Local Customs & Etiquette in Chaohucun, China

All Topics about Chaohucun All Cities in China

1. Chaohucun Greetings

Exchange of polite phrases during initial meetings; bowing and handshakes are less common.

Politeness Factor: Use 'Ni Hao' (Hello) instead of 'Hey' or 'Hi', show respect with a slight bow.
Formality Factor: Avoid overly familiar or casual language during initial meetings.
Reciprocity Factor: Respond with 'Bu Yao' (No need) when offered help, to show gratitude and reciprocate politeness.

Eating with chopsticks; sharing dishes and using communal serving utensils.

Chopstick Etiquette Factor: Hold chopsticks near the tip, avoid waving or pointing them.
Serving Utensils Factor: Use the provided serving utensils to serve yourself from a shared dish.
Table Manners Factor: Keep personal belongings off the dining table, wait for others to start eating before you do.

Offer gifts in pairs or odd numbers; avoid white, blue, or green gift wrap.

Odd Number Factor: Gifts come in sets of odd numbers (e.g., 3 or 5), but not pairs.
Color Taboos Factor: Avoid wrapping gifts in white, blue, or green as they are associated with death and mourning.
Timing Factor: Give gifts during important occasions like birthdays, weddings, or the Chinese New Year.

Eating meals at low tables; using chopsticks to eat most dishes.

Table Height Factor: Sit on floor cushions or stools, and dine from a table that's lower than typical western tables.
Chopstick Use Factor: Use chopsticks to eat all dishes except for soups, which are eaten with a spoon.
Dining Pace Factor: Eat at a slower pace; savor each bite and enjoy the company of others during meals.

Offering tea or snacks to guests; refusing hospitality can be considered rude.

Tea Offerings Factor: Tea is a traditional and common way to show hospitality in Chaohucun.
Snack Offerings Factor: Offering snacks like fruits or cookies alongside the tea.
Refusal of Hospitality Factor: If offered hospitality, accept graciously; refusing may offend your host.

Use honorific titles and polite language when addressing elders or in formal situations.

Honorific Titles Factor: Address elders with respectful titles such as 'Laoshi' (Teacher) or 'Shifu' (Master).
Polite Language Factor: Use polite language, avoid swearing and colloquialisms when speaking to elders.
Formality Factor: Be formal with speech until you are invited to be more casual by the elder or senior.

Use red and gold paper for gift wrap; avoid using black or white.

Color Factor: Red and gold are auspicious colors in Chaohucun, symbolizing good fortune.
Gift Wrapping Style Factor: Chinese gift-wrapping style is distinctive with its use of intricate patterns.
Wrapping Material Factor: Use silk, paper or traditional Chinese wrapping paper for gifts.

Tips are not expected in Chaohucun, as service charges are already included.

Service Charges Factor: All service charges are already included in the bill.
Rounding Up Factor: If you feel compelled to tip, round up the amount to the nearest whole number.
Gratuity Cards Factor: No need to leave a gratuity card or note; just pay the bill and depart.

Bowing is used as a form of greeting, apology, or respect; depth depends on the situation.

Greeting Factor: A slight bow during initial meetings or when entering someone's home.
Apology Factor: Bow deeper to express sincere apologies, especially in formal situations.
Respectful Bowing Factor: Bowing deeply before important figures, like teachers or elders.

Conservative dress is expected; avoid revealing clothing and short skirts.

Coverage Factor: Long pants or skirts and blouses with sleeves are appropriate.
Modesty Factor: Avoid clothing that may be considered revealing, especially in conservative areas.
Dress for the Occasion Factor: Dress appropriately for the occasion; formal events might require more traditional attire.

Toasting with tea or liquor is common during celebrations and important gatherings.

Tea Toasts Factor: Offer a toast by pouring tea for others and clinking cups.
Liquor Toasts Factor: Toast with traditional Chinese alcohol like baijiu (white liquor) or beer.
Toasting Etiquette Factor: Toast to the host's health, to happiness, and to good relations.

Mourners wear white or black clothing; avoid speaking loudly or laughing.

Clothing Color Factor: Wear white or black to show respect for the deceased.
Noise Level Factor: Speak quietly, avoid laughing, and maintain a solemn atmosphere during funerals.
Offering Condolences Factor: Offer condolences by saying 'Jin Ji' (deep sorrow) or 'Duo Li' (sympathy).

Build relationships before getting down to business; punctuality is important.

Relationship Building Factor: Invest time in building a personal relationship before discussing business.
Punctuality Factor: Arrive on time for meetings and appointments, as punctuality is highly respected.
Gift-giving Factor: Offer gifts during business meetings to show appreciation or goodwill.

Take off shoes upon entering a home; offer help with household chores.

Shoe Removal Factor: Remove your shoes and place them in the designated area before entering the house.
Household Help Factor: Offer to help with household chores if asked, or ask how you can assist.
Mealtime Behavior Factor: Eat modestly and wait for the host to start eating before you do.

Ask permission before taking photographs of people; avoid photographing sensitive areas.

Permission Factor: Always ask for permission before taking someone's photo.
Respectful Photography Factor: Respect local customs and traditions when photographing people or sacred sites.
Avoid Sensitive Areas Factor: Do not take photos of military installations, government buildings, or other sensitive areas.