Local Customs & Etiquette in Xingtai, China

1. Xingtai Temple Etiquette

Respect temple rules such as removing shoes before entering and not pointing with feet.

Temple Rules: Understanding and adhering to the specific rules of each temple.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting the religious beliefs and cultural practices of locals.
Body Language: Avoiding gestures that might be considered offensive in this context.

Use chopsticks correctly, avoid pointing with them, and wait for the host to start eating.

Chopstick Usage: Mastering the art of using chopsticks to eat.
Table Manners: Understanding and following appropriate table manners in local restaurants.
Cultural Customs: Respecting the unique dining customs of Xingtai.

Avoid giving gifts with four or six items, as these numbers have negative connotations.

Number Symbolism: Understanding the significance of different numbers in Chinese culture.
Gift Selection: Selecting appropriate gifts for various occasions.
Reciprocity: Be prepared to receive a gift in return, as it is considered impolite not to reciprocate.

Bow slightly when meeting someone for the first time and use appropriate titles.

Bowing Technique: Mastering the correct bowing technique for different situations.
Title Usage: Using appropriate titles based on age, occupation, and relationship.
First Impressions: Making a positive first impression by showing respect and politeness.

Accept all toasts gracefully and never pour your own drink.

Toast Acceptance: Graciously accepting all toasts offered.
Drink Pouring: Not pouring your own drink, instead letting others do it for you.
Toast Meaning: Understanding the significance and purpose of each toast.

Offer your business card with both hands and study the recipient's card carefully.

Card Offering: Properly offering your business card, showing respect for the recipient.
Card Study: Taking time to study the recipient's business card.
Storage of Cards: Properly storing received cards in a dedicated case.

Stand in line patiently and do not push or jostle.

Patience: Maintaining patience while waiting in line.
Queue Order: Respecting and maintaining the order of the queue.
Avoiding Disruption: Not causing disruptions or pushing others out of their place in line.

Stand to the right on escalators and give up your seat to elderly or pregnant passengers.

Escalator Etiquette: Standing to the right on escalators, allowing others to walk on the left.
Seat Sharing: Offering your seat to those in need, such as elderly or pregnant passengers.
Personal Space: Respecting personal space and not invading others' personal bubbles.

Bow deeply when greeting elders and use respectful language.

Deep Bowing: Performing a deep bow when greeting elders.
Respectful Language: Using respectful language and titles when speaking to elders.
Social Hierarchy: Understanding and respecting the social hierarchy in Chinese culture.

Use courtesy titles when addressing people of different ages, occupations, and relationships.

Age-based Titles: Using appropriate titles based on the age of the person.
Occupation-based Titles: Using appropriate titles based on the occupation of the person.
Relationship-based Titles: Using appropriate titles based on the relationship between you and the person.

Remove your shoes before entering a home and accept refreshments with both hands.

Shoe Removal: Removing your shoes before entering a private home.
Refusing Refreshments: Gently refusing refreshments if you cannot accept them, but accepting them with both hands if offered.
Small Talk: Engaging in small talk and discussing pleasant topics during the visit.

Offer condolences, bow deeply, and do not cry loudly in public.

Condolence Offering: Offering sincere condolences to the bereaved.
Bowing: Bowing deeply to show respect for the deceased and the family.
Public Emotions: Controlling emotions in public and avoiding excessive displays of grief.

Offer gifts and well wishes during festivals and celebrations.

Gift Selection: Selecting appropriate gifts for the occasion.
Well Wishes: Expressing warm wishes and congratulations during celebrations.
Cultural Significance: Understanding the cultural significance of various festivals and celebrations.

Buy appropriate offerings and place them in designated areas.

Appropriate Offerings: Buying appropriate offerings based on the temple's customs.
Placement of Offerings: Properly placing offerings in designated areas within the temple.
Respectful Actions: Performing actions with reverence and respect when making offerings.

Choose popular songs, let others sing first, and avoid singing controversial or inappropriate songs.

Song Selection: Selecting popular songs that are appropriate for the gathering.
Turn-taking: Letting others sing before you and taking turns to sing.
Song Content: Avoiding songs with controversial or inappropriate content.