Local Customs & Etiquette in Puxi, China

1. Bowing Greetings

A traditional Chinese greeting where people bow slightly to show respect. Common in business and formal settings.

Formality Level: Level of formality determines the depth of the bow
Age Difference: Elderly people and those in higher positions are bowed to deeper
Return Bow: Recipient should return the bow

Taking off shoes before entering homes or temples is a common practice to keep the interior clean.

Where to Leave Shoes: Shoes are often left near the entrance or in designated shoe racks
When to Wear Shoes: Wear appropriate footwear for outdoor areas only
Who Removes Shoes: Both locals and visitors should remove their shoes when entering homes or temples

Lighting incense sticks and placing them in the burning holder is a common practice to show respect and make offerings.

Incense Stick Length: Different lengths of incense sticks represent different prayers or wishes
Bowing Before Incense: Visitors bow before the burning incense as a sign of respect
Placement of Incense: Incense should be placed in designated burners or areas within the temple

Chopsticks are the traditional eating utensils in China. Using them requires specific techniques to eat efficiently and avoid spilling.

Holding Chopsticks: Place one chopstick between your thumb and index finger
Picking Up Food: Use chopsticks to pick up food, not directly grab it
Eating with Chopsticks: Lift the food to your mouth without resting it on the table

Tipping is not customary in China. Service charges are usually included in the bill.

Service Charge: Service charge is typically already included in the bill
Rounding Up Bills: Rounding up bills to the nearest whole number is not necessary
Gratitude Gestures: Express gratitude through words instead of tipping money

Respecting public spaces and not littering is a common practice in China. Avoid eating or drinking on public transportation.

Littering Fines: Heavy fines for littering can be imposed
Recycling Bins: Recycling bins are available in public areas, making it easy to dispose of waste properly
Eating on Transportation: Avoid eating and drinking on buses or metros, as it is considered disrespectful and unsanitary

Chinese dining etiquette includes not speaking with your mouth full and using a handkerchief instead of blowing your nose at the table.

Eating Etiquette: Avoid speaking while eating, wait for everyone to finish before starting a conversation
Table Settings: Use chopsticks, soup spoon, and bowl when eating noodle dishes
Blowing Nose Manners: Use a handkerchief instead of blowing your nose at the table

Exchanging business cards in China is a formal ritual. Offer the card with both hands and take it with both hands as well.

Handing Cards: Offer your card using both hands and accept others' cards in the same manner
Card Orientation: Present your card with the Chinese characters facing the recipient
Storing Cards: Store business cards in a special case after receiving them

Joining the end of the queue and not pushing forward is expected in China. Pushing or cutting lines can be considered rude.

Queue Position: Wait for your turn patiently, do not cut the line
Joining the Queue: Find the end of the queue and join there
Elderly People: Offer your place in line to elderly people, pregnant women, or those with disabilities

Gifts are exchanged during special occasions. Avoid giving gifts of four items as their pronunciation sounds similar to 'death' in Chinese.

Four Items: Avoid gifts with four items, as the number is associated with death
Gift Wrap: Wrap your gift neatly and consider using gift wrap with auspicious symbols
Time of Gifting: Avoid giving gifts during major holidays, as it is considered impolite

Public toilets in China often require a small fee for usage. Make sure to have change on hand.

Fee Payment: Insert coins or small bills into a slot to unlock the door
Toilet Paper: Carry your own toilet paper, as it is not always provided
Flushing Toilets: Some toilets have separate buttons for flushing water or flush with a handle

Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Avoid smoking in public places like restaurants and parks.

Designated Smoking Areas: Look for signs indicating designated smoking areas
Smoking on Public Transportation: Avoid smoking on public transportation, as it is prohibited
Littering Cigarette Butts: Dispose of cigarette butts properly in designated receptacles

Greeting elders with respect is a sign of good manners. Address them using their titles and show politeness.

Addressing Elders: Use polite language when speaking to elders or those in higher positions
Bowing or Kneeling: Bow slightly or kneel when greeting very elderly people or important figures
Gift Giving to Elders: Offer gifts to elders during special occasions, such as Chinese New Year

Bargaining is common practice in markets and street shops. However, be aware of the market price and set a reasonable limit.

Market Price: Know the average price for items before bargaining
Politeness: Be polite and friendly during negotiations, avoid being too pushy or aggressive
Final Price: Set a reasonable limit for the final price you are willing to pay

Street food stalls offer a variety of delicious local dishes. Be mindful of hygiene and choose popular stalls with clean environments.

Hygiene Conditions: Look for clean stalls with food stored properly
Popular Stalls: Choose stalls with long lines and a busy atmosphere, as they are popular among locals
Street Food Safety: Ask the vendor about the ingredients used to avoid any allergies or dietary restrictions