Finding clean public restrooms in Nanjing is generally easy! Look for signs saying “Toilet” or “WC,” often near tourist spots like the Confucius Temple, Xuanwu Lake, metro stations, shopping malls, parks, and museums. Carry your own small pack of tissues or toilet paper as they aren’t always provided. Many facilities offer both Western-style toilets and traditional squat toilets – just choose the stall that suits you. Basic soap is common, but hand sanitizer is a handy backup. Payment is rare in city center public facilities. Just be prepared, stay observant, and you’ll navigate Nanjing’s bathrooms smoothly!
Why should I carry my own toilet paper in Nanjing?
It’s simply smart travel prep! While major malls, newer metro stations, or upscale hotels in Nanjing usually stock toilet paper, many older public restrooms, especially in parks or smaller temples, might not. Running out is common due to high usage. Tissues or a small roll in your daypack are your safety net. Think of it as essential as your camera or water bottle. Locals often carry pocket packs. It prevents awkward moments and lets you enjoy sights like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum or Purple Mountain without bathroom stress. Consider it a tiny investment for huge peace of mind.
What cultural tips help with Nanjing restroom etiquette?
Understanding a few local habits makes using facilities in Nanjing more comfortable:
- Shoes Off? No: Unlike some Asian countries, keeping shoes on in public restroom stalls is standard practice in Nanjing (and China).
- Queue Courteously: Lines form quickly, especially for women. Wait patiently for the next available stall. Pushing ahead is frowned upon.
- Dispose Properly: Used toilet paper always goes in the provided bin next to the toilet, never flushed, even in Western-style toilets, to avoid plumbing issues. Sanitary products go here too.
- Squat Toilets: Face the hooded end. Balance is key! Practice makes perfect if you’re new to them.
- Keep it Moving: Be efficient, especially during busy times. Lingering excessively isn’t common.
How accessible are restrooms near major Nanjing attractions?
Thankfully, finding facilities near key sights is straightforward. Here’s a quick reference:
| Nanjing Attraction | Restroom Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) | Excellent | Multiple clean public facilities within the area & nearby mall. |
| Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum | Good | Facilities available at the main entrance & near the memorial hall. |
| Xuanwu Lake Park | Good | Several located around the lake paths; map boards show locations. |
| Nanjing Museum | Excellent | Modern, clean restrooms on multiple floors inside the museum. |
| Presidential Palace | Good | Facilities available inside the complex. |
| Zijin Mountain (Purple Mt.) | Variable | Available at cable car stations & major temples; carry paper. |
| Xinjiekou Shopping Area | Excellent | Easily found inside large malls like Deji Plaza & Xinjiekou Metro station. |
Where else can I find reliable facilities in Nanjing?
Beyond dedicated public toilets, these spots are great backup options:
- Shopping Malls: Deji Plaza (Xinjiekou), Golden Eagle Mall (Xinjiekou & Hexi), Iris Plaza (near Zhonghua Gate) have plentiful, usually clean facilities. Great during shopping sprees or meal breaks.
- Metro Stations: Most Nanjing Metro stations have restrooms accessible before passing ticket barriers. Look for signs – they are lifesavers while navigating the city.
- Fast Food Restaurants & Cafes: Chains like KFC, McDonald’s, or Starbucks usually have restrooms. It’s polite to buy a small drink or snack if you use them, especially during peak hours.
- Large Bookstores & Supermarkets: Stores like Librairie Avant-Garde (Pioneer Bookstore) or large supermarkets (Carrefour, Auchan) often have customer restrooms.
- Hotels: Even if you’re not staying there, walking confidently into the lobby of a large hotel (like The Niushou Guest House Nanjing or Fraser Suites) and asking politely “Qǐng wèn, cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?” (Where’s the restroom, please?) often works, especially outside rush hours.
What other travel essentials help in Nanjing beyond restrooms?
Mastering Nanjing’s facilities is just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s what else smooths your journey:
- Nanjing Tourist Map: Grab a physical map or use an offline app like Maps.me. Pinpointing toilets, metro stops, and attractions reduces stress.
- Local SIM Card/E-SIM: Essential for real-time translation apps (like Google Translate or Pleco), maps (Baidu Maps works well locally), checking opening times, and quick searches. Buy at the airport or major mobile shops (China Mobile/Unicom). A local number helps with ride-hailing apps like DiDi.
- Comfortable Shoes: Nanjing involves lots of walking – around the ancient city walls, through parks, in museums. Supportive footwear is non-negotiable.
- Small Change & WeChat Pay/Alipay: While cards work in big stores, smaller vendors, temple entrance fees, or topping up your metro card often need cash. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay with a linked international card for ultimate convenience – it’s ubiquitous! Carry small bills (¥1, ¥5, ¥10).
- Politeness & Patience: A smile and a basic “Xièxie” (Thank you) go a long way. Things might operate differently than back home – embrace it! Learning simple phrases like “Zhè ge duō shǎo qián?” (How much is this?) is appreciated. Deep China Travel ensures you experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Nanjing with confidence, knowing even the practicalities are covered!
