3D-printed toilet, QR codes for tissue...China's public toilets go hi-tech

NANJING -- A 3D-printed public toilet block, covering an area of 200 square meters, is drawing attention in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province.

Located in Sun Mountain National Forest Park, the green-and-wood- colored toilet block has been named "little box in forest." It was made from construction garbage using 3D printing technology.

The eco-friendly toilet block was built without any steel, but is even stronger than those built from concrete, according to park staff.

As part of China's "toilet revolution," the national drive to upgrade public toilets, Suzhou has been using advanced technology in its toilet facilities.

At some scenic sites, tourists can scan QR codes with their mobile phones to receive 80 centimeters of toilet paper. They can scan the codes multiple times for more paper, but have to pay if they scan too many times.

Pu Zexin, general manger of Suzhou Chuzhibao Internet of Things, the developer of the toilet paper machine, said the invention was intended to prevent toilet paper being wasted.

Staff at the Humble Administrator's Garden tourist site said, the technology can help save nearly 9,000 yuan ($1,361) per toilet annually.

It is estimated that the machines have helped reduce the use of toilet paper in the city's public toilets by an average of 80 percent. More toilets will be equipped with the machines.

Suzhou is also using big data technology to improve the management of public toilet facilities.

An online service platform has been launched for toilets in tourist areas, allowing users to quickly find the nearest toilet and be informed of the queue length.

Users can also post comments about toilets on the platform.