A "Signature" Win

A few years ago when I visited the Great Wall of  China, I saw a long queue outside a small building. I asked my friend what those folks are queuing for.

"Thats the W.C.", she said. "W.C. ?"  I probed further only to realise that its the restrooms she referring to. And she doesnt know whats the meaning of W.C. too when I asked further.

Thank goodness, theres google. It was then I realised it meant "Water Closet".  I had thought it was a local slang!

I dont see much of the  WC signs here in Shanghai but its plastered at most tourists destination in Beijing.

And thank goodness too Beijing is now officially changing the term to the more commonly known "Toilet" or "Restrooms". Read about it here.

Sure to save many tourists some anxious moments while answering natures' call...

Comments

[ana]

you didn't know what WC meant? :| i mean, not what the initials stand for but that it means "toilet".

that's strange. i thought the designation was pretty international.

[kiwiuncle]

I think it depends a bit on where the tourist comes from. Europe knows WC, America knows "restroom", The rest of the English speaking world knows "toilet".
They are all euphemisms for doing the business and it would better if tourists did China the courtesy of knowing what the actual Chines sign means, and to also know how to recognise "man" and "woman" in Chinese.