Toilets on Bullet Trains

What do you expect toilets on a China high speed train for your several hours’ journey? You are looking for clean, odor-free and user-friendly toilets, right? Absolutely, sanitary conditions have greatly improved in China high speed train toilets and washrooms. Moreover, the toilets are well-designed for different passengers, no matter you prefer clean Chinese-style squat toilets, or would like to use comfortable western-style toilets, or want to enjoy barrier-free washroom…you can be satisfied. So, let’s check the details together!

Toilet/Washroom Types on China High Speed Trains

At the end of every carriage of China high speed train, there are usually two types of toilets. On one side you can find the Chinese-style toilet - squat toilet and on the other side, you can find the western-style toilet, complete with seat and lid.

Squat Toilet

A squat toilet is a kind of toilet used by squatting rather than sitting. It is the most common toilets in China as well as on a high speed train. Passengers who take first class seats or second class seats can find squat toilet in your carriage. The room for squat toilet is small, about 1~1.5 m², with basic facilities inside. Toilet paper is prepared and there is no need to bring your own (always available). It is clean and odor-free in most circumstance. There are attendants working in the carriages to make sure the toilets keep clean all the time.

Facilities you can find in a squat toilet on a China High Speed Train:

How to flush the squat toilet?

There is a “flush button” located above the squat toilet. You just need press once and it can flush automatically (the flush may be delayed).

Western Style Toilet

Western-style toilet is the sitting toilet which is more convenient than squat toilets for western countries travelers, especially for people with disabilities and the elderly. Passengers who take business class seats, first class seats can use western-style toilet on train, and some carriages of second class seat are equipped with western-style toilets on a high speed train in China. The room for western-style toilet is as small as the room for squat toilet, about 1~1.5 m², with comprehensive facilities inside. Passengers don’t have to bring your own tissue for it is equipped in the room (always available). The train attendant will clean and sterilize the toilet from time to time to guarantee passengers in a comfortable environment.

Facilities you can find in a western-style toilet on a China High Speed Train:

How to flush the western style toilet?

There is a “flush button” located above the western style toilet. You just need press once and it can flush automatically (the flush may be delayed).

Barrier-free Washroom

There is one barrier-free washroom (or toilet for the disabled) located between the fourth carriage and the fifth carriage on an eight-carriage high speed train. It has a great space, more spacious than room for squat toilet / western style toilet, about 2~2.5 m². It can fit a wheelchair inside quite easily. The door is automatic. What you need to do is press the button and it will open and close automatically. There is a SOS button in the toilet when there is an emergency, passengers could press the SOS button and she/he can get help from the attendants.

Compared with squat toilet / western style toilet, the barrier-free washroom is less used and always clean. You can feel free to use the barrier-free washroom if you feel the western-style toilet or squat toilet is not convenient for you.

Facilities you can find in a barrier-free washroom on a China High Speed Train:

Baby Care Room

Baby care room is located in the barrier-free washroom. There is a diaper changing table arranged above the western-style toilet. Please be sure to secure your kid with safety belt while using the diaper changing table. After using it, please return the safety belt and table to their original position. Of course, you can use this room for breastfeeding.

How to Read Toilet Sign on China High Speed Train

1. “Green” or “Red” Light

Green or Red/Yellow Light Sign

You can check the sign for availability of washroom above the door on the LED screen in your carriage. If it is displayed “green” light, it means there is nobody (无人) in the washroom; and if it is shown in “red” or “yellow” light, it means there is somebody (有人) in the washroom.

Please note that all the toilets on the train are automatically half-closed. You can find either a light “green” or “red” on the door of the washroom, when the light is green, the toilet is empty for use (无人); when red, it means that there is someone inside using it (有人). Not all the sign are used the green or red light, some trains use Chinese words “有人” or “无人” to describe the availability.

2. Male or Female

Male or Female Sign on the Door

On the door of the washroom, it has the sign for male (男) or female (女). Usually, both female and male can use the same toilets, no special distinction.

3. Squat Toilet or Western Style Toilet

On the door of the washroom, it has the sign for squat toilet (蹲厕) or western style toilet (马桶). You can check the sign and choose your like to use.

4. Unlock or Lock

Unlock or Lock Sign on the Door

Practical Tips for Using Toilets on China High Speed Train

3. No Littering!

Please take notice that passengers should not litter into the toilets and just put litter into the dustbin.

4. No Smoking!

It is forbidden to smoke on China high speed trains. Passengers are not allowed to smoke in the carriage as well as in the toilets. Otherwise, it would be very dangerous and cause the train parking on the way.

If you have more questions and concerns about toilets and washroom on a high speed train, please feel free to let us know. For travelers who want to know everything about life on a high speed train, please head to our facilities & service onboard.