Local Customs & Etiquette in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China

All Topics about Taizhou All Cities in China

1. Taizhou Market Etiquette

Knowing the correct bargaining etiquette can save you money and time. Bargain politely but firmly.

Politeness: Maintain a friendly demeanor during negotiations to build rapport with vendors.
Patience: Be patient as vendors may test your willingness to pay the final price.
Respect: Never raise your voice or lose temper, even if the vendor seems difficult.

Acknowledge others with a slight bow and a smile. Shaking hands is less common in some areas.

Bowing: A slight bow shows respect and politeness during greetings.
Smiling: A friendly smile can help break the ice and make a positive first impression.
Handshaking: Be aware that not everyone shakes hands. Some may prefer a bow or just a hand wave.

Use chopsticks properly to avoid spilling food and showing disrespect. Refuse food with both hands.

Chopstick Skills: Practice using chopsticks before your trip to improve efficiency and appearance.
Cleanliness: Keep your chopsticks clean by resting them on the chopstick rest when not in use.
Courtesy: Refuse food with both hands to show respect and gratitude towards your host.

Leave some rice on your plate at the end of the meal to indicate that you have had enough.

Cultural Significance: Leaving a bit of rice symbolizes respect for the host and their effort.
Efficiency: Finish your food as quickly as possible to show gratitude towards your host.
Patience: Wait for everyone at the table to finish eating before standing up or leaving the dining area.

Choose gifts that are not white (associated with mourning) or four-legged items (unlucky number).

Color Symbolism: Avoid white gifts, as they are associated with mourning in Chinese culture.
Luck and Unluckiness: Four-legged items are considered unlucky due to their resemblance to the word for 'death'.
Appropriateness: Gifts should be appropriate and thoughtful, such as fruit, tea, or small souvenirs.

Stand to the right on escalators to let others pass and give up your seat to the elderly or pregnant women.

Courtesy: Giving up your seat demonstrates respect towards those who need it more.
Efficiency: Standing to the right allows more people to pass and speeds up travel time.
Consideration: Be aware of your personal space and avoid invading others' private zones on public transport.

Remove your shoes before entering temples and be quiet to show respect for the spiritual atmosphere.

Respect: Removing your shoes shows respect for the temple and its deities.
Quietude: Being quiet helps maintain a peaceful and contemplative environment in the temple.
Modesty: Dress modestly when visiting temples to avoid causing disrespect or offense.

Sip your tea slowly and enjoy the atmosphere. Offer to refill others' cups but do not force it.

Relaxation: Taking your time and enjoying the experience shows appreciation for the tea house.
Consideration: Offer to refill others' cups, but do not force it as they may decline politely.
Politeness: Accept tea with both hands to show gratitude and respect towards your host.

Remove your shoes before entering a home and offer gifts like fruit or flowers.

Respect: Removing your shoes shows respect for the host's home and family.
Gift-Giving: Offering small gifts like fruit or flowers shows appreciation and thoughtfulness.
Modesty: Dress modestly when visiting homes to show respect for your host's values.

Carry tissue and hand sanitizer as some public toilets may not provide these items.

Hygiene: Tissue and hand sanitizer ensure personal cleanliness in public toilets.
Preparedness: Always carry tissue and hand sanitizer for unexpected needs when traveling.
Respect: Clean up after yourself to maintain a clean and pleasant environment for others.

Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially children. Respect private spaces and religious sites.

Respect: Asking for permission shows respect towards the subjects of your photographs.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect private spaces and religious sites to avoid causing offense or discomfort.
Etiquette: Follow general photography etiquette, such as not using flash in dark areas or disturbing events.

Be punctual for meetings and maintain a professional demeanor. Show genuine interest in your counterpart's ideas.

Punctuality: Arriving on time shows respect for your counterpart's schedule.
Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor demonstrates your commitment to the business relationship.
Listening Skills: Actively listening and showing interest in your counterpart's ideas helps build trust.

Tipping is not customary in Taizhou. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change as a token of appreciation is acceptable.

Tipping Culture: Tipping is not expected in Taizhou, unlike some Western cultures.
Appreciation: Rounding up the bill or leaving small change shows your appreciation for good service.
Consideration: Be aware that some businesses may have a policy against accepting tips.

Wait for your partner to make the first move and show genuine interest in getting to know them.

Patience: Waiting patiently allows your partner to feel comfortable making the first move.
Respect: Show genuine interest and respect for your partner's thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
Courtesy: Be polite and courteous in all interactions with potential partners.

Toast properly by making eye contact, raising your glass, and drinking a small sip. Refrain from getting drunk in public.

Respect: Making eye contact shows respect towards your fellow toasters.
Courtesy: Refrain from getting drunk in public as it may be seen as disrespectful or uncouth.
Moderation: Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation to avoid negative consequences later.