New draft raises standards for China's public restrooms

China's national tourism administration has released a revised draft on the construction of toilets and and raising their sanitary standards in tourist areas, the media reported on Tuesday.

Differing from the star-rated evaluation system, the revised draft is more practical and covers more areas outside of scenic spots, including transportation hubs, restaurants, entertainment zones and shopping malls, the China Daily reported.

In addition to the general requirements for A-certification, the minimum level, restroom facilities would need to meet broader criteria for the highest rating, AAA, such as providing toilet facilities that broadcast music as well as additional services such as wheelchair rentals.

Li Shihong, deputy director of the administration, said properly managed restrooms are crucial to tourism development, especially when many places in China are trying to promote an entire city, rather than just scenic spots, as a tourism attraction.

"We will collect reviews and complaints from tourists, and those toilets that fail to provide proper service will be put on a tourism toilet blacklist," said Li.

China started a three-year campaign in January 2015 that aims to build 33,000 restrooms across the nation by 2017 and renovate 24,000 facilities.

This year, a total of 1.25 million yuan ($192,000) will be invested to build or renovate 25,000 tourism toilets.