Confucius Temple Portable Toilets

The following is an overview of the portable toilets at Confucius Temple:

I. New Temporary Toilets Over 20 temporary toilets have been added in areas such as the Confucius Temple in Nanjing, primarily to serve the needs of tourists during daily operations or specific events. Each toilet is equipped with two hand-washing basins, utilizes sensor-activated water dispensers, and some include maternity care stations and barrier-free facilities to enhance convenience. Additionally, an intelligent guidance system has been installed, displaying real-time availability of toilet stalls across different areas via electronic screens to optimize queuing efficiency. Some toilets also feature "third toilets" outside, equipped with baby care stations and emergency call buttons to meet the needs of special groups.

II. Camouflaged Mobile Toilets Around May 10, 2023, the Confucius Temple scenic area introduced over 60 camouflaged mobile toilets, which officially opened for free use on May 11. These toilets were temporarily installed to address the restroom needs during the closure and renovation of the scenic area's public toilets. They are distributed across six locations, including the East Gate, Leisure Street, and North Gate of the Confucius Temple, covering major tourist gathering areas. Their design emphasizes concealment (camouflaged appearance) and functionality, effectively alleviating restroom pressure during the renovation period.

III. Controversy Over Use During National Day Holiday During the National Day holiday, some citizens reported long queues at restrooms in the Confucius Temple area, while previously installed portable toilets were either "nowhere to be found" or "prohibited from use." According to investigations, of the more than twenty portable toilets purchased during the May public toilet renovations, only three were found in the back street during the National Day holiday, and they were not open. Possible reasons include:

1. Temporary Adjustments: Portable toilets may have been temporarily removed or closed due to scenic area event arrangements, sanitation management needs, or facility maintenance.
2. Uneven Distribution: Remaining toilets may be concentrated in non-core areas, making them difficult for tourists to notice.
3. Management Oversights: The unexpected surge in tourist numbers during the holiday exceeded expectations, and the number or operating hours of portable toilets were not adjusted in a timely manner.

IV. Comprehensive Recommendations The configuration of portable toilets at the Confucius Temple needs to balance temporary needs with long-term planning. It is recommended that the scenic area:

1. Dynamic Management: Adjust the locations and number of open portable toilets in real-time based on tourist flow data.
2. Information Disclosure: Publicly display the distribution and usage status of portable toilets in real-time through electronic screens, apps, and other channels.
3. Long-term Optimization: During public toilet renovations, explore cooperation with surrounding commercial entities to share restroom resources, reducing reliance on mobile facilities.