Does the Forbidden City Have Mobile Toilets
In ancient times, the Forbidden City did not have mobile toilets in the modern sense, but it had a similar facility called the 'guanfang'; currently, there are modern restrooms in the open areas, which are not the mobile toilets of ancient times.
The 'Mobile Toilets' of the Ancient Forbidden City - the 'Guanfang'
In ancient times, the Forbidden City did not have fixed toilets. Instead, it used a mobile commode called the 'guanfang'. This commode was exquisitely designed, with a carved and gilded wooden frame, offering not only practicality but also a certain artistic aesthetic. Its inner container would be lined with a layer of incense ash. When a user defecated, the waste would fall directly into the incense ash. Incense ash has excellent adsorption properties, instantly absorbing odors and thus maintaining relative cleanliness in the surrounding environment. After use, the 'guanfang' would be immediately carried away for cleaning, ready for the next use. This 'guanfang' could be moved to different places as needed, to a certain extent meeting the usage needs of ancient court personnel. However, it had significant differences from modern mobile toilets in terms of function, design concept, and usage method.
The Restroom Situation in the Modern Forbidden City
Today, as an important tourist attraction, the Forbidden City has set up 14 modern restrooms in its open areas to meet the needs of a large number of tourists. These restrooms are mainly located along the central axis and beside popular attractions, making it convenient for tourists to use them at any time during their visit. These modern restrooms are equipped with complete facilities, such as flushing systems and sinks, providing tourists with a comfortable and convenient restroom environment. However, it should be made clear that these modern restrooms are modern architectural facilities built in response to the development of the times and tourist needs, not the mobile toilets used in ancient times. They have an essential difference from the ancient 'guanfang' and are a manifestation of technological development and improved living standards.
