Local Customs & Etiquette in Wenzhou, China

1. Oolong Tea Customs

Learn the proper way to brew and serve Wenzhou's famous oolong tea in social settings.

Teapot Etiquette: Understand when to use a small or large teapot, and how to pour tea properly.
Teacup Hygiene: Know the importance of washing and rinsing teacups before and after using them.
Refilling Tea: Learn how to refill guests' cups without appearing too eager or too rude.

Navigate Wenzhou markets with grace and respect by understanding local shopping customs.

Bargaining Basics: Know the appropriate way to negotiate prices, and when it's considered impolite to do so.
Local Currency: Understand the difference between Chinese yuan and other forms of currency used in Wenzhou markets.
Market Etiquette: Learn about touching and trying items without offending vendors or disrupting the market flow.

Enjoy a seafood feast with confidence by understanding local dining customs.

Eating With Sticks: Learn how to use bamboo sticks to pick up food, and when it's appropriate to do so.
Food Sharing: Understand the importance of sharing dishes among diners, and how to offer and accept food politely.
Chopstick Techniques: Master the art of eating with chopsticks, including proper holding, picking up, and placing down techniques.

Build connections with locals by learning the traditional Wenzhou greeting gestures.

Three Handshake: Understand the significance of the three-handshake greeting, and how it differs from a regular handshake.
Bowing Etiquette: Learn when to bow and at what angle for different social situations.
Gestures Meaning: Recognize common gestures used in Wenzhou, such as the 'washing hands' gesture for good wishes.

Respect local traditions during funeral ceremonies by understanding the unique customs of Wenzhou.

Mourning Attire: Understand what to wear and when, as well as the significance of white clothing.
Offering Rituals: Learn about the types of offerings made during funerals and their symbolic meanings.
Mourning Period: Understand the length of the mourning period, and how to show respect during this time.

Participate in local festivals with understanding and appreciation by learning the unique customs associated with each.

Cultural Significance: Learn about the history, symbolism, and meaning behind each festival.
Local Dress Code: Understand what traditional clothing to wear for each festival, and when it's appropriate to do so.
Festival Activities: Learn about popular activities during the festivals, such as dragon dances or lantern festivals.

Pay respects to local deities by understanding the customs associated with temple visits.

Offerings and Donations: Learn about appropriate offerings, such as food, incense, or money, and when it's appropriate to make them.
Prayer Techniques: Understand the proper way to pray, including body positioning and speech.
Temple Etiquette: Learn about appropriate behavior within temples, such as dress code and speaking volumes.

Sample local street food with confidence by understanding the unique customs associated with eating on-the-go.

Eating Standards: Learn about food safety standards and common hygiene practices in Wenzhou street food stalls.
Food Sharing: Understand the customs around sharing food, such as offering bites to friends or strangers.
Portion Sizes: Learn about typical portion sizes and what to do if you receive a larger serving than expected.

Celebrate love with local customs by understanding the unique wedding traditions in Wenzhou.

Pre-wedding Customs: Learn about the customs and rituals that take place before the wedding ceremony.
Wedding Attire: Understand what traditional clothing to wear for each part of the wedding, and when it's appropriate to do so.
Post-wedding Customs: Learn about the customs and rituals that take place after the wedding ceremony, such as the tea ceremony.

Conduct business successfully by understanding the unique customs associated with Wenzhou's business culture.

Greeting and Introductions: Learn about appropriate greetings and introductions, as well as the importance of titles.
Gift Giving: Understand when it's appropriate to give gifts, as well as what types of gifts are considered acceptable.
Negotiation Style: Learn about the unique negotiation style in Wenzhou, which often involves a more direct and assertive approach.

Enjoy meals with grace and ease by understanding the unique dining customs in Wenzhou.

Table Manners: Learn about table manners, such as using chopsticks properly and passing dishes.
Serving Order: Understand the serving order of dishes, and when it's appropriate to start eating.
Finishing a Meal: Learn about the customs around finishing a meal, such as leaving a few bites of food on your plate.

Make a good impression as a house guest by understanding the unique customs associated with hospitality in Wenzhou.

Gift Giving: Understand when it's appropriate to bring gifts, and what types of gifts are considered acceptable.
Table Manners: Learn about table manners expected during meals, such as using chopsticks properly.
Sleeping Arrangements: Understand sleeping arrangements and customs, such as where to sleep and how to respond if offered a bed.

Navigate public transportation smoothly by understanding the unique customs associated with travel in Wenzhou.

Seating Arrangements: Understand seating arrangements, such as giving up seats for the elderly or pregnant women.
Personal Space: Respect personal space and learn about touching and gesturing appropriately on public transportation.
Line Formation: Understand the customs around line formation, such as queuing up for boarding a bus or train.

Travel safely and comfortably by understanding the unique customs associated with taking taxis in Wenzhou.

Payment Methods: Learn about acceptable payment methods, such as cash or mobile payments.
Seat Selection: Understand the customs around seat selection, and when it's appropriate to sit in the front seat.
Speaking with the Driver: Learn about acceptable topics of conversation with drivers, and when it's appropriate to do so.

Explore Wenzhou by bike with confidence by understanding the unique customs associated with cycling.

Road Sharing: Understand road sharing etiquette, such as giving way to pedestrians and other cyclists.
Bike Rental: Learn about bike rental procedures and safety requirements for renting a bike in Wenzhou.
Bike Maintenance: Understand basic bike maintenance, such as fixing a flat tire or adjusting the chain.