Expect to see cleaner public restrooms equipped with Western-style designs as well as soap, big screen televisions, background music, Wi-Fi, Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and even sofas. This comes after a revised draft of the construction and sanitary standards for toilets was passed on Sunday, Feb. 14.

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Tourists in China can now expect to see cleaner and better public restrooms as the National Tourism Administration released a revised draft that sets the general standards of such facilities. By the end of the year, the majority of public restrooms should be able to meet the general standards set forth by Tourism Administration, reports China Daily.

The revised draft is reported to be more practical and detailed, discussing areas outside of the scenic spots, including transportation hubs, restaurants, entertainment zones and shopping malls.

In addition to the general requirements for A-certification, the draft also lists other criteria for higher certification. To meet the highest rating, which is the triple A (AAA), the facilities should be able to meet other criteria such as providing facilities with broadcast music and additional service like wheelchair rentals.

According to Li Shihong, the deputy director of the Tourism Administration, properly managed restrooms are critical to tourism development. This is most true since many places in China are cities as well, and not just scenic spots.

Li added that feedback of tourists will be collated and facilities that fail to provide proper service will be listed on a tourism toilet blacklist.

They are also looking to create a mobile app that will help people locate the nearest restroom.

China started a three-year campaign in January 2015 with the aim of building 33,000 restrooms in the country by 2017. The campaign also aims to improve 24,000 existing facilities. This year, a total of 1.25 million Yuan has been allocated to renovate tourism toilets.

TagsChina tourism industry, China National Tourism Administration, China to improve public toilets, China to improve public restrooms, modern public restrooms, Li Shihong, Tourism Development