Local Customs & Etiquette in Changzhou, China
1. Temple Etiquette
Respect temple etiquette by removing shoes, bowing, and following temple rules. This ensures a peaceful visit for all.
- Shoe Removal: Removing shoes is required before entering temples.
- Bowing: A bow shows respect to the deities and temple culture.
- Following Temple Rules: Different temples may have unique rules, so it's important to follow them.
2. Dining Etiquette
Use chopsticks correctly and show appreciation for your meal by saying 'Xièxiè' (thank you). Be mindful of table manners to enjoy a pleasant dining experience.
- Chopstick Usage: Hold chopsticks with both hands, never leave them stuck vertically in a bowl.
- Table Manners: Eating and drinking at the same time is considered rude. Don't slurp soup loudly or burp.
- Showing Appreciation: Show gratitude for your meal by saying 'Xièxiè' after each dish.
3. Gift Giving
Avoid giving gifts with four or eight (unlucky numbers) and always use both hands for presenting a gift. It's also important to note that some gifts may be inappropriate.
- Avoiding Unlucky Numbers: Gifts with four or eight should be avoided.
- Using Both Hands: Always use both hands to give a gift as it shows respect.
- Avoiding Inappropriate Gifts: Be mindful of the context and relationship when choosing gifts.
4. Greeting Customs
Use the proper greeting and bow slightly to show respect. Handshakes are also acceptable in business settings.
- Proper Greeting: Say 'Ni Hao' (Hello) or 'Shuijiào' (Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening), and bow slightly.
- Business Handshakes: Handshakes are common in business settings but should be firm, not overly strong or weak.
- Respectful Body Language: Maintain eye contact during the greeting and keep a respectful distance.
5. Public Transport Etiquette
Stand on the right side of escalators for quick movement or step aside when others need to pass. Avoid loud conversations and ensure personal space.
- Staying Right: On escalators, stand on the right side for faster movement.
- Letting Passengers Pass: Step aside when others need to pass to allow smooth flow of traffic.
- Mindful Behavior: Keep conversations quiet and maintain personal space.
6. Tipping Customs
Tips are not expected in restaurants or taxis as service charges are usually included. However, rounding up the bill in a restaurant is appreciated.
- No Tips Expected: Service charge is usually included in bills.
- Rounding Up the Bill: Rounding up the bill to a nearest RMB shows appreciation.
- No Tips for Taxis: Taxi drivers don't expect tips, as fares are meter-determined.
7. Business Meeting Etiquette
Dress professionally, arrive early, and prepare a written agenda. Be patient, as decisions may take time.
- Professional Dress Code: Business attire is appropriate for meetings.
- Arriving Early: Arriving early shows respect and punctuality is valued.
- Prepared Agenda: A written agenda ensures a productive meeting.
8. Local Festivals and Events
Respect local traditions during festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival. Understand the significance of each event before participating.
- Dragon Boat Festival: Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are eaten during this festival.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Family reunions and mooncakes are central to this festival.
- Respecting Cultural Significance: Each festival has unique customs, so it's important to learn about them before participating.
9. Elder Respect
Show respect to elders by addressing them formally and offering assistance. Avoid pointing directly at them with your finger.
- Addressing Elders Formally: Use honorific titles when addressing elders.
- Offering Assistance: Offer assistance to elders as a sign of respect.
- Avoiding Direct Pointing: Use open-handed gestures when indicating directions instead of pointing directly at elders.
10. Shopping Etiquette
Bargain politely in markets and avoid touching items excessively. Be patient during the process.
- Polite Bargaining: Negotiate prices without being aggressive or impolite.
- Avoiding Excessive Touching: Touching items excessively can be perceived as disrespectful.
- Patience: Be patient during the bargaining process.
11. Tourist Scams
Avoid scams by learning about common scams and staying vigilant. Be wary of overly friendly locals offering help.
- Awareness of Common Scams: Learn about common tourist scams to avoid falling victim.
- Vigilance: Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
- Wary of Overly Friendly Locals: Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering help, as they may be trying to scam you.
12. Photography Etiquette
Ask for permission before taking photos of people and respect sacred or private areas. Use discretion when photographing sensitive subjects.
- Asking Permission: Ask for permission before taking someone's photo.
- Respecting Private Areas: Respect privacy by not photographing people in their homes or sensitive areas.
- Discretion: Use discretion when photographing sensitive subjects to avoid offending locals.
13. Visiting Homes
Remove shoes before entering a home and offer small gifts. Show respect by listening attentively and following the host's lead.
- Removing Shoes: Shoe removal is common practice in homes.
- Offering Gifts: Small gifts such as fruits or flowers are appreciated when visiting a home.
- Following the Host's Lead: Follow your host's lead in terms of etiquette and behavior.
14. Public Bathroom Etiquette
Use public bathrooms only when necessary, bring your own toilet paper, and wash your hands afterwards.
- Using Public Bathrooms Only When Necessary: Limit use of public bathrooms as they may not be as clean as expected.
- Bringing Toilet Paper: Toilet paper is not always provided in public bathrooms, so it's best to carry your own.
- Washing Hands: Always wash hands after using the restroom for hygiene purposes.
15. Cycling Etiquette
Ride on the right side of the road, signal your turns, and keep a safe distance from others.
- Riding on the Right Side: Cycle on the right side of the road for safety.
- Signaling Turns: Signal your turns with proper hand signals to inform others.
- Keeping a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from other cyclists and pedestrians for safety.