Flower Toilet Catches Eyes, Cameras
Apublic toilet in southwest China’s Yunnan Province has recently become a destination for many, as pots of flowers laid in front of its stairs make it a unique site. Many people come not to use it, but to take photos of it. The flowers are planted by Bi Tianhui, who is the manager of the toilet.
In recent years, China has been improving toilets in the cities and popularising flush toilets in the countryside. Many urban toilets are looked after by managers like Ms Bi.
Each day from 6.30am to midnight, Ms Bi, 32, watches over the toilet by the roadside to make sure it’s clean and, at the same time, manages the “small garden” of hers. Outside the toilet, colourful flowers including roses and orchids, as well as plants that can absorb odors are carefully arranged along both sides of the stairs. “Besides being a toilet manager, I am also a gardener,” Ms Bi said.
Planting flowers is not only her personal hobby but also serves to make her working environment better.
Kunming, where Ms Bi lives, is dubbed “the city of spring” in China, as the climate there remains mostly warm throughout the year.
With Ms Bi’s care, the flowers outside the toilet blossom all year long.
“I feel better when looking at these flowers during work,” she said.
Ms Bi took over the job from her father three years ago, and at first, she was reluctant, but her father encouraged and helped her with the job. Later, she realised the job can be more than just cleaning.
Her father grew some plants outside the toilet booths, and she added the flowers she likes. Ms Bi said she wants to change people’s impression of public toilets being dirty, smelly and full of flies through her efforts.
Unexpectedly, the toilet became a popular local site after many people who passed by took pictures and posted them online.
As the toilet rose to fame, Ms Bi feels her work has been recognised and is more happy with her job.
“Whatever our job is, and whatever the life we live, we can always be happy if we find ways to make it the way we want,” Ms Bi said.