Local Customs & Etiquette in Xishan, Hunan, China

1. Temple Etiquette

Respect local customs by removing shoes before entering temples and praying with reverence.

Shoe Removal: Removing shoes shows respect for the religious space.
Prayer Gestures: Learn appropriate prayer gestures to show proper reverence.
Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the local beliefs.

Follow correct tea ceremony etiquette, including sitting correctly and accepting tea gracefully.

Seating Position: Sit on the floor cross-legged and ensure not to face away from the host.
Accepting Tea: Receive tea with both hands, bow slightly, and drink mindfully.
Conversation Topics: Avoid discussing politics or personal matters during the ceremony.

Bargain politely and be prepared to walk away if prices aren't agreeable.

Politeness: Be polite during negotiation, as it shows respect for the vendor.
Persistence: Persist in negotiating prices but be prepared to walk away if necessary.
Gift Giving: Offer a small gift or gratitude to the vendor for their services.

Ensure food is cooked fresh and hot, avoid eating from street vendors displaying old or unhygienic food.

Freshness: Choose food that's being prepared fresh and served hot.
Hygiene Standards: Ensure the vendor has clean hands, utensils, and a hygienic workspace.
Location: Avoid eating from vendors in crowded or unsanitary areas.

Wait for passengers to exit before boarding, offer seats to the elderly and pregnant women.

Board and Exit Order: Follow the proper order of boarding and exiting public transport.
Seat Offering: Offer your seat to those who need it, such as the elderly or pregnant women.
Personal Space: Respect personal space and avoid crowding others in public transport.

Use chopsticks properly, eat only what's on your plate, and show appreciation for the meal.

Chopstick Use: Hold chopsticks with both hands and use them to scoop food.
Portion Control: Eat only what's on your plate and avoid taking food from others' plates.
Appreciation Signals: Show appreciation for the meal by saying 'xie xie' or leaving a few bites untouched.

Avoid giving white items, clocks, or sharp objects as gifts and present with two hands.

Color Avoidance: Avoid giving white items as they are associated with mourning in China.
Sharp Objects: Avoid sharp objects as they symbolize cutting ties or causing harm.
Gift Presenting Style: Present gifts with both hands and open them gracefully after receiving.

Build relationships, be punctual, and show respect when meeting local business contacts.

Relationship Building: Spend time building personal relationships before getting down to business.
Punctuality: Be punctual for meetings as it shows respect for the other party's time.
Business Card Exchange: Exchange business cards with both hands and study them before putting away.

Bow slightly to show respect when meeting someone or entering a home.

Bowing Depth: Perform a shallow bow, about 15-30 degrees, to show respect.
Gender Differences: Women typically bow deeper than men as a sign of humility.
Timing: Bow when you first meet someone and when taking your leave.

Use formal greetings, such as 'ni hao' and 'zàijiàn', when meeting or leaving someone.

Formal Greeting: Use 'ni hao' (hello) when greeting someone.
Informal Greetings: Reserve informal greetings like 'hǎo' for close friends or family members.
Leaving Greeting: Use 'zàijiàn' (goodbye) when leaving someone.

Tips are not expected in most places, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.

Expectedness: Tipping is not expected, but it's a nice gesture.
Rounding Up: Round up the bill to show appreciation for good service.
Cash or Card: Tips are usually given in cash, but some places may accept card payments.

Be patient, show respect, and avoid public displays of affection.

Patience: Build a relationship gradually before getting too intimate.
Respect: Show respect for your partner and their family.
Public Affection: Avoid public displays of affection to respect local customs.

Use the correct title and surname when addressing someone, especially elders or superiors.

Title Usage: Use 'shi' for titles like doctor, teacher, or professor.
Surname First: Address people by their surname first and given name second.
Age or Position: Address elders or superiors with additional respect titles.

Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially strangers.

Permission: Ask for permission before taking someone's photo.
Respect: Respect people's privacy and dignity when taking photos.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural sensitivities, especially when photographing religious sites or ceremonies.

Respect public spaces by not littering, keeping noise levels low, and following rules.

Littering: Dispose of trash properly in designated receptacles.
Noise Levels: Speak quietly in public spaces to maintain a peaceful environment.
Rules: Follow local rules and regulations for using public spaces.