Unisex Toilets Cause Confusion Among Tourists in Beijing

2017-05-31 ThatsBeijing

By Justine Lopez

Last year we were happy to report that unisex toilets were becoming a thing in Beijing. Suddenly bars and restaurants around the city began sporting what is a now-ubiquitous sign, reading ‘All Gender Toilet.’

But it looks like these signs are still baffling to many. Over the long holiday weekend many tourists visiting the Beijing Zoo declined to use bathrooms featuring the ‘All Gender Toilet’ signs.

A reporter from the Beijing News discovered that not only were the unisex bathrooms not being used as frequently as others but that many tourists didn’t seem to be aware of what they were or the useful facilities they have.

READ MORE: A Brief History of Beijing's Toilet Revolution

At the Beijing Zoo the unisex bathrooms are the only ones that feature changing stations for babies, yet most parents still didn't use them. Instead, they opted to change their children’s diapers in other bathrooms or out in the open.

"I have no idea what the unisex toilet is for. The door was closed," said one mother who was visiting the park Monday.

The National Tourism Administration (NTA) has been making major efforts to improve tourism facilities in Beijing, and throughout China. In February the NTA mandated that all 5A-class scenic spots in China have unisex bathrooms and announced plans to install 604 unisex toilets across the country. At this time last year Beijing was home to at least 30 unisex toilets, all of which must house baby changing facilities.

The Beijing Zoo currently boasts six unisex toilets.

Designed to make transgender and non-gender-conforming Beijingers more comfortable, these toilets have been a huge success in the capital. However, it does seem like they are still causing some confusion for some.