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Public Toilets a Pricey Star Turn for Tourists

Beijing Tourism Administration (BTA) will invest 200 million yuan to upgrade public toilets in the city in an effort to help attract tourists. According to the administration's planning department, the new-look toilets will be marked with different numbers of stars � one, two, three or four � to signify varying equipment and services.

Some critics argue that star-rated toilets are not necessary in Beijing, the priority being whether they are clean, convenient and easy to find.