Toilets on China High-speed Trains

China high-speed trains, also known as bullet trains or CRH trains, are among the fastest and most comfortable ways to travel in China. They offer a smooth ride, spacious seats, and various amenities. One of the features that many passengers appreciate is the availability and quality of the toilets on board. In this article, we will introduce some basic information and tips on how to use the toilets on China's high-speed trains.

Where are the toilets located? 

The toilets are located at the end of each carriage. There are signs above the doors indicating whether the toilet is occupied or not. A green figure means the toilet is vacant, while a red figure means the toilet is in use. You can also check the electronic screens above the aisle, which show the real-time status of all the toilets in your carriage.

What types of toilets are there?

There are three types of toilets on China's high-speed trains: squat toilets, western-style toilets, and accessible toilets. The squat toilets and western-style toilets are usually distributed alternately along the train. The accessible toilets are designed for passengers with disabilities or special needs, and they are equipped with handrails, emergency buttons, and baby changing tables. They are usually located near the dining car or the conductor's compartment.

How to lock and unlock the doors?

The doors of the toilets are either automatic or manual, depending on the model of the train. For automatic doors, you need to press a button to open and close them. After entering the toilet, you need to manually rotate a knob to lock the door. The knob has two positions: "open" and "lock". Make sure you turn it to the "lock" position, otherwise other passengers may accidentally open the door from outside. To unlock the door, simply turn the knob back to the "open" position and press the button again.

For manual doors, you need to pull or push them to open and close them. After entering the toilet, you need to slide a latch to lock the door. The latch has two colors: green and red. Make sure you slide it to the red side, otherwise other passengers may accidentally open the door from outside. To unlock the door, simply slide the latch back to the green side and pull or push the door.

What facilities are there in the toilets?

A washbasin with running water, soap dispenser, paper towel dispenser, and trash bin.
A mirror with lighting and a shelf for personal items.
A toilet paper dispenser with enough supply. You don't need to bring your own toilet paper.
A flush button that activates a vacuum system that sucks away the waste into a tank under the train. You need to press it after using the toilet.
A ventilation fan that keeps the air fresh and prevents odors from spreading.
A coat hook and a luggage rack for hanging your belongings.
A window with curtains for natural light and privacy.

How to flush the toilet?

The toilets on China high-speed trains use a vacuum system that sucks away the waste into a tank under the train. This system is more hygienic and environmentally friendly than the traditional direct discharge system that dumps the waste onto the tracks. To flush the toilet, you need to press a button that is usually located near the washbasin or on the wall. The button has a clear sign that says "flush" or "冲水". After pressing it, you will hear a sucking sound as the waste is removed from the toilet bowl. The flushing interval is about two minutes, so you may need to wait for a while if someone has just used it before you.

What are some tips for using the toilets on China high-speed trains?

1. Avoid using them when the train is about to stop or start, as this may cause instability and discomfort.
2. Avoid using them when they are being cleaned or refilled with water or emptied of waste. This usually happens at some stations along the route, and there will be signs or announcements informing you of this.
3. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the high speed trains and normal trains, so please do not smoke in the bathroom, including e-cigarettes.
4. Keep them clean and tidy after using them, and do not throw any trash or foreign objects into them.
5. Be considerate of other passengers' needs and do not occupy them for too long.