Local Customs & Etiquette in Hohhot, China

1. Hohhot Greeting Custom

Exchanging handshakes and slight bow is common. However, when meeting someone of older age or high social status, a deeper bow is expected.

Age Factor: Depth of the bow depends on the age and status of the person being greeted.
Formality Factor: The formality of greeting varies based on the context and relationship between individuals.

Use chopsticks with both hands, and don't stick chopsticks vertically in rice. It resembles incense sticks for the dead.

Chopstick Usage Factor: Holding chopsticks with both hands is a sign of politeness and respect.
Table Manners Factor: Do not point at food or people with chopsticks, it's considered rude.

In a restaurant, the youngest person begins eating after everyone is served. The host usually pays for the meal.

When giving gifts, use both hands and avoid gifts related to funerals or death.

Gesture Factor: Using both hands when presenting a gift is respectful.
Content Factor: Avoid gifts related to funerals or death as they might offend the recipient.

Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering temples. Avoid touching Buddha statues with your back.

Attire Factor: Modest attire is required when visiting temples.
Respect Factor: Do not touch Buddha statues with your back, as it's considered disrespectful.

Give up your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Stand on the right side of escalators.

Priority Seating Factor: Offer your seat to the elderly and pregnant women.
Escalator Usage Factor: Stand on the right side of escalators, allowing others to pass on the left.

Punctuality is essential. Business cards are exchanged after introductions.

Time Factor: Arrive on time for meetings.
Formality Factor: Exchanging business cards is a significant part of the introduction process.

Expect to bargain, but be reasonable. Showing interest in an item first can sometimes lower the price.

Reasonable Factor: Be fair when bargaining, and don't start with a too-low offer.
Tact Factor: Showing initial interest in an item can sometimes help get a better price.

Share dishes and drink from the same pot. Respect local dietary restrictions such as not eating pork near mosques.

Community Factor: Sharing food is a symbol of unity and friendship.
Respect Factor: Be aware of local dietary restrictions, especially near mosques.

Guests are treated with great hospitality. Offerings such as drinks and snacks are common.

Gratitude Factor: Showing gratitude for hospitality is appreciated.
Generosity Factor: Be prepared to reciprocate the generosity with an offer of your own.

Speak calmly and avoid raising your voice. Pause before responding.

Gifts are wrapped beautifully. Use red envelopes for monetary gifts during Chinese New Year.

Presentation Factor: Take care in wrapping gifts, as presentation is important.
Cultural Significance Factor: Red envelopes are used for monetary gifts during Chinese New Year.

Tipping is not customary in most places. Round up the bill or leave small change if you wish.

Culture Factor: Tipping is generally not expected in Hohhot.
Appreciation Factor: Rounding up the bill or leaving small change can be a token of appreciation.

Clink glasses gently when toasting. Don't drink until everyone is ready.

Respect Factor: Wait for everyone to be ready before drinking during a toast.
Gentleness Factor: Clink glasses gently when making a toast.

Use titles and surnames when addressing someone. Avoid first names unless invited to do so.