Local Customs & Etiquette in Gaozhou, China

1. Gaozhou Market Etiquette

Navigate the bustling marketplaces with ease by understanding local haggling customs and respecting merchant personal space.

Haggling Culture: Bargaining is expected and an integral part of shopping in Gaozhou markets.
Personal Space: Respect merchant's personal space to maintain a positive shopping experience.
Patience: Be patient during negotiations as the process can take time.

Experience temples peacefully by adhering to appropriate dress codes and conduct.

Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees to respect religious sensitivities.
Be Silent: Maintain silence in the temple area for a spiritual experience.
Remove Shoes: Take off shoes before entering the main hall of temples as a sign of respect.

Enjoy local cuisine while understanding table manners and ordering procedures.

Shared Dishes: Food is commonly served family-style, with dishes placed on a shared table.
Table Manners: Use chopsticks properly and don't stick chopsticks vertically in rice.
Ordering Food: Point at dishes instead of using a menu when ordering food.

Partake in traditional tea ceremonies and understand the protocols for serving and drinking.

Preparation: Tea preparation involves specific tools, teapots, and cups.
Ceremonial Process: The ceremony has specific steps, such as cleaning the teaware before use.
Pouring Tea: Tea is poured from a height to aerate it and ensure the best flavor.

Establish rapport with locals using appropriate greetings and gestures.

Handshake or Bow: A handshake is common among men, while women may bow slightly.
Greeting Phrase: A simple 'Ni Hao' (Hello) usually suffices when greeting someone.
Formalities: Address people by their title and surname, if known.

Toast responsibly during social gatherings to show respect and camaraderie.

Toasting Glassware: Use small glasses for toasting.
Toast Sentiment: Toasts often express wishes for health, happiness, or success.
Reciprocation: Always return a toast when one is offered to you.

Offer gifts thoughtfully and appropriately to show respect and appreciation.

Gift Choices: Choose gifts that are not white or brown (symbolizing mourning) or four-legged items (considered bad luck).
Gift Wrapping: Wrap gifts in colorful paper and avoid using black, which symbolizes mourning.
Giving Money: Give money in even amounts as odd numbers are considered unlucky.

Respect local funeral customs by understanding mourning etiquette and dress codes.

Mourning Period: Mourning period can last up to a year, with specific rules for each month.
Dress Code: Wear dark clothing during funeral ceremonies and avoid red or black.
Bowing and Condolences: Offer condolences by bowing slightly, expressing your sympathies, and burning incense.

Celebrate local holidays with understanding of customs, such as festival food, activities, and gifts.

Mid-Autumn Festival: Offer mooncakes to friends and family during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
New Year Celebrations: Clean houses thoroughly before the Lunar New Year for good luck.
Dragon Boat Festival: Eat Zongzi, traditional sticky rice dumplings, during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Navigate public transportation smoothly by understanding local practices and etiquette.

Seat Sharing: Offer or accept a seat when the train or bus is full.
Line Queuing: Form an orderly line while waiting for public transportation.
Personal Space: Respect personal space by keeping a suitable distance from others.

Use public bathrooms with confidence by understanding local customs and facilities.

Toilet Paper: Always carry your own toilet paper as public restrooms may not provide it.
Flushing: Flush the toilet after use, even if there's a sign indicating otherwise.
Washing Hands: Always wash your hands after using the bathroom.

Conduct business professionally by understanding local customs and communication styles.

Formalities: Address people with respect and use appropriate titles.
Gift Giving: Offer thoughtful gifts to show appreciation during business meetings.
Punctuality: Arrive punctually for appointments as punctuality is highly valued in business settings.

Visit local homes with grace by understanding proper etiquette and practices.

Enjoy street food safely by understanding local hygiene practices.

Hygiene: Choose vendors with clean stalls and utensils.
Food Allergies: Communicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions to vendors.
Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating.

Capture memories respectfully by understanding local photography etiquette and consent requirements.

Consent: Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially children.
Religious Sites: Respect religious sites by not photographing sensitive areas or during prayer times.
Privacy: Respect locals' privacy by not taking photos of their homes without permission.