Local Customs & Etiquette in Neijiang, China

1. Neijiang Greeting Custom

Bowing and shaking hands is common when greeting someone. It's essential to bow slightly and shake hands firmly.

Respectful Gesture: Shows respect towards the person you are meeting.
Importance of First Impressions: First impressions matter a lot in Neijiang, so maintaining a polite and professional demeanor is crucial.
Reciprocity: The other person will usually mirror your greeting.

Use chopsticks to eat and keep them horizontal on the table between bites. Refrain from sticking chopsticks vertically in rice.

Chopstick Etiquette: Using chopsticks correctly shows respect for local customs.
Avoiding Offensive Gestures: Keeping chopsticks horizontal and not sticking them vertically in rice helps avoid any unintentional offense.
Table Etiquette: Following table manners shows that you are considerate of your dining companions.

Bring small gifts for hosts, such as fruit or sweets. Avoid giving anything with four legs or sharp points as they are associated with death.

Appropriate Gift Selection: Choosing an appropriate gift shows thoughtfulness and respect.
Avoiding Inauspicious Items: Knowing which items to avoid helps prevent any unintentional offense.
Gift-giving Context: Understanding the context of when and why gift-giving is expected helps ensure your gestures are well received.

Elders should eat first, and food should be passed to them rather than taking it yourself.

Respect for Elders: Showing respect for elders reflects well on you.
Food Sharing: Sharing food helps maintain harmony in the group.
Table Hierarchy: Understanding and following the table hierarchy ensures a smooth dining experience.

Dress conservatively, avoiding bright colors or flashy clothes. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for both men and women.

Cultural Sensitivity: Dressing conservatively shows respect for local customs.
Climate Adaptation: Long pants and long-sleeved shirts help protect against the climate.
Avoiding Offensive Clothing: Knowing what to wear helps prevent any unintentional offense.

Respect public spaces by not littering and keeping a low voice in crowded areas.

Cleanliness: Maintaining cleanliness helps preserve the beauty of Neijiang.
Quietness: Speaking quietly shows consideration for others around you.
Respect for Public Spaces: Treating public spaces with respect ensures a pleasant experience for everyone.

Remove shoes before entering temples and bow as a sign of respect.

Respect for Religion: Showing respect for religious practices helps foster goodwill.
Temple Rules: Following temple rules helps ensure a peaceful and spiritual experience.
Cleanliness in Temples: Removing shoes helps maintain cleanliness within the temples.

Give up your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Respect for Elders: Showing respect for elders reflects well on you.
Consideration for Others: Giving up your seat helps ensure a comfortable ride for others.
Understanding Bus Hierarchy: Understanding the bus hierarchy ensures a smoother travel experience.

Bargain politely but don't be too aggressive. Avoid touching merchandise without asking.

Polite Bargaining: Being polite during bargaining helps build rapport with vendors.
Respect for Merchandise: Avoiding unnecessary touching shows respect for the vendor's merchandise.
Market Culture: Understanding market culture helps you enjoy the experience more fully.

Toast the host before drinking. The host usually starts by pouring drinks for everyone.

Gratitude to Host: Toasting the host shows gratitude and respect.
Maintaining a Smooth Social Flow: Following toast etiquette helps ensure a smooth social flow during gatherings.
Harmony among Companions: Toasting helps maintain harmony and camaraderie in the group.

Accept tea politely when offered, wait for everyone to be served before starting to drink.

Respect for Host: Accepting tea politely shows respect for the host.
Maintaining Order: Waiting for everyone to be served ensures a smooth experience for all participants.
Enjoying the Experience: Following tea ceremony customs helps you appreciate the experience more fully.

Wear black or dark-colored clothing when attending a funeral. Avoid laughing and talking loudly.

Respect for the Deceased: Dressing conservatively shows respect for the deceased.
Mourning Etiquette: Silence and solemnity help create a peaceful atmosphere during mourning.
Understanding Cultural Differences: Knowing local funeral etiquette helps you avoid any unintentional offense.

Give red envelopes (hongbao) containing money to the bride and groom. Avoid showing excessive emotion during the wedding ceremony.

Wedding Gift Giving: Giving hongbao helps support the newlyweds financially.
Maintaining Ceremony Solemnity: Controlling emotions during the wedding ceremony helps maintain its solemnity.
Understanding Cultural Differences: Knowing local wedding customs helps you participate appropriately in the celebrations.

Invitations are usually accepted, and guests should bring small gifts. Hosts should offer food and drink generously.

Appropriate Gift Selection: Choosing an appropriate gift shows thoughtfulness and respect.
Generosity of Hosts: Offering food and drink generously helps ensure a pleasant experience for guests.
Reciprocity: Hosting returns the favor at another time, creating lasting relationships.

Business cards should be exchanged with both hands. Show patience and listen attentively during discussions.

Respect for Business Card Exchange: Exchanging business cards respectfully helps build professional relationships.
Patience and Attentiveness: Showing patience and attentiveness during discussions helps maintain a positive image.
Understanding Local Business Culture: Knowing local business etiquette helps facilitate successful negotiations and partnerships.