Local Customs & Etiquette in Nanjing, China

1. Nanjing Greetings

A double-handed handshake is common in Nanjing. It's a sign of mutual respect and friendship.

Double-Handed Handshake: Unlike Western customs, the handshake is performed with both hands.
Mutual Respect: The double-handed handshake is a symbol of respect and equality between parties.
Friendliness: The gesture helps to build rapport and foster friendly relationships.

Eating with chopsticks requires skill. Avoid sticking them vertically in rice bowls, as it resembles incense sticks at funerals.

Chopstick Skills: Mastering the art of chopstick usage is essential for a smooth dining experience.
Rice Bowl Respect: Avoid sticking chopsticks vertically in rice bowls to show respect for the dead.
Patience: Eating with chopsticks requires patience and practice, especially for beginners.

Toasting is an integral part of dining in Nanjing. It's common to propose a toast before drinking from the same cup.

Shared Cup: Drinking from the same cup during a toast symbolizes unity and camaraderie.
Proper Toast Procedure: A toast should be proposed before drinking, and everyone present should participate.
Respectful Toasting: Toasts are often made to show respect or to celebrate important events.

Gifts should be wrapped and presented with both hands. Avoid gifts containing four items, as 'si' sounds like 'death' in Chinese.

Respectful Presentation: Wrapping and presenting a gift with both hands shows respect to the recipient.
Avoiding Unfortunate Gifts: Avoid gifts containing four items, as it may be considered inauspicious.
Appropriate Timing: It's best to give gifts during special occasions or when invited to a host's home.

Tea drinking is an art in Nanjing. It's important to pour tea for others before serving yourself.

Pouring for Others: Pouring tea for others demonstrates respect and hospitality.
Proper Tea Etiquette: The host should serve the tea first, followed by guests.
Tea Appreciation: Tea is not only a beverage but also a symbol of friendship and hospitality in Nanjing.

Street food vendors expect you to bargain for prices. It's also customary to share your food with others.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected when buying street food and helps to ensure a fair price.
Sharing Food: Food in Nanjing is often shared among friends and family, promoting social bonds.
Street Food Safety: Be mindful of food safety when eating street food. Opt for busy vendors with a good reputation.

Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering temples. Offerings should be placed gently.

Modest Dress Code: Avoid revealing clothing when visiting temples to show respect.
Shoe Removal: Removing shoes before entering a temple is a sign of respect for the religious environment.
Offering Respect: Offerings should be placed gently and with both hands, showing reverence.

Taxis in Nanjing are metered. It's customary to round up the fare if service was excellent.

Metered Taxis: Taxis in Nanjing operate on a meter system, ensuring fair pricing.
Rounding Up Fare: Rounding up the fare if service was excellent shows appreciation for good service.
Clear Destination: Always have your destination clearly stated before starting a taxi ride.

Give up your seat for the elderly or pregnant women. Stand near the back of the bus and hold onto handrails.

Seat Consideration: Offer your seat to those in need, such as the elderly or pregnant women.
Bus Safety: Stand near the back of the bus and hold onto handrails for safety.
Respectful Space: Avoid taking up too much space on crowded buses to accommodate others.

Ride in the direction of traffic and use bike lanes when available. Give a courtesy signal before changing lanes.

Traffic Direction: Always ride in the direction of traffic to ensure safety.
Bike Lane Usage: Use bike lanes when available to avoid conflicts with motor vehicles.
Courtesy Signals: Signal your intentions before changing lanes to maintain safety and order.

Bargaining is expected in markets. Start with a lower price and negotiate from there.

Expected Bargaining: Bargaining is an accepted part of the shopping experience in Nanjing markets.
Lower Starting Price: Start with a lower price to give room for negotiation.
Patience: Be patient during the bargaining process. It may take time to reach an agreement.

Carry your own toilet paper and be mindful of cleanliness. Always flush the toilet after use.

Toilet Paper: Always carry your own toilet paper, as it's not always provided.
Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness by disposing of waste properly and washing hands afterward.
Flushing Toilets: Always flush the toilet after use, as it helps to maintain hygiene standards.

A service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants. Check for this before tipping.

Service Charge Included: Many restaurants include a service charge in the bill.
Checking for Service Charge: Always check your bill for a service charge before leaving additional tip.
Appropriate Tip: If no service charge was included, you can leave an additional tip if satisfied with the service.

It's customary to offer a small donation for street performances. Respect performers and their space.

Small Donations: Offering a small donation shows appreciation for the performance.
Respectful Audiences: Respect performers and their space to create a positive atmosphere.
Encouraging Local Artists: Supporting local artists helps preserve traditional arts and culture.

Remove shoes before entering a host's home. Offer to help with chores if offered assistance.

Shoe Removal: Removing shoes before entering shows respect for the host's home.
Offering Help: Offer help with chores if offered assistance to show appreciation.
Gift-Giving: Bringing a small gift is appreciated but not required, as long as it's wrapped and presented with both hands.