What Is a “Ni Hao Toilet”? Exploring China’s Most Bizarre Public Bathroom Culture

※This article contains several photos of toilets. While there are no images of waste, please be advised if you are uncomfortable with toilet photos!

When traveling around the world, you encounter unique cultures and customs of different regions, and toilet styles are equally diverse. Japanese traditional toilets, Asian squat toilets in India, bidets in European toilets – each region has developed its own unique evolution. However, the “Ni Hao Toilet” found in China is known as particularly unusual and unique among these varieties. In this article, I’ll introduce the Ni Hao Toilet based on my personal encounter, piecing together from my memories.

What is a Ni Hao Toilet?

The “Ni Hao Toilet” is a type of traditional communal lavatory that was once widely seen throughout China. This playful name is related to the unique structure of these toilets.

The most distinctive feature of a Ni Hao Toilet is that multiple toilets are arranged side by side, yet the partitions between stalls are either very low or sometimes non-existent. The height and presence of dividers vary depending on the facility – some have waist-high partitions while others are completely open. This design allows people to make eye contact and potentially exchange greetings like “Ni Hao (Hello)!” with their neighbor while taking care of business.

In many regions of China, toilets were historically not just places to satisfy physiological needs but also functioned as spaces for communication. The Ni Hao Toilet can be seen as a unique design born from this cultural background.

The Experience of Using a Ni Hao Toilet

I once spotted a Ni Hao Toilet in a small town in a mountainous area of Xinjiang. This toilet had absolutely no partitions and was completely open. At first, I was hesitant, but with no other options available, I decided to give it a try.

When I entered, everything was visible as expected. There was already a local resident inside who noticed my presence and tried to make some conversation. However, due to my surprise and embarrassment, I could barely respond and only managed a nervous smile. Though they said something to me, I couldn’t quite catch it due to my nervousness, and I quickly finished my business and left.

Looking back, I regret my somewhat abrupt attitude toward the local person who was trying to be friendly. While it’s natural to feel uncomfortable with cultural differences, if I had been a bit more open-minded, it could have been a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange. I also regretted not taking a photo of this rare Ni Hao Toilet, leaving me with lingering mixed feelings about the experience.

Etiquette for Using Ni Hao Toilets

When using a Ni Hao Toilet, there are several points to keep in mind. First, it’s important to mentally prepare yourself for the lack of privacy. While you don’t necessarily need to say “Ni Hao,” some suggest that a slight nod is considered polite (though I can’t confirm if this is universally true).

That said, it’s advisable to keep conversations light and avoid overly personal topics. It’s also important to adjust your gaze appropriately and avoid looking around more than necessary. Try not to linger too long and be mindful of not inconveniencing others.

Above all, respecting cultural differences and accepting local customs is essential. By approaching it with an open mind as a cross-cultural experience, you might make unexpected discoveries.

The Disappearing Ni Hao Toilets

Ni Hao Toilets, once seen throughout China, are rapidly decreasing in number in recent years. The main reason is urbanization, with traditional public toilets being replaced by modern individual stalls. The increasing emphasis on privacy, especially among younger generations, has also contributed to this change.

Other factors contributing to the decline of Ni Hao Toilets include the introduction of facilities that meet international standards due to the increase in foreign tourists, and upgrades to more hygienic facilities from a public health perspective.

Nowadays, Ni Hao Toilets are becoming rare treasures found only in some rural areas of China. While there are voices recognizing their cultural value, it’s somewhat sad yet inevitable that they are gradually disappearing, swallowed by the wave of modernization.

Final Thoughts

The Ni Hao Toilet is certainly a unique culture full of surprises. While it may be problematic from a privacy standpoint, it could also be seen as an interesting product of traditional Chinese culture that values human connections.

One of the joys of travel is experiencing such surprises and discoveries. Encountering unique cultures like the Ni Hao Toilet may enrich our perspectives and values. If you have the opportunity, consider visiting the remote areas of China and experiencing this unusual toilet culture before it disappears completely.