Local Customs & Etiquette in Jinzhou, China

1. Jinzhou's Market Etiquette

Navigating the bustling markets of Jinzhou requires respect for personal space and patience. Bartering is common but should be done politely.

Respect Personal Space: Avoid crowding vendors or other shoppers.
Patience in Bartering: Be prepared to negotiate prices calmly and patiently.
Politeness: Use polite language and a respectful tone when negotiating.

Visitors to Jinzhou's temples should remove their shoes, bow upon entering, and not point at images of the Buddha.

Removing Shoes: Shoe racks are provided near temple entrances.
Bowing Upon Entry: A sign of respect to the deity and the temple.
Respecting Buddha Images: Avoid pointing at or touching Buddha images out of respect.

In Jinzhou restaurants, it's customary to let the eldest person start eating first. Chopsticks should never be left standing vertically in a bowl.

Letting Eldest Eat First: A sign of respect towards the elders.
Not Leaving Chopsticks Vertically: This resembles incense sticks used in funerals and is considered bad luck.
Handling Food Properly: Use chopsticks to pick up food and place it in your mouth, not directly into your mouth.

Gifts should be wrapped and presented with both hands. Avoid giving clocks or knives as gifts due to their associations with death.

Wrapping Gifts: Shops in Jinzhou sell wrapping paper and gift bags.
Presenting with Both Hands: A sign of respect when giving a gift.
Avoiding Clocks and Knives: These gifts are associated with death and misfortune.

In Jinzhou, a simple nod is enough for a greeting. Shaking hands is not common.

Nodding as a Greeting: A friendly and respectful way to acknowledge someone.
No Handshaking: Handshakes are not common in Jinzhou.

At a banquet in Jinzhou, the host offers toasts first and should be the last one to drink. Refusing a toast is considered rude.

Host Offers First Toast: The host is usually the most senior person present.
Last to Drink: The host should be the last one to drink, showing respect to others.
Refusing a Toast is Rude: Accepting the toast shows acceptance and agreement with what is being proposed.

Taxi drivers in Jinzhou may not always use meters. It's common to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

When dining with hosts in Jinzhou, it's customary to wait for them to start eating.

When offered a gift, it's polite to accept it with both hands. If unable to accept, offer a refusal politely.

Accepting Gift with Both Hands: A sign of respect when receiving a gift.
Polite Refusal: If unable to accept, offer a refusal politely and graciously.

In Jinzhou buses, it's customary to give up your seat to the elderly or pregnant women.

Giving Up Seat for Elderly/Pregnant: A sign of respect and consideration towards others.

In Jinzhou public bathrooms, it's customary to flush the toilet after use.

Tipping is not expected in Jinzhou restaurants as service charges are usually included in the bill.

At night markets in Jinzhou, it's common to negotiate prices more aggressively compared to daytime markets.

Aggressive Bargaining: Prices can be negotiated more fiercely during night markets.

When visiting private homes in Jinzhou, it's customary to remove your shoes and offer small gifts.

In Jinzhou, it's common to see people cycling on the pavement. Be aware and give way to pedestrians.