Public restrooms in China

I've heard all the horror stories about public restrooms in China. I'm a little worried about as I've booked a 15 day trip to Beijing, Xian, Kunming...  Are the bathrooms really that bad??

Not exactly for big cities and tourist cities. But for the small towns, the restrooms are really not so good.

Yes it is true that the public restrooms can be really bad in small towns and it is not easy to find. But I don't think it is horroble in the big cities like Beijing and Xi'an. But when in doubt, please head for the next hotel. Most of the hotels has a restroom in the lobby that meet the western standards and will let you use even if you are not staying there.

We are just back from Dali, Lijiang. I think you will be there as you mentioined Kunming. Those are very clean cities. As we stroll in Lijiang ancient town, we even find a restroom lit up with traditional lantern lights, in both Chinese and English signs. It is just near the Sifang Square.  

in some some cities the restrooms are not clean ,but the price is very low .  and  i suggest you take caution ,when you choose it .  the lower price , the lower quality .

In china, most of the public toilets are of squatting kind and they are clean and well maintained except in some remote countryside. However, China now are building large numbers of west style restrooms in bigger cities like Beijing, shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, ect and you can find some this kind of restrooms in deluxe hotels, some scenic areas, shopping malls… here I provide some handy clue of the Chinese toilet: 1), public toilets are usually located every few blocks or so and are often free unless there is an attendant who will ask money for you. 2) Signs often have pictures or WC in addition to the Chinese characters. Namely “男” is for male (Note the stocky build and big head.); “女” is for female(resemble the figure of a woman) 3) Except for some charged ones, toilet paper is often not available

I always take a roll of toilet paper in my suitcase, and when out and about have a few sheets in my pocket. I ws once at the Great Wall north of Beijing, and had to dash to the toilet near the cable car to the parking lot. Chinese food is nice, but can give you the trots[:)]

i do not think chinese toilet is a nighmare to foreigner visitor.

Does anyone have experiences with restrooms (public and private) in Shenyang? Personally, I can't "go" when others are around. I've heard horror stories about doorless stalls, no particians, and worse...

A big city, shenyang should have many western restrooms, still some public street toilets may very "bad", no privacy. restroom in star hotels are often western-style.