]
· The Fake Flush [Jaunted]

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