Local Customs & Etiquette in Kuaidamao, China

1. Kuaidamao Market Etiquette

Know the proper way to bargain and respect local vendors. Avoid overtly displaying wealth.

Bargaining Culture: Prices in markets are usually negotiable.
Respectful Interaction: Speak politely and avoid aggressive bargaining tactics.
Modesty: Avoid displaying wealth to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.

Avoid dishes containing pork or shark fin for religious and cultural reasons.

Religious Sensitivity: Respect Muslim and Buddhist dietary restrictions.
Cultural Significance: Understand the negative connotations associated with shark fin consumption.
Dietary Adaptation: Adapt your diet to local cuisine while avoiding restricted dishes.

Remove shoes before entering temples and respect the silence inside.

Shoe Removal: Follow the rule of removing footwear in all temples.
Silence and Respect: Maintain quietness to show reverence for the spiritual environment.
Covering Up: Wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Give up seats to elderly, pregnant women or disabled passengers.

Respect for Elderly: Prioritize seating for the elderly and those in need.
Consideration for Others: Avoid taking up more space than necessary on public transport.
Courtesy in Line: Wait patiently and politely when queuing for buses or trains.

Use formal titles and surnames when addressing locals.

Formal Titles: Use 'Xiao' (young) for younger people, or 'Shifu' (teacher/master) for elders and professionals.
Surname First: Address people by their surname followed by their given name.
Avoid Familiarity: Avoid using first names or overly familiar language unless invited to do so.

Eat with chopsticks and use a spoon for soups.

Chopstick Use: Use chopsticks to eat most dishes.
Soup Etiquette: Use a spoon for soups, but not for other dishes.
Table Manners: Avoid sticking chopsticks vertically into rice as it resembles incense sticks at funerals.

Avoid giving clocks or knives due to their negative connotations.

Positive Symbolism: Choose gifts that symbolize prosperity, luck, and friendship.
Avoiding Negative Associations: Avoid giving items with negative associations like clocks or knives.
Appropriate Gift Size: Gifts should be appropriate in size and value, neither too extravagant nor insignificant.

Use a handshake or a bow to greet locals.

Handshake or Bow: Choose a handshake for informal settings and a bow for formal encounters.
Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact during the greeting to show respect.
Saying 'Ni Hao': Start the conversation with 'Ni Hao' (hello) and listen for their reply.

Toast with a drink and say 'Gan Be' or 'Kampai' when making a toast.

Appropriate Response: Respond to the toast by repeating 'Gan Be' or 'Kampai'.
Toast Timing: Offer a toast during a celebratory moment or before starting a meal.
Respectful Toasting: Avoid toasting to controversial or negative topics.

Follow traffic rules and ride on the right side of the road.

Road Safety: Observe traffic rules while cycling to ensure safety.
Lane Position: Cycle on the right side of the road and keep a safe distance from others.
Bicycle Parking: Lock your bike to designated bicycle racks when parking.

Mind your manners in public spaces and avoid loud conversations.

Respectful Interaction: Interact politely with locals and tourists alike.
Courtesy in Public Spaces: Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior in public places.
Cleanliness: Dispose of waste properly and keep common areas clean.

Respect local customs during festivals by dressing appropriately.

Cultural Sensitivity: Show respect for the cultural significance of local festivals.
Appropriate Dress Code: Dress modestly and follow any specific dress codes during festival celebrations.
Respect for Traditions: Participate in the festivities with an open mind, but remain respectful of local customs.

Be punctual, dress formally and exchange business cards.

Punctuality: Arrive on time for meetings to show respect.
Formal Attire: Dress professionally and conservatively for business meetings.
Business Card Exchange: Offer your business card with both hands and receive others' cards respectfully.

Remove shoes when entering a home or guesthouse.

Shoe Removal: Follow the rule of removing footwear in all homes and guesthouses.
Respect for Hosts: Be mindful of your hosts' preferences and follow their lead.
Courtesy in Guest Spaces: Keep guest areas clean and orderly to show appreciation for the hospitality.

Ask permission before taking photographs of people.

Respect for Privacy: Respect locals' privacy by asking for permission before photographing them.
Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid taking photographs of sensitive areas or religious sites without permission.
Appropriate Photography Behavior: Use discretion when photographing people and their belongings in public spaces.