Scenic Spots to See More Sanitary Restroom Spaces Xinhuanet 2001.08.15 15:11:56 BEIJING August ¨Xinhuanet--Flush with cash to provide the city's toilet facilities Beijing plans to improve every lavatory at all its tourist attractions by the end of 2002 according to today's China Daily. A pot of 240 million yuan US$29 million has been set up by the municipal government to build or fix toilets, a movement prompted by constant public complaints. Already 70 toilets have been constructed or renovated at five major historical sites including the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, Beijing tourism official Zhou Shuyu said. "We also stepped our efforts to make the appearance of toilets harmonious with the scenic spots," Zhou said. "The toilets that sit amid ancient architecture must also be in the ancient style." Zhou, who oversees public toilets, noted all facilities at historical and scenic sites will be free of charge. Foreign tourists have complained vociferously about unsanitary toilet conditions in China. "Of the 206 tour-related complaints received during last October's week-long National Day holiday 20 per cent mentioned that there were few good toilets at tourist attractions, " said Yang Weiyuan, an official with the Beijing Consumers' Association. But the improvements that have already been made have prompted immediate results. "We have not received any complaints on toilets this year," Yang said. The new bathrooms have improved odors and better overall hygiene. "Our goal is to make things convenient for our tourists, whether you are a man, woman, baby, child, senior citizen or a person with a disability," Zhou said. One key improvement is equipping toilets with flushing devices that do not require human touch. The infrared trigger reduces the chance of tourists contracting bacterial infections, officials said. Women's lavatories will be 20 per cent bigger than men's to provide bigger space for women to make up. In the pastthey were half the size of the men's rooms. The ladies' rooms also will have desks, beds or chairs to diaper babies and make mothers more comfortable while feeding. Special lavatory pans designed for the disabled and for children will be provided. Zhou said workers will receive special training to ensure optimal loos. Tourists, too, may need some potty training. At the Summer Palace, two infrared devices have been destroyed through misuse, park officials said. More money for this effort is likely to be poured in as more toilets are built and renovated before the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.