Local Customs & Etiquette in Yicheng, China

1. Yicheng's Market Etiquette

Navigating the bustling markets of Yicheng requires patience and courtesy. Locals typically haggle over prices but maintain a friendly demeanor.

Patience: Deal-making can take time, so be prepared to spend some minutes on negotiations.
Respectful Haggling: Always keep a friendly tone and never shout or show anger during bargaining.
Knowing Market Prices: Familiarize yourself with market prices before you start haggling to have a clear idea of what is a fair price.

In Yicheng restaurants, it's customary to share dishes and allow others to have the first bite. Also, tipping is not expected.

Sharing Dishes: Order multiple dishes for the table to share among your group.
First Bite Protocol: Offer the first bite of food to others at the table, especially elders or guests.
Tipping Customs: Tipping is not expected in restaurants but appreciated as a gesture of gratitude.

Giving gifts is a common gesture in Yicheng. Avoid gifting white items as they symbolize mourning.

Avoiding White Items: White represents mourning, so avoid giving white gifts or wrapping gifts in white paper.
Even Numbers: Give gifts in even numbers as odd numbers are associated with funerals.
Avoiding Clocks: Clocks and watches should not be given as gifts because they remind people of the passage of time.

Greetings in Yicheng involve a slight bow and handshake. When meeting elders or strangers, a more profound bow is appropriate.

Proper Bowing Angle: A slight bow at a 30-degree angle is enough for casual greetings; a deeper bow (about 90 degrees) is appropriate for elders or important figures.
Handshake Style: Shake hands with the right hand, using a firm but gentle grip.
Eye Contact During Greeting: Maintain eye contact during the greeting but avoid prolonged staring.

Yicheng's public transport is crowded, so stand when seats are full and give up your seat to the elderly or pregnant women.

Standing When Full: Stand when there are no empty seats to make room for others.
Seat Etiquette: Offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
Politeness During Travel: Avoid eating or drinking on public transport as it can be considered impolite.

Visiting temples in Yicheng requires modest clothing and proper footwear. Remove shoes before entering the temple.

Modest Clothing: Wear long pants or skirts that cover your knees when visiting temples.
Removing Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering the temple to show respect.
Bowing to Buddhas: Bow gently when you approach a Buddha statue as a sign of reverence.

During the tea ceremony, listen carefully to the host's instructions and drink slowly. Refuse a second cup politely.

Careful Listening: Pay attention to your host's instructions on how to hold, prepare, and drink the tea.
Slow Drinking: Drink your tea slowly to savor its unique flavors.
Polite Refusal: Gently decline a second cup of tea by saying 'xie xie,' which means 'thank you.'

Karaoke is a popular pastime in Yicheng. Be respectful of others' song choices and avoid singing inappropriate songs.

Respect Others' Choices: Allow others to choose their songs without interfering.
Avoid Inappropriate Songs: Choose songs that are appropriate for a public setting and do not contain explicit lyrics.
Taking Turns: Take turns singing, giving others an opportunity to join in the fun.

In Yicheng business meetings, punctuality is essential. Shake hands at the start and end of the meeting.

Punctuality: Arrive on time for your meeting to show respect for the other party.
Shaking Hands: Shake hands with everyone present at the start and end of the meeting.
Mindful Listening: Listen attentively during discussions, and ask thoughtful questions to show engagement in the conversation.

When eating street food, use disposable chopsticks and avoid wasting food. Wait your turn if a stall is busy.

Disposable Chopsticks: Use the disposable chopsticks provided, as reusing them can spread germs.
Avoid Wasting Food: Finish your food and avoid leaving uneaten portions on the plate to show respect for the vendor's work.
Patience During Busy Times: Wait your turn if a stall is busy, rather than pushing ahead of others in line.

In Yicheng, gifts are often wrapped in red or golden wrapping paper. Gifts should be wrapped neatly and tied with a ribbon.

Red or Golden Wrapping: Choose red or golden wrapping paper to represent luck, prosperity, and happiness.
Neat Wrapping: Wrap your gifts neatly with a ribbon for a polished appearance.
Gift Contents Hidden: Ensure the gift contents are hidden when wrapping to maintain an element of surprise.

Yicheng is a bike-friendly city. Always yield to pedestrians and use bike lanes when available.

Yielding to Pedestrians: Always give way to pedestrians on shared paths or crosswalks.
Use Bike Lanes: Use bike lanes when they are available to keep yourself and others safe.
Proper Braking: Apply the brakes gently when stopping to avoid skidding or swerving.

At Yicheng's Drum Tower, respect the performances by keeping quiet and avoiding flash photography.

Quiet Audience: Remain silent during performances to show your appreciation for the artists.
No Flash Photography: Avoid using flash photography as it can disturb the performers and other audience members.
Attentive Listening: Listen carefully to the drumming performances for an immersive cultural experience.

In public pools, wear a swimming cap and shower before entering the water.

Swimming Cap Required: Wear a swimming cap to protect your hair from chlorine.
Shower Before Swimming: Take a shower before entering the pool to avoid contaminating the water.
Pool Rules Respect: Follow all pool rules, such as no diving in shallow areas and using designated lanes for swimming.

In a calligraphy class, observe quietly and be patient as you learn the art.

Patience: Learning calligraphy takes time, so be patient with yourself and your progress.
Attentive Observation: Watch the instructor closely to learn proper techniques and strokes.
Respectful Learning Environment: Maintain a quiet, respectful atmosphere in the classroom to focus on your learning.