Tân Cương Toilet Survival Guide: A Hilarious (and Helpful) Account
Learn From My Tears: Navigating Xinjiang's Restrooms
Planning a trip to Xinjiang? Then commit this "toilet survival" manual to memory! Last summer, I nearly cried trying to find a decent place to, well, *go*. So, I've poured my experience (and near tears) into this honest review to help you avoid 90% of the "toilet traps" 😭.
The "Golden" List: Spot One, Use One!
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Sayram Lake (赛里木湖)
Restroom near the swan wooden houses: Proper doors, no smell, and even warm water for washing hands 💧! Perfection. Serious points for clean handwashing facilities.
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Duku Highway (独库公路) – Dushanzi Start / Qiaoerma Checkpoint
Free and sparkling clean – a must-use! Many consider this the "pinnacle of restroom excellence" on Xinjiang's most beautiful highway!
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Ghost City (魔鬼城) / Tianshan Grand Canyon (天山大峡谷)
- Ghost City: Crowded, but constantly cleaned, odorless, and surprisingly spacious. A better experience than expected.
- Tianshan Grand Canyon: Big, airy, and a good place to take a break!
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Qiongkushitai Tourist Area Entrance (琼库什台)
Cleaned regularly, dry floors, tidy. A great place to "take care of business" before exploring.
The "Black" List: Avoid at All Costs!
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Mountain Road Restrooms to Qiongkushitai
Unmanaged, piled with garbage, and the smell will knock you out ⚠️. Only use in emergencies – a portable toilet is your best bet!
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Restrooms Along Duku Highway
Dirty, smelly, and they charge 2 yuan 💸! Slippery floors like an ice rink, a "survival in the wilderness" experience – avoid completely!
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Nalati Tourist Center Restrooms (那拉提)
Half the doors don't close, and you'll be waiting in line for over 20 minutes during peak season 😤. Consider using the restrooms at nearby nomadic homes – at least the door closes...
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Kanas Tourist Area Entrance Restrooms (贾登峪)
Lines like taking the train during Chinese New Year, and the smell is so strong that even a mask won't help. Best to go before you enter!
Xinjiang Toilet Survival Tips
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"Rest Stop > Tourist Area" Rule
Distances between attractions in Xinjiang are vast, often hundreds of kilometers. Highway rest stop restrooms (like the one near Sayram Lake) are usually much cleaner – always take advantage!
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Gas Stations Are Your Friend
Restrooms at large gas stations like Sinopec or PetroChina are usually reliable. Some even have soap and paper towels – much more trustworthy than tourist areas!
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"Borrow" a Restaurant's Restroom
Highly-rated restaurants near tourist spots (like those around the Urumqi Grand Bazaar) often let customers use their restrooms. Order a milk tea and you've got legitimate access.
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Wild Toilet Survival Kit
- Toilet paper + hand sanitizer (99% of places have neither paper nor water)
- Non-slip shoes (many floors are slippery)
- A "get in, get out" attitude (don't linger on your phone)
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Smart Hydration Strategy
Limit diuretics like tea and coffee during the day. Focus on drinking water at hotels or restaurants with clean toilets.
😂 Final Thoughts
Xinjiang's scenery is so stunning it's worth braving mountains and passes to see, but the restroom situation is, shall we say, *varied*. Make "finding a clean restroom" part of your daily itinerary. Finding a clean one is like unlocking a "hidden perk" 🎉.
Prepare yourself, bring the necessary gear – and have a fantastic trip while avoiding those "toilet of horrors"!
Credit: Hoàng Hà
