Spotted in the Wild: "请翻译" – What Fresh Mandarin Hell Is This?!

[Lena Oberbrunner]

Oh, let me tell you about an unforgettable incident from my last trip to Guangzhou, which I definitely want to share with everyone, especially the foreign friends!

• I was happily shopping when suddenly nature called, you know the feeling.
  • To my dismay, it took me almost a "half day" (which in China refers to a very long time) to find a toilet — I was just about to give up and my legs were getting tired!
  • Finally, I spotted one — oh no, not so fast! Turns out you need to swipe a card to get in!
• Important Reminder: While using the bathroom in Guangzhou:
  • Toilets can be hard to find: Public restrooms are not as abundant as convenience stores. Be patient, or boldly ask if you can use the restroom of nearby small shops along the way.
  • Some toilets require a "card":
    • This "card" usually refers to local transportation cards, like "Futian Pass", or some restrooms require you to pay.
    • This differs from many countries where public restrooms are free for all to use. Foreign visitors should make sure they have some cash on hand or be aware of any special cards needed.
    • Avoiding awkward situations: When you are shopping in malls or dining in restaurants, take care of your personal needs there first; such places tend to offer free and convenient bathrooms.
• At that moment, I nearly had a heart attack — I was so desperate, considering conducting a spontaneous "performance art" right there… This situation truly caused me great stress! (It's the feeling where you say, "Ah ah ah, I can't take it anymore!")

[Alejandro Runolfsdottir]

I've never seen one that requires a card swipe before.

[Delia Jast]

I've never seen anything so 'high-class' either. I was born and raised in Guangzhou, and even I haven't encountered this. This is a real eye-opener!

[Mr. Otis Schaefer]

Try Gaode Maps (Amaps), just type in 'restroom,' and it'll navigate you. Plus, where you are, there should be at least three large shopping malls nearby, all with public restrooms.

[Ms. Thelma DuBuque-Rolfson]

I've already checked two, and both require a card swipe.

[Katrina Sporer]

This area is packed with public services, yet you can't find a restroom? That's quite something!

[Mr. Philip Hudson]

So, there's a reason why you often see posts warning people about places to avoid.

[Leslie Kunde]

There are restrooms in the subway stations.

[Dana Sanford]

You probably went into an office building. Office building restrooms usually require a key card.

[Maryann Daniel IV]

In Guangzhou, finding a restroom is super easy. Just walk into any decent hotel or restaurant and ask the staff; they're usually happy to point you to theirs. Try that in Shanghai or Hangzhou, and you're more likely to get an eye-roll and probably some complaints behind your back.

[Marcos Goodwin]

In the first picture, there's a newsstand with someone inside. They definitely need to use a restroom too, so they'll absolutely know where the nearest free one is. Being resourceful when you're out and about is key!

[Kelley Balistreri]

Firstly, you likely went into an office building. Secondly, this area is full of restaurants. Worst case, just dash into one of those – I've done it. If all else fails, ask at a nearby shop. There are definitely options around Tianhe.

[Nathan Dickinson-Steuber]

In this situation, just find a subway station. If there isn't a public one, ask the staff if you can use the employee restroom – just say you have a bad stomachache and can't hold it.

[Johnathan Schmeler]

You don't even need to go to a subway station. The first picture shows a traditional newsstand with someone inside. That person definitely uses a restroom and will know where the nearest free one is. Honestly, if you can't find a restroom in this area, you're not being very resourceful, are you? Quite the 'genius'!

[Helen Gleason]

How did you even get into someone else's office building?