This public restroom in China decorated like an ancient grotto becomes a viral tourist hotspot

China’s Dunhuang grotto-inspired restroom is going viral, blending art, heritage, and modern comfort into an unexpected tourist attraction. (Image: Facebook/ Robii Lajara via 🇨🇳Travel in China)

A newly renovated public toilet in Dunhuang, Gansu province, has turned into an unexpected tourist hotspot—going viral online after its transformation into a cultural and artistic space, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

What was once a purely functional facility has been reimagined with Dunhuang-style murals, local plants, aromatherapy, and even rest areas offering drinks and coffee, making visitors feel more like they’re exploring a scenic attraction than stepping into a bathroom.

Dunhuang, nestled in northwestern Gansu province, was once a thriving hub on the ancient Silk Road—a crossroads of cultures, art, and trade. Today, the city is best known for the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves (Thousand Buddha Grottoes), but a surprising new attraction is stealing the limelight.

At the Dunhuang Night Market, a newly opened public restroom has gone viral, drawing crowds and sparking endless chatter on social media. Far from ordinary, this two-storey facility blends art, heritage, and modern comfort, complete with grotto-inspired murals, ultra-clear glass curtain walls, and even a whimsical “fantasy realm” design on the upper floor.

Here’s a quick look inside the viral grotto-inspired restroom in Dunhuang:

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Beyond aesthetics, the facility offers mother-and-baby rooms with antibacterial nursing tables, child safety seats, seating lounges, drink dispensers, and accessibility features for elderly and disabled visitors.

Opened on August 16, the restroom has quickly become a must-see stop at the Dunhuang Night Market, drawing curious crowds eager to snap photos. Social media is buzzing with praise—some visitors are even dressing in traditional Hanfu to explore the space.

Adding to its appeal, the facility features smart toilets equipped with disposable seat covers, feminine hygiene products, disinfectant, and Dunhuang-themed décor, turning a simple necessity into a cultural experience.