this post was submitted on 26 Sep 2025
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Watch first, then wipe: Some China’s restrooms put toilet paper behind paywall (pomf2.lain.la)
submitted 4 days ago by Pro@programming.dev to c/technology@lemmy.world
89 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/38101225

Imagine this: you walk into a public restroom in China, but instead of just grabbing toilet paper… you have to scan a QR code and watch an ad first 😅. Only then will the machine dispense a tiny sheet of tissue. Don’t feel like watching? You can also pay 0.5 RMB (about $0.07) for a bit more paper 💸. This system is designed to cut down waste — some people would abuse free paper before. Now, it’s all about “watch an ad or pay a coin.” Would you sit through an ad for free toilet paper, or just drop the 0.5 yuan? 👀 . . .

Source: China Insider on Instagram.

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[–] perishthethought@piefed.social 8 points 4 days ago (1 children)

It really varies. I just did a big tour of China in June and we saw many fancy, futuristic toilets in malls and hotels. We saw somewhat stinky but otherwise clean public toilets at parks and such. And we came across a couple of holes in the floor with a septic tank below ground, exposed to the air - and no TP provided. Those are rare now, from what I saw. (Septic tank was the word I couldn't think of before) I'm no plumber though so I may be getting that word wrong still.

[–] atomicbocks@sh.itjust.works 5 points 4 days ago

Septic tanks are a bit more specific, you appear to be referring to a pit latrine which most commonly will have a cesspit.