Local Customs & Etiquette in Jiaozhou, China

1. Jiaozhou Bowing Etiquette

A deep bow is customary when greeting elders or authorities. The depth of the bow indicates respect.

Respect Indicator: The depth of the bow determines the level of respect shown.
Age Factor: Elders and authorities are traditionally shown more respect.
Social Context: Bowing etiquette is especially important in formal social settings.

The host usually offers the most comfortable seat to their guest. Accepting the offer shows appreciation.

Comfort Factor: The guest is offered the best available seat.
Appreciation Signal: Accepting the offered seat shows appreciation to the host.
Social Hierarchy: Seating arrangements often reflect social hierarchy.

Using chopsticks requires practice. Avoid pointing them vertically as it resembles an offensive gesture.

Practice Required: Chopstick use takes some time to master.
Offensive Gesture: Pointing chopsticks vertically is considered rude.
Food Sharing: Sharing food from the same plate is common and symbolizes harmony.

Gifts are often given in sets of four. Avoid gifts associated with funerals or mourning.

Set of Four: Gifts are traditionally given in sets of four.
Avoidance of Mourning Symbols: Avoid gifts associated with funerals or mourning.
Cultural Significance: Gift giving carries deep cultural significance in Jiaozhou.

Wait for the host to start eating and to indicate when it's okay for others to start.

Host Leadership: The host leads the dining experience.
Patience: Waiting for the host to start eating is a sign of patience and respect.
Meal Flow: Dining etiquette follows a specific flow, with certain courses served at particular times.

Handshakes are common among foreigners and younger generations. Elders may prefer the traditional bow.

Generational Differences: Younger generations often prefer handshakes, while elders might prefer bows.
Foreigner Consideration: Handshakes are common when greeting foreigners.
Respect Indicator: The depth of the bow indicates respect, with deeper bows showing greater respect.

Remove shoes before entering temples and avoid pointing at Buddha statues.

Respect for Religious Symbols: Avoid pointing at Buddha statues to show respect.
Shoe Removal: Remove shoes before entering temples as a sign of respect.
Silence and Reflection: Temples are places for silence, reflection, and prayer.

Give up your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Stand in a line when boarding buses.

Respect for Elders: Seats are given to the elderly and pregnant women.
Line Formation: Passengers stand in a line when boarding buses.
Shared Space: Public transport is a shared space, requiring consideration and patience.

Haggling over prices is common. Be polite and respectful during negotiations.

Politeness: Negotiations should be conducted politely.
Haggling Culture: It's common to haggle over prices in markets.
Respectful Negotiations: Being persistent but respectful is expected during negotiations.

Tipping is not customary in Jiaozhou. Rounding up the bill is sufficient.

Modest clothing is appreciated. Avoid revealing outfits and short shorts.

Ask permission before taking someone's photo. Respect privacy, especially in temples.

Permission Required: Ask for permission before taking someone's photo.
Respect Privacy: Respect privacy, especially in sensitive areas like temples.
Local Customs: Follow local customs and respect cultural sensitivities when taking photos.

Accepting an invitation is a sign of respect. If unable to attend, offer a polite decline.

Clink glasses lightly during toasts. Toasting shows respect and camaraderie.

Respect Signal: Lightly clinking glasses during toasts signifies respect.
Camaraderie: Toasting is a way to show camaraderie and shared goals.
Toast Timing: Toasts are usually made at the start of meals or important events.

Pour tea for others before filling your own cup. Offer a bow when receiving the tea.

Selflessness: Pouring tea for others before filling your own cup shows selflessness.
Respect Indicator: Offering a bow when receiving the tea indicates respect.
Sharing Experience: Tea ceremonies are shared experiences that foster connections.