China starts "toilet revolution" at tourist sites

China will launch a "toilet revolution" at tourist sites across the country this year to make the notorious facilities cleaner and more regulated, tourism authorities said on Thursday.

China will spend three years to improve the toilets at tourist sites that have long been complained of their insufficient numbers, unhygienic conditions, and lack of management, said Li Jinzao, head of China National Tourism Administration.

Some 33,500 new toilets will be built at tourist sites during the period and another 25,000 renovated, according to Li. By 2017, the country aims to make tourist restrooms reach three-star standards.

The administration asked local authorities to step up policy support and launch campaigns for the move.