Bathroom Timers Spark Debate at Popular Chinese Tourist Site

At the Yungang Buddhist Grottoes in Datong, Shanxi Province, China, restrooms have added something new – digital timers. Above each toilet stall, there is now a screen that shows how many minutes and seconds the stall has been occupied once the door is locked. If the stall is free, the screen shows “empty” in green. This change is attracting attention and discussion from tourists and people online.

According to the video, these public toilet timers are used so that visitors can see how long someone has been in the stall.

Why Timers Were Installed

One reason is that Yungang Grottoes are very popular. In 2023, the site had more than three million visitors. With many people using the restrooms, sometimes there are long lines. Staff believe that showing the time might help reduce waiting times outside stalls.

Another reason given is safety. If someone stays in a stall too long, and an emergency happens — like a medical issue — others will know something might be wrong sooner. Staff say the timers are for “well-being of all guests” in such cases.

Mixed Reactions from Visitors

Some visitors think this timer idea is advanced and helpful. One person said they like that they don’t need to knock on a door or wait not knowing how long someone has been inside. It feels more organized, they said.

However, not everyone is happy. Some people feel embarrassed. They say they don’t want others to see how long they use the stall — it feels like being watched. Others asked whether the money should go to building more toilets instead of installing timers.

What Staff Are Saying

The staff at Yungang Grottoes have made some clear points to calm concerns. First, there is no strict time limit. Visitors won’t be forced to leave after 5 or 10 minutes.

Second, the timers are not about punishing anyone. They are there for management and safety. If a stall is empty, the timer turns green and shows “empty.” If occupied, the timer counts up. Staff say this helps everyone know stall usage, not to shame people.

Why It’s Controversial

The idea of tracking something as private as toilet stall time challenges many people’s comfort zones. Some see it as useful. Others think it invades privacy. The timers make a private moment more public.

Also, this makes people question: Is it right to monitor ordinary daily things? A lot of debate online comes from this concern. Some people say it’s helpful in busy tourist spots; others argue it makes them feel like they are being observed even in restrooms.

What’s Likely Next

Because many people are talking about this, the site may do more surveys or ask visitors how they feel. Maybe they will adjust the timer display — for example, making it less obvious or more private. Or maybe they will keep it the same if many people accept it.

On the other hand, some tourist sites might avoid installing similar systems because of negative feedback. Many will watch what happens here, to decide whether using such timers is good practice in other places too.

Watch the video here:

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