Local Customs & Etiquette in Luzhou, China
1. Courtesy Calls (guest visits)
Paying a courtesy call is a common practice in Luzhou. It involves visiting a friend or acquaintance at their home to show respect and strengthen relationships.
- Time of Day: Courtesy calls are usually made in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the main meal times.
- Gift Giving: Small gifts are often exchanged during these visits. Fresh fruit, tea, or sweets are common choices.
- Length of Visit: The length of the visit can vary, but it's considered polite to stay for a short while and not overstay your welcome.
2. Toasting Culture
Toasting is an integral part of social gatherings in Luzhou. It's a way to show respect and establish friendships.
- Importance of Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact during the toast is considered a sign of sincerity and respect.
- Toast Order: The host usually proposes the first toast, followed by guests in order of seniority or status.
- Drinking Sake: Sake is traditionally used for toasting. It's important to drink from the same cup, symbolizing unity and harmony.
3. Bowing Greetings
Bowing is a common greeting in Luzhou. The depth of the bow depends on the relationship between the individuals.
- Depth of Bow: A shallow bow (45 degrees) is used for acquaintances, a deeper bow (90 degrees) for friends or superiors.
- Timing: Bowing should be done simultaneously and smoothly without pausing mid-bow.
- Bow Ending Position: After the bow, hands are placed together in front of the chest as a sign of respect.
4. Gift-giving Etiquette
Gifts are often exchanged during festivals or special occasions. It's important to choose gifts carefully and avoid certain items.
- Avoiding Taboo Gifts: Avoid giving gifts that are associated with death, such as clocks or white items.
- Even Numbered Items: Gift items should always be in even numbers to symbolize harmony and good luck.
- Appropriate Gifts: Good gift choices include fruit, tea, or decorative items. It's also common to give money in red envelopes during festivals.
5. Table Manners
Dining etiquette is important in Luzhou. Eating slowly and carefully, using chopsticks correctly, and not leaving food on your plate are key aspects.
- Chopstick Technique: Hold chopsticks near the ends, and never leave them sticking vertically in a bowl.
- Food Sharing: Sharing food is common. Offer food to others before taking it for yourself.
- Not Finishing Food: It's considered rude to leave food on your plate, but overeating is also discouraged.
6. Temple Etiquette
Visiting temples in Luzhou requires respect and adherence to certain rules. Removing shoes, bowing, and not pointing are important considerations.
- Shoe Removal: Remove your shoes before entering a temple or religious site.
- Bowing: Bow deeply when entering and leaving the temple, showing respect for the deities inside.
- No Pointing: Avoid pointing with your fingers. Instead, use a palm-down gesture to indicate direction.
7. Public Transport Etiquette
Using public transportation in Luzhou requires following certain rules such as giving up your seat and not eating.
- Giving Up Seats: Elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities should be given priority when seats are available.
- No Eating: Eating or drinking on public transportation is generally not allowed.
- Queueing: Form a queue when boarding and alighting from buses or trains. Pushing ahead can be seen as rude.
8. Market Haggling
Haggling is a common practice in Luzhou markets. It's expected that prices will be negotiated, but it should be done politely.
- Polite Negotiation: Negotiate the price politely and show respect for the vendor.
- Knowing the Market Price: Research common prices beforehand to know a reasonable starting point for negotiations.
- Not Insulting the Seller: Avoid insulting the seller by questioning their honesty or integrity during negotiations.
9. Luzhou Tea Culture
Tea plays a significant role in Luzhou's culture. It's customary to drink tea during visits and offer it to guests.
- Tea Ceremony: The tea ceremony is a formal way of serving tea, emphasizing respect and hospitality.
- Quality of Tea: The quality of the tea is important. Offering low-quality tea to guests can be seen as rude.
- Tea Drinking Etiquette: Drink the tea slowly and appreciate its flavor, avoid slurping or making loud noises.
10. Greeting Elders
Greeting elders with respect is a crucial aspect of Luzhou's customs. It involves bowing, using polite language, and addressing them properly.
- Proper Address: Address elders using their proper titles (e.g., grandmother, grandfather) or their last names followed by 'xiansheng' (for men) or 'xianniang' (for women).
- Polite Language: Use polite language when speaking to elders, avoiding direct commands and using honorific language.
- Respectful Bowing: Bow deeply when greeting elders, showing respect for their age and position.
11. Public Bathroom Etiquette
Using public bathrooms in Luzhou requires following certain rules such as not flushing toilet paper.
- No Toilet Paper Flushing: Do not flush toilet paper. Instead, use the trash bin provided for used tissue.
- Cleanliness: Keep the bathroom clean and tidy after using it.
- Locking the Stall Door: Always lock the stall door when using it for privacy.
12. Taxi Etiquette
Using taxis in Luzhou requires following certain rules such as not arguing with the driver and paying exactly.
- No Arguing: Avoid arguing with the driver about the route or fare. If there's an issue, settle it politely.
- Exact Payment: Pay exactly the correct amount. Overpaying can cause confusion and may be seen as rude.
- Seat Selection: If traveling with a group, let passengers sit before commenting on the cleanliness of the taxi.
13. Dining Etiquette in Teahouses
Dining etiquette in Luzhou's teahouses involves appreciating the tea and food slowly, not eating loudly, and sharing with others.
- Slow Consumption: Eat and drink slowly, savoring each bite and sip.
- No Eating Loudly: Avoid eating loudly. This is considered disrespectful to the host and other guests.
- Food Sharing: Share food with others, especially if you're in a group. This is a sign of hospitality.
14. Respecting Local Architecture
Luzhou has many historical buildings and architecture. It's important to respect these sites by not touching them and behaving properly.
- No Touching: Do not touch the historic structures or artifacts.
- Silent Behavior: Speak quietly and avoid loud noises to preserve the peace at these sites.
- Following Rules: Follow all signs and rules at historical sites. Some areas may be off-limits or require specific behavior.
15. Tipping in Restaurants
Tipping is not customary in Luzhou restaurants. However, tipping a small amount for exceptional service can be appreciated.
- Not Required: Tipping is not expected or required in most restaurants.
- For Exceptional Service: If service is exceptional, a small tip can be appreciated but is not necessary.
- Rounding Up Bill: If you wish to show appreciation for good service, you can round up the bill to the nearest RMB.