China seeks sit-down toilets for Olympics

BEIJING, March 19 (UPI) -- Chinese officials said bathroom renovations are under way at Olympic venues after testers complained about the Asian-style squat toilets.

Yao Hui, deputy head of venue management, said renovations to install Western-style sit-down commodes have started at three venues and more are being planned, the BBC reported Wednesday.

"A lot of parties have raised the question of toilets ... We have told the venues to improve on this," Hui said.

"Most of the Chinese people are used to the squat toilet, but nowadays more and more people demand sit-down toilets," he said. "However, it will take some time for this transition."

Yao said the proportion of squat toilets to sit-down johns will vary from venue to venue.