With the implementation of the 15-day visa-free policy for Malaysians travelling to China, an increasing number of people are visiting China for tourism.
In a recent development that highlights the cultural shocks encountered by international travellers, Carmen, a well-known Malaysian influencer with the Instagram handle @carmen_wqw, has ignited a fiery discussion online about toilet conditions in China.
Carmen, who frequently shares her gastronomic and travel experiences with her followers, recently travelled to Shanxi, China, hoping to explore the vast cultural and scenic landscapes of the country.
However, her adventure took an unexpected turn when she faced the reality of public restroom facilities in several locations she visited in China.
In a video titled “Chinese toilets are too awful,” Carmen shares her distressing experiences, visibly upset, and questions, “I really don’t understand why their toilets can be so dirty!”
This candid revelation has sparked a widespread debate on social media platforms and among netizens across borders.
In her video, Carmen expressed her bafflement at the unhygienic state of nearly ten different toilets she used during her travels, pointing out the lack of flushing water and, more shockingly, the absence of doors in some facilities.
“You have to watch those people squatting there to defecate, and then all of them had no flushing water,” she described, emphasizing the extreme discomfort such situations caused her.
This led her to avoid public restrooms altogether, opting to wait until she could return to her hotel.
As reported by Goody25, Carmen’s words did not intend to disparage China or its people. She acknowledged the importance of experiencing and respecting the customs and lifestyles of the visited countries.
However, the state of the restrooms was a significant downside to her otherwise enjoyable travel experience.
The video has since garnered a mixed response, with many netizens coming forward to share their thoughts.
Some netizens from China confirmed Carmen’s observations, admitting that they too are critical of the sanitation issues in public toilets.
Others expressed surprise and curiosity about Carmen’s experiences, noting that their own travels to cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Suzhou did not reveal similar issues.
The discussion has also resonated with Malaysian netizens, some of whom pointed out that Malaysia faces its own challenges with restroom cleanliness, albeit with the basic provision of doors.
What do you think about toilets in China? Share with us in the comment section.
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