Local Customs & Etiquette in Hai’an, Jiangsu, China

All Topics about Hai’an All Cities in China

1. Hai'an Market Etiquette

Navigating Hai'an markets requires patience and understanding of local bartering customs. Prices are often negotiable.

Bartering Culture: Prices in markets are typically higher for tourists, allowing room for negotiation.
Local Patience: Vendors may take time to finalize sales and negotiations, so be patient.
Respectful Negotiations: Negotiate prices respectfully without showing too much enthusiasm for a bargain.

Visiting temples in Hai'an requires appropriate attire and quiet reverence. Remove shoes before entering.

Appropriate Attire: Dress modestly to show respect when visiting temples.
Shoe Removal: Remove shoes before entering the temple as a sign of respect.
Quiet Reverence: Speak quietly and avoid loud noises while inside the temple.

When riding boats in Hai'an, passengers are expected to sit quietly and avoid causing a disturbance.

Quiet Behavior: Avoid loud noises or disruptive behavior while on boats.
Respectful Seating: Seat yourself quietly once you board the boat without causing a disturbance.
Preserving Wildlife: Do not feed or harass wildlife encountered during boat rides to preserve their natural behavior.

Street food vendors in Hai'an may not always have cutlery available. Use chopsticks if provided or eat with your hands.

Chopstick Usage: Use chopsticks when they are provided, or eat with your hands if necessary.
Street Food Safety: Avoid street food that looks unclean or appears to be stored improperly.
Local Etiquette: Follow local customs by queuing patiently and not taking more than your share of food.

In tea houses, it is customary to pour tea for others before pouring for yourself.

Pouring Tea: Always pour tea for others before filling your own cup.
Proper Sipping: Take small sips of tea and avoid slurping loudly.
Respectful Conversation: Engage in polite conversation but avoid discussing sensitive topics.

In Hai'an restaurants, it is customary to wait for everyone at the table to be served before eating.

Waiting for Others: Wait for all diners to receive their food before starting to eat.
Chopstick Technique: Use chopsticks correctly by holding them in the dominant hand and using the thumb and index finger to pick up food.
Complimentary Dishes: Expect complimentary dishes such as rice or soup to be served with your meal.

When giving gifts in Hai'an, avoid gifts associated with funerals or mourning.

Avoiding Mourning Gifts: Do not give gifts related to funerals or mourning as they may be considered inappropriate.
Gift Wrapping: Wrap gifts neatly and consider using red or gold paper, as these colors are auspicious.
Appropriate Gifts: Give gifts that show appreciation for the host's hospitality, such as tea or small souvenirs from your home country.

When visiting a Hai'an resident's home, remove shoes upon entering and wait to be offered a seat.

Shoe Removal: Remove your shoes before entering someone's home as a sign of respect.
Waiting for a Seat: Wait to be offered a seat before sitting down, and avoid moving furniture without permission.
Gift Giving: Bring small gifts like fresh fruit, sweets, or tea as a token of appreciation.

Public bathrooms in Hai'an may not always have soap or toilet paper. Carry your own for convenience.

Carrying Soap and Toilet Paper: Always carry soap and toilet paper when traveling in Hai'an.
Cleanliness: Maintain personal cleanliness when using public bathrooms.
Flushing Toilets: Always flush toilets after use, and be considerate of water conservation.

In Hai'an, it is customary to bow slightly when greeting someone. Handshakes are also common.

Bowing: Bow slightly when meeting someone for the first time.
Handshakes: Handshakes are also common, but always wait for the other person to extend their hand.
Respectful Greetings: Address the other person using titles such as Mr., Ms., or Professor if appropriate.

When traveling in Hai'an by public transportation, offer your seat to elderly or pregnant passengers.

Offering Seats: Offer your seat to elderly or pregnant passengers when available.
Personal Space: Respect personal space and avoid crowding others in public transportation.
Quiet Conversation: Keep conversations quiet to minimize disturbance for other passengers.

During festivals in Hai'an, it is customary to wear traditional clothing and join in the celebrations.

Traditional Clothing: Wear traditional clothing during local festivals as a sign of respect.
Participation: Join in the festivities and celebrate with the locals.
Respect for Traditions: Be respectful of local traditions during festival celebrations.

When taking photos in Hai'an, always ask permission before photographing people.

Asking Permission: Always ask permission before taking someone's photo.
Respectful Photography: Be considerate and avoid taking photos in sensitive or private areas.
Sharing Photos: Offer to share photos with locals you've taken of them, if they agree.

Tipping is not customary in Hai'an, as service charges are usually included in the bill.

No Tipping Required: Tipping is not expected or required in Hai'an.
Service Charges Included: Service charges are usually included in the bill at restaurants and hotels.
Appreciation Gifts: If you wish to show appreciation, consider small gifts like tea or souvenirs instead of cash tips.

When dining at a Hai'an restaurant, it is customary to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.

Waiting for Others: Wait for all diners to receive their food before starting to eat.
Proper Table Behavior: Avoid placing your chopsticks vertically in your rice bowl, as this resembles incense sticks at a funeral.
Respectful Conversation: Engage in polite conversation but avoid discussing sensitive topics.