Local Customs & Etiquette in Guigang, China

1. Guigang Market Etiquette

Understanding the haggling culture and respecting the traditional market vendors in Guigang is essential for a smooth shopping experience.

Haggling Culture: Bargaining is common and expected, but be respectful and fair.
Respecting Vendors: Always show courtesy and appreciation to vendors for their products and service.
Local Customs: Follow local customs, such as removing shoes before entering some stores or shops.

Knowing how to behave in Guigang restaurants will ensure a pleasant dining experience.

Table Manners: Use chopsticks properly and don't stick them vertically in rice.
Ordering Food: It's common to order multiple dishes for the table, not just one per person.
Tipping Customs: Service charges are usually included in the bill, but tipping is appreciated if good service is received.

Knowing the right way to greet people in Guigang will help build relationships and show respect.

Formal Greetings: Use formal titles and address elders or strangers with respect.
Handshakes: Shaking hands is common among adults, but avoid doing so with the elderly or children.
Bowing: Bowing is a sign of respect, especially when meeting someone for the first time.

Visiting Gongcheng Temple requires following certain customs and etiquette to show respect and avoid offending the locals.

Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect during your visit.
Behavior in Temple: Speak quietly, avoid loud noises, and never point at the statues or images inside the temple.
Offerings: If you wish to make an offering, cash is acceptable but be mindful of the amount given.

Participating in Guigang's Dragon Boat Festival requires understanding the local customs and etiquette.

Race Participation: Ensure you are physically fit to participate in the dragon boat races as they can be strenuous.
Food Offerings: Prepare rice dumplings (Zongzi) with appropriate fillings for offering during the festival.
Respecting Tradition: Understand the historical significance of the Dragon Boat Festival and its customs to show respect.

Tea plays a significant role in Guigang culture, so it's important to know the local tea customs.

Preparing Tea: Learn how to prepare and serve tea using traditional methods.
Tea Etiquette: Accept tea offerings with both hands, and drink the tea slowly and carefully.
Tea Shop Manners: Respect the tea shop's rules and customs, such as silence during brewing time.

Attending a Guigang wedding requires understanding the unique local customs and etiquette.

Invitation Protocol: Accept or decline wedding invitations promptly, as it shows respect for both parties.
Wedding Gifts: Choose appropriate wedding gifts based on the couple's preferences and cultural norms.
During the Wedding Ceremony: Follow the lead of local guests during the ceremony to ensure a smooth experience.

Attending a Guigang funeral requires understanding the unique local customs and etiquette.

Mourning Duration: Understand the duration of mourning periods for different family members.
Gift Selection: Choose appropriate funeral gifts, such as white chrysanthemums or monetary offerings.
Behavior during the Funeral: Respect local customs by dressing appropriately and maintaining a quiet and solemn demeanor.

Visiting the Donglan Miao villages in Guigang requires understanding the local customs and etiquette of the Miao minority.

Respect for Traditions: Understand and respect the unique cultural traditions of the Miao people.
Dress Code: Avoid wearing clothes that expose too much skin, as it is considered disrespectful.
Community Interaction: Engage in meaningful conversations with the locals to learn more about their culture and customs.

Visiting the Guigang Drum Tower requires understanding the local customs and etiquette related to the tower.

Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect during your visit.
Behavior in Tower: Speak quietly, avoid loud noises, and don't touch the drums without permission.
Tower History: Learn about the historical significance of the Drum Tower to appreciate its cultural value.

Participating in Guigang's Lantern Festival requires understanding the local customs and etiquette.

Lantern Design: Design your lantern with care, as they are often judged during the festival.
Lantern Release: Release your lantern safely and responsibly to minimize harm to the environment.
Festival Activities: Participate in festival activities, such as dragon and lion dances, riddles, and food stalls.

Visiting Qingping Temple requires understanding the local customs and etiquette.

Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect during your visit.
Behaviour in Temple: Speak quietly, avoid loud noises, and never point at the statues or images inside the temple.
Offerings: If you wish to make an offering, cash is acceptable but be mindful of the amount given.

Visiting Banyue Temple requires understanding the local customs and etiquette.

Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect during your visit.
Behaviour in Temple: Speak quietly, avoid loud noises, and never point at the statues or images inside the temple.
Offerings: If you wish to make an offering, cash is acceptable but be mindful of the amount given.

Visiting Guanyin Temple requires understanding the local customs and etiquette.

Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect during your visit.
Behaviour in Temple: Speak quietly, avoid loud noises, and never point at the statues or images inside the temple.
Offerings: If you wish to make an offering, cash is acceptable but be mindful of the amount given.

Visiting Guigang's rice terraces requires understanding the local customs and etiquette.

Respect for Nature: Minimize your impact on the environment by leaving no trace.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions when interacting with the locals.
Photography Etiquette: Ask for permission before taking photos of people or private property.