Local Customs & Etiquette in Qinhuangdao, China

1. Qinhuangdao Tea Ceremony

Experience the traditional Chinese tea ceremony in local teahouses, appreciating the art of brewing and sharing tea.

Patience: Understanding the importance of calmness and patience during the ceremony.
Respect: Recognizing and showing respect to the host, tea leaves, and the process.
Gratitude: Expressing gratitude for the shared experience and hospitality.

Greet fellow beachgoers with a nod or smile, as physical contact is considered inappropriate.

Respectful Distance: Maintaining a comfortable distance from others on the beach.
Politeness: Being polite when approaching or passing by other beachgoers.
Awareness: Being aware of the surroundings and not disturbing others' personal space.

Observe proper etiquette when visiting the Xianyu Temple, including removing shoes and bowing to show respect.

Respectful Attire: Wearing modest clothing when visiting temples.
Silence: Maintaining silence and showing reverence inside the temple.
Offerings: Knowing what kinds of offerings are acceptable in Chinese temples.

Navigate the bustling seafood markets with respect and patience, using body language to communicate.

Patience: Being patient while waiting for your turn to choose fresh seafood.
Courtesy: Politely indicating your choice to the vendors and acknowledging their help.
Hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene practices, especially when handling raw seafood.

Follow local dining customs such as sharing dishes and using chopsticks properly.

Sharing: Understanding that meals are meant to be shared among the group.
Chopstick Technique: Mastering the art of using chopsticks and eating with ease.
Compliments: Complimenting the chef on their cooking skills during meals.

Navigate business meetings with respect and punctuality while avoiding direct confrontation.

Punctuality: Arriving on time for all scheduled appointments.
Respect: Showing respect to your counterparts and senior colleagues.
Indirect Communication: Using indirect communication to avoid confrontation and maintain harmony.

Exchange gifts with friends or hosts according to the local customs and etiquette.

Appropriate Gifts: Choosing appropriate gifts that convey friendship, respect, or appreciation.
Timing: Understanding the right time to give and receive gifts.
Wrapping Style: Knowing how to wrap gifts in a way that is acceptable in local culture.

Follow proper etiquette when using public transportation, such as giving up seats for the elderly and not talking loudly on phones.

Courtesy: Showing courtesy to fellow passengers by giving up your seat if needed.
Silence: Respecting others' need for peace and quiet during travel.
Personal Space: Maintaining a comfortable personal space during transportation.

Join the locals in celebrating the annual beer festival, following the local customs and traditions.

Respect: Understanding and respecting the history and cultural significance of the festival.
Participation: Actively participating in festival activities, such as beer tasting and live performances.
Moderation: Practicing moderation when consuming alcohol during the festivities.

Learn and practice Taiji with locals in the scenic coastal park, following their teachings and etiquette.

Respect: Showing respect to the Taiji masters and their teachings.
Patience: Practicing patience while learning and mastering the art of Taiji.
Coordination: Achieving coordination between mind, body, and breath during practice.

Haggle prices with vendors at the local market while maintaining a friendly and respectful demeanor.

Politeness: Speaking politely and respectfully when negotiating prices.
Persistence: Persistently negotiating the price while being reasonable and flexible.
Understanding: Understanding that haggling is a common practice in Chinese markets.

Join the locals at karaoke bars and follow the etiquette, such as choosing appropriate songs and respecting others' turns.

Song Selection: Choosing popular songs or songs in Mandarin to sing.
Respect: Waiting for your turn and respecting others' choices during karaoke sessions.
Enthusiasm: Showing enthusiasm and enjoying the experience while respecting others.

Follow the local customs when visiting bowling alleys, such as sharing lanes and tips with the staff.

Sharing: Being open to sharing lanes with other groups.
Tips: Giving tips to the staff for their service and maintaining the alley.
Sportsmanship: Displaying good sportsmanship by acknowledging your opponents' skills.

Follow the local customs when it comes to splitting bills at restaurants, such as using a calculator and paying cash.

Calculation: Using a calculator to accurately split the bill among the group.
Cash Payment: Paying cash instead of using cards or mobile payments.
Speed: Settling the bill quickly and efficiently to avoid causing inconvenience.

Navigate busy shopping streets with ease while respecting local customs such as bargaining and understanding store rules.

Bargaining: Negotiating prices while being respectful to the shopkeepers.
Store Rules: Understanding and following store rules, such as trying on clothes before purchase.
Patience: Being patient when navigating through the crowds and making purchases.