Local Customs & Etiquette in Pudong, China

1. Shanghai Tower Etiquette

Observe queueing culture and respect personal space in the observation deck. Avoid taking up multiple spots.

Queue Culture: Chinese people are very orderly when queuing, so waiting your turn is expected.
Personal Space: Respecting personal space is essential in crowded places like observation decks.
No Multiple Spots: Avoid taking up multiple spots as it's considered disrespectful to others.

Chopsticks should be held near the tips and not stick vertically in food. Slurping soups is acceptable.

Holding Chopsticks: Always hold chopsticks towards their ends, not at the middle.
Vertical Chopsticks: Never stick chopsticks vertically in rice as it resembles incense sticks used at funerals.
Slurping Soups: Slurping soups shows the host that you appreciate the meal.

Stand on the right side of escalators to let people pass quickly. Never eat or drink on public transportation.

Right Side Rule: Standing on the right side of escalators helps maintain a smooth flow.
No Eating/Drinking: Avoid eating or drinking on public transportation out of respect for others.

Bring gifts wrapped and avoid knives or scissors. Business gifts should be of high quality and in odd numbers.

Wrapped Gifts: Gifts should always be well-wrapped and never in a plain bag.
No Knives/Scissors: Gifts containing knives or scissors are not considered appropriate.
Odd Numbers: Giving gifts in odd numbers is generally preferred, as even numbers are associated with funerals.

Use handshakes for business settings. Bow slightly in greeting if meeting elders or seniors.

Handshake: Handshakes are the standard form of greeting in professional settings.
Bowing: A slight bow is a respectful gesture towards elders or seniors.

Remove shoes before entering temples. Do not point feet at images of deities. Whisper or keep silent when inside.

Removing Shoes: Respect the temple by removing your shoes before entering.
No Foot-Pointing: Avoid pointing your feet at images of deities as it's considered disrespectful.
Silent Behavior: Whisper or remain silent while inside the temple to show reverence.

Have exact change ready. Avoid haggling over small differences in fares.

Exact Change: Always have the exact fare when taking a taxi to avoid delays.
No Haggling: Do not haggle over small differences in fares, as it's considered impolite.

Use disposable chopsticks provided. Finish your meal before asking for the bill.

Disposable Chopsticks: Use the clean, disposable chopsticks provided by street vendors.
Finish Meal First: It's customary to finish your meal before asking for the bill.

Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Always flush after use.

Toilet Paper: Always carry your own toilet paper as it's not always provided.
Hand Sanitizer: Use hand sanitizer to maintain cleanliness after using public toilets.
Flush After Use: Always flush the toilet after use, even if it's a squat toilet.

Negotiate prices in a friendly and polite manner. Avoid showing too much interest before closing the deal.

Friendly Negotiation: Negotiate prices politely and maintain a friendly demeanor.
No Showing Interest: Do not show too much interest before finalizing the purchase.

Slow down to match locals' pace. Offer compliments about the meal and food.

Match Pace: Eat at a leisurely pace to show respect for your hosts.
Compliment the Food: Express appreciation for the meal and the effort put into preparing it.

Wait for the other person to propose a date. Be punctual and respectful.

Proposing a Date: The initiator should wait for the other person to suggest the date.
Punctuality: Always arrive on time for your date.
Respectful Behavior: Be considerate and polite throughout the date.

Respect the rules at the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower observation decks. Avoid taking large bags or backpacks.

Observation Deck Rules: Follow the rules and instructions provided by staff.
No Large Bags/Backpacks: Leave large bags or backpacks in a storage area before entering observation decks.

Wait patiently for the bus. Offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers.

Patience: Wait calmly and patiently for the bus to arrive.
Offer Seat: Offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers when boarding a bus.

Ride in the bike lanes and follow traffic rules. Yield to pedestrians.

Bike Lanes: Always ride within designated bike lanes.
Traffic Rules: Obey traffic rules and signals when cycling.
Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians at crossings or intersections.