Local Customs & Etiquette in Kashgar, China

1. Id Kah Mosque Etiquette

Respect local customs by removing shoes before entering and dressing modestly.

Dress Code: Wear appropriate clothing that covers arms and legs.
Shoe Removal: Remove shoes before entering the mosque to show respect for religious customs.
Photography Rules: Avoid taking photos during prayer times and be respectful when photographing inside.

Bargain politely and show understanding for the vendor's bottom line.

Polite Bargaining: Negotiate prices in a friendly and respectful manner.
Understanding Costs: Recognize that vendors may have to make a living, so be reasonable with your offers.
Respectful Haggling: Refrain from being too pushy or disrespectful during negotiations.

Follow local customs by sharing tea and enjoying friendly conversation.

Sharing Tea: Accept the offer of tea and share your own if you have some.
Tea-Pouring Etiquette: Pour tea for others before filling your own cup.
Conversational Topics: Avoid discussing sensitive political or religious topics.

Be gracious and patient when staying at a local guest house.

Gratitude: Express your appreciation for the hospitality provided.
Patience: Understand that service may not be as fast or efficient as in Western countries.
Respect for Local Customs: Follow local customs and traditions while staying at the guest house.

Understand the traditional courting rituals of Kashgar's Uyghur culture.

Wedding Proposals: Propose marriage with a gift, such as a ring or embroidered item.
Dating Etiquette: Ask for permission from the family before asking someone out.
Courtship Gifts: Give gifts to show affection and commitment during courtship.

Experience the warmth and generosity of Uyghur hospitality.

Invitations: Accept invitations to share meals or tea with locals.
Reciprocation: Return the hospitality by offering something in return, such as a meal or gift.
Respect for Elders: Show respect to elders and elderly family members.

Respect local customs by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Fasting During Daytime: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during daylight hours to respect those fasting.
Respect for Prayer Times: Be aware of prayer times and avoid disrupting them.
Evening Socializing: Socialize with locals during the evening, when the fast is broken.

Respect local customs by dressing modestly and avoiding loud noises during funerals.

Dress Code: Wear somber, modest clothing during funerals.
Silence and Respect: Maintain silence and show respect during the funeral ceremony.
Offering Condolences: Offer condolences to the family in a sincere and sympathetic manner.

Experience traditional Uyghur wedding customs, such as the bride's henna party.

Henna Party: Attend the bride's henna party to celebrate her upcoming marriage.
Wedding Feast: Participate in a multi-course feast on the wedding day.
Musical Performances: Enjoy traditional Uyghur music and dance performances during the wedding festivities.

Respect local customs by dressing appropriately and participating in traditional activities.

Dress Code: Wear traditional clothing or dress modestly during festivals.
Respect for Traditions: Participate in traditional activities, such as dancing or singing, with respect and humility.
Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid taking photos without permission, especially during sensitive cultural events.

Respect local customs by showing appreciation for Naerbu music and dance performances.

Appreciation for Performances: Show your appreciation for the performances by clapping politely.
Respect for Artists: Avoid interrupting or distracting artists during performances.
Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid recording performances without permission, especially during sensitive cultural events.

Greet locals with a friendly handshake or nod, and use respectful language.

Handshake or Nod: Offer a handshake or gentle nod when meeting someone.
Respectful Language: Use polite language and avoid using overly familiar terms.
Avoiding Touching Heads: Do not touch the head of a local, as it is considered impolite in Uyghur culture.

Respect local customs by attending Eid al-Fitr prayers and offering gifts.

Attending Prayers: Attend Eid al-Fitr prayers at a mosque to show respect.
Offering Gifts: Offer gifts, such as sweets or money, to family and friends during Eid.
Respect for Prayer Times: Avoid disrupting prayer times during the celebration of Eid.

Bargain respectfully and be aware of local pricing customs.

Polite Bargaining: Negotiate prices in a friendly and respectful manner.
Avoiding Offense: Avoid being too pushy or disrespectful during negotiations.
Knowledge of Prices: Become familiar with local prices to ensure fair bargaining.

Respect local customs by eating with your right hand and using shared utensils.

Right Hand Use: Eat with your right hand when food is served without utensils.
Shared Utensils: Use shared spoons, bowls, or plates when dining in a group.
Respect for Food: Avoid wasting food and show appreciation for the meal.