The Yungang Buddhist Grottoes in China’s Shanxi Province have installed timers on their restroom stalls to help manage the increase in visitors and ensure their safety. Each stall is equipped with a timer above the door that either displays “empty” when unoccupied or the amount of time the door has been locked. This unique design has become a topic of discussion on Chinese news and social media sites, with some visitors feeling uneasy about being timed while using the toilets. Staff members have clarified that the timers are not meant to control how long someone can use the restroom, but rather to prevent emergencies in case a guest uses the stall for an extended period of time.
Despite reassurance from the staff, visitors to the Yungang Buddhist Grottoes have expressed mixed feelings about the toilet timers. Some find the technology advanced and convenient, as it reduces the need to wait in line or knock on stall doors. However, others feel embarrassed and uncomfortable with the feeling of being monitored while using the restroom. The UNESCO-listed World Heritage site is known for its 252 caves and 51,000 statues, attracting millions of visitors each year. The installation of the timers is intended to improve visitor experience and safety in response to the growing number of tourists visiting the site.
Staff members have clarified that the timers are not meant to impose time limits on restroom use, nor are they intended to kick people out of the stalls mid-use. Instead, the timers are a precautionary measure to ensure that visitors do not spend an excessive amount of time in the restroom in case of an emergency. The Yungang Buddhist Grottoes have become a popular tourist destination in northern China, with a record high of 3 million visitors in 2023. The unique design of the restroom timers aims to enhance the overall experience for guests and maintain safety standards at the historical site.
While the installation of timers on restroom stalls may be seen as a technological advancement, some visitors have raised concerns about privacy and monitoring. Despite the staff’s explanation that the timers are not intended to limit restroom use or invade privacy, the concept has sparked debates on various media platforms. The Yungang Buddhist Grottoes continue to attract tourists from around the world due to its ancient caves and statues, and the addition of the timers is seen as a practical solution to manage the growing number of visitors. Overall, the timers are part of an effort to enhance the visitor experience and ensure the safety and well-being of those exploring the historic site.
