Local Customs & Etiquette in Putian, Fujian, China

All Topics about Putian All Cities in China

1. Greeting Customs

Locals typically bow slightly with palms pressed together and say 'ni hao' (hello). Handshakes are also common but less formal.

Bowing vs. Handshake: Understand that both gestures are acceptable, but bowing is more traditional and respectful.
Time of Day: Greetings can vary based on the time of day, with 'zao' (good morning) before noon, 'wu' (good afternoon) between noon and 5 pm, and 'wanshang' (good evening) after 5 pm.
Intimacy Level: The level of formality depends on the acquaintance; family members and close friends might use first names.

Use chopsticks with both hands and keep them horizontal when not in use. It's also customary to pass dishes counter-clockwise around the table.

Chopstick Usage: Eating with chopsticks can take some practice, but it's the norm in Putian.
Table Manners: Refrain from sticking chopsticks vertically into rice as this is associated with funerals.
Tipping: Tipping isn't customary in Putian; service charges are often included in the bill.

Avoid gifts with four items as the word for 'four' (sì) sounds like 'death.' Evens are considered lucky.

Lucky and Unlucky Gifts: Know which gifts are appropriate to give based on the number of items and their meanings.
Gift Presentation: Wrap gifts nicely and use both hands when presenting them, showing respect for the recipient.
Timing: Avoid giving gifts during major Chinese holidays as they have specific gift-giving traditions.

Dress conservatively and modestly; shorts and sleeveless shirts are less common. Black and white clothing is often worn for funerals.

Color Codes: Understand the significance of different colors in Putian culture, as black and white are associated with mourning.
Dress Code for Temples: Temples require modest attire; some may provide robes to visitors.
Clothing as a Form of Respect: Dress appropriately when visiting temples or participating in local ceremonies.

Line up orderly and give up seats to the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Seating: Be aware of who should be given priority when seating on public transport.
Space Awareness: Respect personal space and avoid invading others' personal bubbles.
Ticket Purchase: Have the exact change ready when purchasing tickets to avoid delays.

Use indirect language to maintain harmony and avoid conflict. Avoid direct confrontation or criticism.

Indirect Language: Learn to use indirect language to express your thoughts without causing offense.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware that direct questions or criticism can be seen as rude or impolite.
Listening Skills: Take turns speaking and truly listen to others before responding.

During festivals like the Putian Dragon Boat Festival, wear traditional costumes and participate in activities with respect.

Traditional Costumes: Wear appropriate clothing to show respect for local traditions during festivals.
Cultural Activities: Participate in traditional activities, but do so with reverence and understanding of their cultural significance.
Food Taboos: Avoid food that's forbidden during specific festivals to respect local customs.

Remove shoes before entering temples and maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.

Footwear Removal: Follow the proper procedure for removing footwear before visiting a temple.
Respectful Behavior: Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while inside temples to show reverence.
Offerings: Know the appropriate offerings to bring to temples, such as incense sticks or fruits.

Build relationships and establish trust before discussing business matters. Dress formally for meetings.

Relationship Building: Spend time building a personal relationship with your counterparts before discussing business.
Formal Dress Code: Dress formally for meetings to show respect and professionalism.
Gift Giving in Business: Offer appropriate gifts, but avoid giving anything with four items as it's considered unlucky.

Remove shoes before entering and bring small gifts for the host family. Refrain from criticizing anything in their home.

Shoe Removal: Remove your shoes when visiting a local home to show respect.
Gift Giving: Bring small gifts for the host family as a gesture of appreciation.
Respect for Host's Home: Avoid criticizing anything in their home to maintain harmony and respect their personal space.

Bargain politely but don't be too aggressive. Be aware that some vendors might inflate prices for tourists.

Polite Bargaining: Negotiate prices in a polite and respectful manner.
Tourist Prices: Understand that some vendors might charge higher prices for tourists, so be prepared to negotiate.
Respectful Body Language: Maintain a respectful and patient demeanor during negotiations.

Ask permission before taking photographs of people, especially elders or monks. Respect privacy.

Permission: Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.
Privacy: Respect people's privacy and avoid taking photographs without their consent.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural sensitivities, such as not photographing religious or sacred sites without permission.

Respect public spaces and avoid littering. Be considerate of others' personal space.

Littering: Avoid littering to maintain cleanliness in public areas.
Personal Space: Respect others' personal space and give them room on public transport or in crowded places.
Crowd Management: Follow local crowd management rules during events or festivals to ensure safety and order.

Tipping isn't customary in Putian; service charges are often included in the bill.

No Tipping Culture: Understand that tipping isn't expected or customary in Putian.
Service Charges: Be aware that service charges are often included in the bill, so no need to leave extra cash as a tip.
Exceptions: Exceptional service may warrant leaving small change, but it's not expected.

Participate in local festivals like the Putian Dragon Boat Festival by learning about the tradition and showing respect for its origins.

Understanding the Tradition: Learn about the history, significance, and traditions associated with local festivals.
Respect for Origins: Show respect for the origins of local celebrations by participating in appropriate ways.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be sensitive to cultural differences and follow local customs during festivals.