On August 30th， media reports surfaced indicating that a public restroom in Dunhuang， dubbed “Dunhuang Pure Realm，” has become a popular viral spot for visitors， attracting significant attention.
The facility is notable for its elaborate design， featuring not only Dunhuang-style murals but also characteristic greenery， aromatherapy， and a designated rest area. Local staff mentioned that the restroom was converted from an older building and launched in August of this year， quickly gaining popularity.
Some netizens shared videos on Douyin (TikTok)， describing their initial surprise upon entering， thinking they had accidentally wandered into an unpromoted grotto. The ceiling features a starry sky reminiscent of ancient imperial coves， the walls display reflective flying Apsara murals， and even the toilets are fully automated. Upon closer inspection of the sink area tiles， one can discern intricate Dunhuang patterns.
One visitor overheard an aunt remarking that she wished she had brought a Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) to take photos there， stating that even posing for portraits within the restroom would yield stunning results. The aromatherapy was particularly praised， described not as a cheap artificial scent， but as a “cool and refined” fragrance that evokes the essence of the Mogao Caves， harmonizing with the night market aromas outside. This thoughtful detail elevated the restroom experience to one that is both aesthetically pleasing and culturally resonant.
Another visitor’s friend commented that the experience was well worth the cost， suggesting that it’s likely the only restroom in China where tourists would spend half an hour taking selfies. They recommended that anyone visiting Dunhuang should experience it， calling it a “missed opportunity” if one doesn’t visit， even if just to use the facilities.
