Local Customs & Etiquette in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China

All Topics about Zhangjiakou All Cities in China

1. Courtesy Toward Elders

Respecting elders is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. Address them with honorific titles and offer them seats first.

Addressing Etiquette: Use formal language when addressing older people, even if they are friends.
Seating Priority: Offer the best seat or position to elders during gatherings or meals.
Gift Giving: Gifts should be modest and without sharp edges as a sign of respect for the recipient.

Toasting is a common practice in Zhangjiakou. Always reciprocate when someone toasts you, and clink glasses gently.

Reciprocation: Always return the toast, even if you don't drink alcohol.
Gentle Clinking: Clink glasses lightly to show respect and avoid breaking them.
Toasting Timing: Toast at appropriate times, such as during meals or special occasions.

Use chopsticks correctly and don't stick them vertically in rice. Eat slowly and wait for others to finish before refilling your plate.

Chopstick Usage: Hold chopsticks with both hands, never leave them stuck in a bowl, and don't use them as a tool.
Pace of Eating: Eat at a moderate pace and avoid making loud noises while eating.
Serving Others: Offer food from your plate to others, especially elders or seniors.

Bowing is a common form of greeting in Zhangjiakou. A slight bow is enough for most situations.

Depth of Bow: A slight bow is generally appropriate for everyday interactions.
Duration of Bow: Hold the bow for a brief moment before returning to your original position.
Bowing in Response: Respond to bows by others with an appropriate bow as well.

Gifts should be modest and without sharp edges as a sign of respect for the recipient.

Modesty: Avoid expensive or extravagant gifts to maintain a sense of modesty.
Gift Wrap: Always wrap your gift nicely before presenting it.
Avoid Taboo Gifts: Avoid gifts with four legs (tables), knives, and other items associated with death in Chinese culture.

Respect public spaces by keeping them clean and not littering. Be considerate of others' personal space.

Cleanliness: Keep public areas clean and dispose of waste properly.
Personal Space: Respect others' personal space, especially in crowded areas like public transportation.
Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours in residential areas by keeping noise to a minimum after certain hours.

A handshake is common among men and sometimes women. A slight bow or wave is also appropriate.

Handshake Gender Preference: Women may opt for a slight bow, wave, or handshake based on personal preference.
Greeting Frequency: Greet people when first meeting them and when parting ways.
Greeting Distance: Maintain a reasonable distance during greetings to show respect and avoid invading personal space.

Remove shoes before entering temples, pray quietly and reverently, and don't touch sacred objects.

Shoes Removal: Always remove your shoes before entering a temple.
Prayer Manner: Pray quietly and respectfully, avoiding loud noises or disruptions.
Sacred Objects: Do not touch sacred objects in temples out of respect for their significance.

Use chopsticks to eat and avoid sticking them vertically in rice. Wait for everyone to finish eating before serving yourself more food.

Chopstick Usage: Hold chopsticks with both hands, never leave them stuck in a bowl, and don't use them as a tool.
Serving Food: Wait for everyone to finish eating before serving yourself more food.
Food Sharing: It is customary to share dishes, especially during meals with multiple courses.

Offer refreshments and snacks when guests arrive. Be patient and polite when hosting guests.

Refreshments Offering: Offer drinks, tea, or snacks to your guests upon their arrival.
Politeness: Remain polite and attentive during interactions with guests.
Guest of Honor: Seat the guest of honor in the best available seat and pay special attention to their needs.

Dress conservatively for business meetings. Be punctual and show respect for your counterparts.

Dress Code: Conservative attire, such as a suit or dress, is appropriate for business meetings.
Punctuality: Arrive on time for business meetings to show respect and professionalism.
Gift Giving: A small gift may be appropriate when meeting a new business contact, but avoid extravagant gifts.

Give up your seat for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Keep personal belongings close to you.

Seat Offering: Offer your seat to those who need it more, such as the elderly or pregnant women.
Personal Belongings: Keep personal belongings close to you to avoid loss or theft on public transportation.
Space Awareness: Respect others' personal space during crowded rides on public transportation.

Tipping is not customary in Zhangjiakou as service charges are usually included in the bill.

No Tipping Expected: Service charges are typically already included in the final bill.
Rounding Up: In some cases, it's acceptable to round up the total amount if you feel the service was exceptional.
Appreciation Gifts: Giving small appreciation gifts during special occasions, like Chinese New Year, is more common than tipping.

Kneel down to greet children and avoid scolding them in public.

Kneeling Position: Kneel down when greeting children to show respect.
Public Scolding: Avoid scolding or reprimanding children in public as it may be considered disrespectful.
Gift Giving: Small gifts are often given to children during celebrations and special occasions.

Remove shoes before entering guest houses. Be considerate of noise levels, especially during quiet hours.

Shoes Removal: Always remove your shoes before entering a guest house.
Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours in guest houses by keeping noise to a minimum after certain hours.
Room Cleanliness: Keep your room clean and dispose of waste properly to show respect for the host.