Local Customs & Etiquette in Qamdo, China

1. Tibetan Prayer Wheels Etiquette

Turn prayer wheels clockwise in monasteries as a sign of respect. Avoid forcing the wheel too hard or taking photos during prayers.

Respectful Spinning: Turning prayer wheels shows respect to Buddhist beliefs
No Forcing: Avoiding forcing the wheel prevents damage and disrespect
Avoid Photos during Prayers: Respecting the solemnity of prayer sessions is essential.

Dress modestly when visiting monasteries, remove hats, and avoid showing legs or shoulders.

Remove shoes upon entering a Tibetan home and offer small gifts like tea or fruit.

Shoe Removal: Removing shoes as a mark of respect for the host's home.
Gift Giving: Offering small gifts to show gratitude and friendship.
Cultural Exchange: Learning about the host's life and culture fosters mutual understanding.

Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, or the Dalai Lama with locals.

Respectful Dialogue: Avoiding contentious topics helps maintain a peaceful conversation.
Local Sensitivities: Understanding local sensitivities fosters better relationships.
Promoting Harmony: Avoiding conflict contributes to a harmonious atmosphere.

Accept the first offering of salty yak butter tea during hospitality with gratitude.

Hospitality Gesture: Yak butter tea is a traditional Tibetan greeting and symbol of friendship.
Grateful Response: Accepting the first offering with gratitude shows politeness.
Adapting to Local Customs: Trying local customs, even if unfamiliar, helps build bridges.

Haggle politely and respectfully while shopping at the Barkhor Street market.

Polite Negotiation: Negotiating prices without being pushy or disrespectful.
Cultural Exchange: Buying souvenirs supports local artisans and fosters cultural exchange.
Respecting the Seller: Acknowledging the seller's livelihood and offering fair prices.

Dress modestly, avoid taking photos during religious ceremonies, and respect local customs during festivals.

Respectful Attire: Dressing appropriately to show reverence for the occasion.
Cultural Sensitivity: Avoiding disrespectful behavior during religious ceremonies.
Preserving Cultural Traditions: Participating in local festivals helps preserve cultural traditions.

Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially monks or nuns. Respect sacred sites and avoid using flash.

Permission: Asking for consent before photographing people shows respect.
Respectful Photography: Respecting sacred sites and avoiding flash shows sensitivity.
Cultural Preservation: Minimizing impact on local people helps preserve their culture.

Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering monastery halls.

Respectful Attire: Dressing appropriately to show reverence for the sacred site.
Shoe Removal: Removing shoes as a mark of respect for the host's monastery.
Cultural Learning: Learning about the monastery's history and culture enriches the visit.

Wish locals a prosperous new year by saying 'Tashi Delek' and participate in local activities.

Greeting Locals: Using the traditional Tibetan greeting shows politeness.
Cultural Participation: Participating in local activities helps bridge cultural gaps.
Building Friendships: Engaging with locals fosters mutual understanding and friendship.

Offer small gifts like tea, fruit, or traditional Tibetan items when invited to a local's home.

Thoughtful Gifts: Choosing appropriate gifts that are culturally meaningful.
Grateful Response: Accepting the host's gift graciously and with gratitude.
Cultural Exchange: Sharing gifts fosters cultural exchange and understanding.

Dress modestly, remove shoes, and avoid taking flash photos in sacred areas.

Respectful Attire: Dressing appropriately to show reverence for the sacred site.
Shoe Removal: Removing shoes as a mark of respect for the host's monastery.
Cultural Learning: Learning about the cave's history and culture enriches the visit.

Use chopsticks properly, share dishes communally, and avoid showing displeasure with food.

Proper Use of Chopsticks: Using chopsticks correctly shows respect for the local dining experience.
Communal Sharing: Sharing dishes fosters a sense of community and camaraderie.
Polite Feedback: Expressing satisfaction with food in a positive manner helps maintain good relations.

Sit quietly during performances, avoid taking flash photos, and show appreciation for the performers.

Respectful Attitude: Showing reverence for traditional music and dance.
No Flash Photos: Avoiding flash photos to preserve the performance's atmosphere.
Appreciative Response: Applauding and expressing gratitude for the performers' talent and effort.

Offer khatags as a token of respect when entering or leaving monasteries.

Respectful Offering: Khatags are traditional offerings to show respect for Tibetan Buddhism.
Symbolic Gift: The khatag symbolizes protection, peace, and goodwill.
Cultural Understanding: Understanding the significance of the khatag deepens cultural appreciation.