Local Customs & Etiquette in Haikou, China
1. Respecting Ancestors' Altar
Visit and burn incense at ancestral altars in homes. It shows respect to one's ancestors and the local culture.
- Cultural Responsiveness: Understand the importance of ancestor veneration in Hainanese culture
- Tactfulness: Avoid touching or moving items on the altar without permission
- Sensitivity: Be aware that these are private spaces and act accordingly
2. Using Chopsticks Correctly
Use chopsticks properly during meals. It is a common practice in Haikou and demonstrates respect for local customs.
- Food Etiquette: Learn the correct way to hold and use chopsticks
- Patience: Practice taking small bites and be patient when learning
- Cultural Awareness: Respect local customs by using chopsticks instead of a fork or spoon
3. Greeting with Two Hands
Offer a firm handshake with two hands when meeting people. It signifies respect and friendship.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understand that two-handed greetings are customary in Hainan
- Respectful Gesture: Avoid offering just one hand for a handshake
- Warmth: Greet people warmly, showing friendliness and openness
4. Removing Shoes at Homes
Remove shoes before entering private homes or certain public places. It's a cleanliness practice rooted in local customs.
- Cleanliness: Help maintain the cleanliness of homes and public spaces
- Cultural Awareness: Recognize that this is a common practice in Haikou
- Respect: Show respect for the local culture and customs
5. Gifting Etiquette
Give gifts that are not black or white in color, or knives. Gifts should be wrapped neatly and even-numbered in number.
- Color Preferences: Avoid giving gifts that are black, white, or knives
- Odd-Even Numbers: Give an even number of gifts as odd numbers are associated with funerals.
- Gift Wrapping: Wrap gifts neatly and avoid using black or white wrapping paper
6. Bowing as a Greeting
Perform a bow when meeting someone of higher status or older age. It shows respect and humility.
- Respectful Gesture: Bow slightly at the waist, avoiding deep bows to avoid causing discomfort
- Age and Status: Bow more deeply to those of higher status or older age
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understand that bowing is a common greeting in Haikou
7. Offering Tea to Guests
Offer tea to guests as it's a sign of hospitality and politeness.
- Hospitality: Show your appreciation for guests by offering them tea
- Politeness: Offer refreshments such as tea, coffee, or water to guests
- Respect: Understand that offering tea is a common courtesy in Haikou
8. Dining Etiquette
Eat politely and avoid making loud noises. In some restaurants, it's customary to clap hands instead of snapping fingers for service.
- Cultural Awareness: Understand that dining etiquette varies across Haikou
- Respectfulness: Eat quietly and avoid making loud noises during meals
- Service Signals: Clap hands instead of snapping fingers to get attention in some restaurants
9. Dress Code at Temples
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples. It's a sign of respect for religious customs.
- Religious Respect: Dress modestly to show respect for temple customs
- Coverage: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the importance of modesty in religious settings
10. Public Behavior
Be mindful of public behavior. Public displays of affection and loud conversations are generally avoided.
- Respectful Public Space: Avoid engaging in activities that may cause discomfort or offense
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the local customs and norms of public behavior
- Modesty: Maintain a modest demeanor in public spaces
11. Photography Etiquette
Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially elders or children. Some places may prohibit photography.
- Respectful Photographer: Ask for permission before taking photos
- Local Customs: Understand local customs regarding photography
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect people's privacy by not taking photos without permission
12. Street Food Etiquette
Avoid using utensils when eating street food. Use provided gloves or chopsticks and eat slowly.
- Food Safety: Use provided utensils to maintain food safety
- Cultural Customs: Understand that using chopsticks or gloves is common for street food
- Patience: Eat slowly and enjoy the local cuisine
13. Bus Etiquette
Give up your seat to elderly passengers or those in need. Avoid eating or drinking on buses.
- Respectful Traveler: Give up seats for the elderly and those in need
- Cleanliness: Avoid eating or drinking on buses to maintain cleanliness
- Cultural Customs: Understand the importance of respecting others on public transportation
14. Market Bargaining
Negotiate prices when shopping in markets. It's a common practice to bargain for better deals.
- Price Negotiation: Understand that it's common to negotiate prices in markets
- Patience: Be patient during the negotiation process
- Fair Deals: Negotiate fairly to reach a deal that's satisfactory for both parties
15. Tipping Etiquette
Tips are not expected in most establishments. However, rounding up the bill is appreciated by service staff.
- Optional Tipping: Tips are optional and not expected in most establishments
- Cultural Customs: Understand that tipping is not a common practice in Haikou
- Appreciation: Round up the bill to show your appreciation for good service