Local Customs & Etiquette in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
1. Temple Etiquette
Respect temple grounds and follow guidelines such as dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering.
- Dress Code: Long pants and covered shoulders are generally required for both men and women.
- Shoes Removal: Shoe racks are usually provided at the entrance of temples.
- Silence in Temples: It is important to maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere within temple grounds.
2. Business Gift-Giving
Gifts are common in business settings, but must be tasteful and never contain four items (symbolizing death) or white envelopes (associated with funerals).
- Avoiding Taboo Items: Avoid gifts that include the number four or are wrapped in white.
- Gift Value: The value of a gift should not be extravagant and should reflect mutual respect rather than superiority.
- Appropriate Gift Types: Common gifts include pens, alcohol, or local delicacies, but it's best to ask about the recipient's preferences.
3. Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Wuxi for everyday services such as meals and taxi rides.
- No Tipping at Restaurants: Waitstaff usually receive a salary and do not rely on tips.
- Tipping for Services: It is appropriate to tip for exceptional service, but it's not expected.
- Tipping at Hotels: You may leave a small tip for hotel staff if you wish, but it's not required or expected.
4. Greeting Customs
Use both hands when shaking hands and bow slightly. Avoid direct eye contact with elders or superiors.
- Handshake Style: Use both hands for a handshake, even in casual settings.
- Elders and Superiors: Avoid direct eye contact with elders or those in positions of authority until addressed.
- Bowing Gesture: A slight bow shows respect, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
5. Eating Etiquette
Use chopsticks properly and eat everything on your plate. Do not stick chopsticks vertically into a rice bowl.
- Chopstick Usage: Hold chopsticks with equal pressure, do not wave them about.
- Not Wasting Food: Eat everything on your plate to show appreciation for the meal.
- Avoiding Rudeness: Do not stick chopsticks vertically into a rice bowl, as this resembles incense sticks used in funerals.
6. Public Transport Manners
Stand to the right on escalators and let others pass. Do not eat or talk loudly on public transportation.
- Escalator Etiquette: Stand on the right side of escalators, allowing faster walkers to pass on the left.
- No Eating or Drinking: Avoid eating and drinking on public transportation out of consideration for other passengers.
- Quiet Conduct: Talk quietly and use headphones to listen to music or watch videos.
7. Accepting Invitations
Graciously accept invitations, but notify the host if you cannot attend.
- Politeness: Always express gratitude for an invitation, even if you cannot attend.
- R.S.V.P.: Respond to invitations promptly and let the host know if you are unable to attend.
- Gift-Giving: Bring a small gift for your host when attending a gathering or dinner party.
8. Toast Customs
Participate in toasting rituals with sincerity and reciprocate the gesture.
- Sincere Toasts: Make eye contact when toasting and express a genuine sentiment.
- Reciprocation: If someone toasts you, it is polite to offer a reciprocal toast in return.
- Drinking Behavior: Do not take excessive sips during a toast, instead wait for everyone to finish before drinking.
9. Bargaining
Bargain politely and respectfully when shopping in markets.
- Politeness: Ask about prices with a polite smile and be patient during negotiations.
- Respectful Bargaining: Do not become angry or offensive if the initial price is higher than expected.
- Final Purchase Price: Aim for a final purchase price that is mutually agreeable and fair.
10. Respecting Elders
Show respect to elders by addressing them with the proper titles and offering assistance.
- Addressing Titles: Use appropriate terms of address, such as 'Laoshi' (teacher) or 'Baba' (father).
- Offering Assistance: Help elders with tasks when asked and show patience in doing so.
- Showing Respect: Stand up when an elder enters a room or bows slightly as a sign of respect.
11. Communal Living
Share living spaces and resources with your host family, but ask for permission before using personal items.
- Sharing Resources: Expect to share bathroom facilities and dining spaces with your hosts.
- Asking Permission: Ask for permission before using personal items, such as a phone or computer.
- Cultural Exchange: Prepare to share about your own culture and customs during your stay with your host family.
12. Taxis and Ridesharing
Use taxis or rideshares, but make sure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting the journey.
- Meter Usage: Ensure that the taxi meter is turned on and running to avoid overcharging.
- Negotiating Price: Negotiate a price for rideshares or taxis before starting the journey, if no meter is available.
- Safety: Make sure to choose safe and reputable transportation services when traveling in Wuxi.
13. Using Public Bathrooms
Carry small change for using public bathrooms, but wash and dry your hands after use.
- Small Change: Have small change on hand for using public restrooms.
- Hygiene: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after using a public restroom.
- Locating Public Bathrooms: Look for signs or ask locals to find public bathrooms in Wuxi.
14. Gift-Giving Occasions
Offer gifts on special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and the Chinese New Year.
- Special Occasions: Offer gifts for significant life events like a wedding or graduation.
- Gift Preferences: Ask about the recipient's preferences to ensure your gift is well-received.
- Chinese New Year: Offer red envelopes with money as gifts during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
15. Cycling Customs
Use bike lanes and follow traffic rules while cycling in Wuxi.
- Bike Lanes: Stay within designated bike lanes when cycling.
- Traffic Rules: Obey traffic rules, such as stopping at red lights and yielding to pedestrians.
- Helmet Usage: Wear a helmet for safety when cycling in Wuxi.