China’s KTV

I still vividly recall my “adventure” in China many years ago—an experience centered not in tourist attractions or cultural landmarks, but in the country’s public toilets, which some jokingly refer to as “KTV.” These facilities were certainly a throwback to earlier days, albeit without any of the nostalgic charm. Forget the real karaoke lounges; the true performances took place inside the bathrooms, where the acoustics were questionable and the aroma could only be described as distinctly authentic. The floors glistened—not in a glamorous way—and the sinks appeared as rarely as mythical creatures.

The locals, however, navigated these situations with admirable nonchalance. Toilet paper seemed optional; tossing it onto the floor appeared to be an accepted practice, almost a national pastime. And the rural “KTVs”? Those were a unique blend of wilderness and improvisation—karaoke without the microphones, scenery, or basic amenities.

The particular facility I encountered was already quite a spectacle. In rural areas, conditions were often even more “minimalist”: no doors, no running water, and apparently, no reason for concern. One might even engage in a spontaneous duet with an unseen neighbor on the other side of the drain. It was, in essence, a real-life musical—just without the choreography, costumes, or stage lighting.

Someone once captured the spirit of this experience with a limerick:

“Holding secret documents in hand,

Stepping on both banks of the Yellow River,

Machine guns firing wildly in front,

Artillery shells bombarding from behind,

Thousands of troops below,

And eternal infamy above.”

One must admit—it is a remarkably vivid depiction.

After several such encounters, I avoided returning to China for quite some time. However, last year I joined my Clan Association for a visit to my late father’s hometown, only to discover that China had undergone astonishing transformation. The changes were so dramatic that I found myself standing in a modern public restroom in Guangdong decorated with gold.

With such remarkable improvements—and with so many unique landscapes yet to explore—I now plan to visit China far more frequently.