When traveling in China, understanding and respecting the local cultural customs can make the trip smoother and more enjoyable. The following are the key points to note for you from aspects such as social etiquette, food culture, religious sites, and festival customs:
Address etiquette
Chinese people attach great importance to seniority and status. When meeting for the first time, one can choose an appropriate title based on the other person's age, occupation and identity. For example, when addressing elderly people, one can call them "Grandpa", "Auntie", "Uncle" or "Aunt". Teachers can be addressed as "Teacher X". Doctors can be addressed as "Doctor X", etc.
In formal occasions, it is more prudent to address unfamiliar people as "Sir", "Madam", "Miss", etc.
Handshake etiquette
Shaking hands is a common greeting. Usually, elders, superiors and ladies extend their hands first, followed by juniors, subordinates and men.
When shaking hands, the force should be moderate, neither too strong nor too weak. At the same time, maintain eye contact and smile to indicate. The duration is generally controlled within 3 to 5 seconds.
Conversation etiquette
Avoid asking overly personal or sensitive questions, such as age, income, marital status, etc., unless the other party brings them up voluntarily.
When having a conversation, pay attention to keeping the volume moderate and avoid making loud noises, especially in public places. Meanwhile, listen carefully to what the other person is saying and don't interrupt at will.
Gift giving
Giving gifts is a way to express friendliness and gratitude in China, but one should pay attention to the meaning of the gifts. Avoid giving inauspicious items such as clocks (the pronunciation of "giving a clock" is similar to that of "seeing off the deceased"), umbrellas (the pronunciation of "scattering" is similar to that of "parting", meaning separation), and pears (the pronunciation of "leaving" is similar to that of "parting").
The gift packaging should be exquisite. Hand the gift with both hands and say some words of blessing or gratitude. When accepting gifts, it is generally necessary to open them in person and express gratitude and affection.
Table manners
Seating arrangement: In a formal banquet, there are certain considerations regarding seating. Usually, the position directly opposite the door is taken as the main seat, where the host or the most distinguished guest takes their seat. The right side of the main seat is the main guest seat, and the left side is the secondary main guest seat. Other guests are seated in order of their status and closeness.
The order of dining: Generally, cold dishes are served first, followed by hot dishes, soups and main courses, and finally fruits. When having a meal, don't rush to start eating. Wait for the host or elders to begin eating first.
Tableware usage: When using chopsticks, do not point at people with them, stick them on rice (this is similar to burning incense and is inauspicious), or rummage through the plate to pick out food. If you need to temporarily leave your seat, you can gently place the chopsticks on the chopstick rack instead of directly on the bowl or the table.
Toasting etiquette: When toasting, your own wine glass should be lower than the other person's to show respect. You can drink alcohol in moderation, but don't force yourself to drink.
Dietary taboos
Different regions and ethnic groups have different dietary taboos. For example, the Hui people do not eat pork. The Manchu people avoid eating dog meat. Some Buddhist believers do not eat meat or fish (including foods with strong odors such as scallions, garlic and leeks), etc. When ordering food or dining with local people, respect their eating habits.
Buddhist temple
When entering the temple, keep quiet and do not make loud noises or play around.
Dress appropriately and avoid wearing overly revealing or fancy clothes.
Do not touch religious items such as Buddha statues and ritual implements at will, nor take photos of Buddha statues (some temples allow taking photos in designated areas, but you need to understand the regulations in advance).
When burning incense, usually three sticks of incense are burned, symbolizing the respect for the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Incense should be offered with the left hand because in Buddhism, the right hand is considered unclean (the right hand is often used in daily killing and other behaviors).
Taoist temple
Similar to Buddhist temples, when entering a Taoist temple, one should abide by the order and maintain solemnity.
When seeing a Taoist priest, one can perform the arched hand salute, that is, the left hand embracing the right hand, naturally forming a fist, with the hand not reaching the navel.
Don't casually point fingers at the deities or comment on their appearances. This is disrespectful to the deities.
Mosque
Non-muslims need to obtain permission and abide by relevant regulations to enter the mosque.
Respect the religious beliefs and customs of Muslims. Do not eat pork or carry pork products in the mosque.
Women entering the mosque may be required to wear headscarves to comply with religious requirements.
Spring Festival
The Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China. During this period, people stick couplets, "Fu" characters, set off firecrackers, have the New Year's Eve dinner and pay New Year's visits, etc. During the Spring Festival, don't say some inauspicious words, such as "death", "illness", "poverty", etc.
When paying New Year's greetings, the younger generation should pay New Year's greetings to the elders. The elders will give the younger generation lucky money. When receiving the lucky money, one should take it with both hands and express gratitude.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival has the customs of moon-gazing and eating mooncakes. When giving mooncakes as gifts, pay attention to the packaging and quantity of the mooncakes. Generally, even numbers are chosen, symbolizing that good things come in pairs.
In some places, there is a custom of worshipping the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Tourists can participate and experience it, but they should respect the local rituals and procedures.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival has customs such as eating zongzi, dragon boat racing, hanging calamus and drinking realgar wine. When watching the dragon boat race, pay attention to safety and abide by the on-site order.
In some places, children are given sachets, symbolizing the warding off of evil spirits and diseases. If there is such a custom in the local area, it can be respected and participated in.
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