Local Customs & Etiquette in Yingtan, China

1. Temples Visit Etiquette

Respect temple rules such as dressing modestly, not pointing fingers, and removing shoes before entering.

Dress Code: Long pants and sleeved shirts are required for both men and women.
Shoes Removal: Shoe racks are provided at the entrance of temples for visitors to store their shoes.
Silence Inside Temples: Talking inside temples should be kept to a minimum out of respect for those praying.

Exchange business cards with both hands and bow slightly.

Handshake Alternative: In Yingtan, business card exchanges are more common than handshakes.
Card Orientation: Hold the business card with both hands and orient it so the other person can read it easily.
Bowing: A slight bow is a polite gesture when exchanging business cards.

Use chopsticks properly and don't stick them vertically in rice.

Chopstick Usage: Hold the chopsticks near the tip and use a back-and-forth motion to pick up food.
Vertical Rice Stick: In Yingtan, it's considered impolite to stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice.
Slurping Noodles: Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows that you enjoy the food.

Give up your seat to elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.

Seat Availability: Look for empty seats before sitting down in public transportation.
Consideration for Others: Avoid taking up more than one seat and keep personal space minimal.
Respecting Elders: Offer your seat to elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities whenever possible.

Negotiate prices politely without causing offence.

Politeness: Use a friendly and respectful tone when negotiating.
Understanding Market Prices: Know the standard prices of goods in Yingtan's markets before haggling.
Agreement Signal: Close a deal by nodding your head or saying 'háo' (好), meaning 'good' or 'okay'.

Show appreciation for the host's hospitality by complimenting the tea and bowing.

Complimenting the Tea: Express your admiration for the taste and aroma of the tea.
Bowing: Bow slightly to show gratitude towards the host.
Accepting Second Cup: It's considered impolite to refuse a second cup of tea during a ceremony.

Give tips to tour guides if they provide excellent service.

Appropriate Tip Amount: A tip of around 10-20% of the tour price is customary.
Tip Presentation: Offer your tip discreetly and respectfully, without causing discomfort.
Thanking the Guide: Express your gratitude to the guide for their hard work and knowledge.

Always carry toilet paper or tissues as public toilets may not provide it.

Toilet Paper: Always keep some toilet paper or tissues in your bag.
Toilet Fees: Public toilets often charge a small fee, usually around 1 RMB.
Cleanliness: Expect some level of cleanliness but be prepared for less-than-ideal conditions.

Respect local customs during holidays like Mid-Autumn Festival and Dragon Boat Festival.

Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncakes: Give mooncakes to friends and family during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Dragon Boat Festival Zongzi: Enjoy eating zongzi, a sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Greetings and Wishes: Exchange greetings and well wishes with others during holidays.

Use chopsticks properly, don't pour your own drinks, and don't start eating until the host invites you.

Chopstick Usage: Hold the chopsticks near the tip and use a back-and-forth motion to pick up food.
Drink Pouring: Let others pour your drinks as a sign of respect.
Wait for Host's Invitation: Avoid starting to eat until the host invites you.

Make offerings such as incense sticks or money at temples.

Choose appropriate gifts for different occasions, such as red envelopes during Chinese New Year.

Red Envelope Gifts: Give red envelopes containing money during Chinese New Year.
Birthday Gifts: Choose thoughtful gifts for friends and family on their birthdays.
Consideration of Recipient: Understand the recipient's preferences and needs before choosing a gift.

Bow slightly when greeting someone, use their name followed by 'xìngqìng' (请), and shake hands.

Politeness: Greet people politely and with respect.
Handshake vs. Bowing: Choose either a handshake or a bow depending on the situation and the person's preference.
Using Names: Use the other person's name followed by 'xìngqìng' (请) to show respect and politeness.

Accept invitations graciously and show up on time.

Gracious Acceptance: Accept invitations with a smile and express appreciation.
Punctuality: Arrive on time to show respect for the host's plans and schedule.
Gifts for Host: Bring a small gift for your host as a gesture of appreciation.

Follow traffic rules and drive slowly in residential areas.

Traffic Rules: Always obey local traffic laws.
Residential Area Speed Limits: Drive slowly in residential areas as children and pets may be present.
Giving Way to Pedestrians: Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and give them the right-of-way.