Local Customs & Etiquette in Zijinglu, China

1. Zijinglu Market Etiquette

Respect local vendors by negotiating prices politely and avoid touching goods without asking. Always haggle with a smile.

Patience: Be patient when haggling for better prices, as vendors may take time to agree.
Respectful Tone: Maintain a friendly and respectful tone when negotiating prices.
Avoiding Physical Touch: Avoid touching goods without asking the vendor first.

Remove shoes before entering temples and avoid speaking loudly. Show respect by bowing slightly upon entry.

Proper Footwear: Carry socks to wear inside temples if necessary.
Silent Reflection: Maintain silence and reflect during temple visits.
Cultural Respect: Show respect for the local culture and religion when visiting temples.

Offer your seat to elderly or pregnant passengers. Avoid eating on public transport.

Courtesy Seat Offering: Always offer your seat to those who need it.
Food Restriction: Avoid eating on public transport to maintain cleanliness.
Considerate Space Management: Leave enough space for others when standing in crowded vehicles.

Chopsticks should never be left sticking vertically in a bowl as it resembles incense offered to the dead.

Respectful Dining: Avoid any actions that could be perceived as disrespectful during meals.
Chopstick Positioning: Always place chopsticks horizontally on the table when not in use.
Table Manners: Follow basic table manners, such as not speaking with a full mouth and chewing politely.

Avoid gift wrap when giving gifts, as white is associated with funerals. Gifts should be wrapped in colorful paper or a bag.

Cultural Awareness: Be aware of the local customs and avoid gifting white items.
Appropriate Wrapping: Wrap gifts in colorful paper or a bag instead of white wrap.
Gift Choices: Choose gifts that are culturally appropriate and thoughtful.

Use the word 'Ni Hao' (Hello) when greeting people. Shaking hands is common among businesspeople and foreigners.

Polite Greeting: Greet people politely, using 'Ni Hao'.
Business Handshake: Shake hands with business partners or foreigners as a sign of respect.
Informal Greetings: Address friends by their first name followed by '-Xue' (meaning student) to show respect.

Avoid spitting in public places and avoid pointing with one finger. Use a thumb instead.

Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness by not spitting in public.
Respectful Gestures: Use the thumb instead of the index finger when pointing to show respect.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be sensitive to local customs and avoid offensive behaviors.

Avoid showing too much interest in an item when bargaining, as it may increase the price. Bargain politely and with a smile.

Politeness: Bargain politely and maintain a friendly demeanor.
Moderation: Avoid showing too much interest in an item to negotiate a better price.
Persistence: Be persistent but not aggressive when bargaining for lower prices.

Tipping is generally not expected in Zijinglu. However, if you feel the service was exceptional, a small tip might be appreciated.

No Expectation: Tips are not expected but can be given for exceptional service.
Cultural Differences: Understand that tipping customs may differ from your home country.
Graciousness: If you choose to tip, do so graciously and privately.

Wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating. Finish your meal before leaving the table.

Respectful Timing: Wait for the oldest person to begin eating.
Cultural Significance: Dining etiquette shows respect to elders in Chinese culture.
Proper Table Manner: Finish your meal before leaving the table.

When making a toast, fill others' glasses first before filling your own. Clink glasses gently.

Respectful Action: Fill others' glasses before filling your own when making a toast.
Gentle Clinking: Clink glasses gently when toasting.
Appropriate Toast Time: Toast at appropriate times, such as during celebrations or meetings.

Always be punctual for appointments and meetings. Arrive a few minutes early to show respect.

Offer your business card with both hands and receive cards the same way. Study the recipient's card carefully before responding.

Respectful Handling: Handle business cards respectfully by offering them with both hands.
Thorough Review: Study the recipient's card carefully before responding.
Cultural Significance: Business card exchange shows respect and professionalism in Chinese culture.

Refuse gifts several times before accepting them to show humility. Offer something in return if possible.

Humility Display: Refuse gifts several times before accepting them.
Appropriate Response: Offer something in return if possible when receiving a gift.
Cultural Consideration: Understand the cultural significance of gift-giving in Zijinglu.

During public holidays, visit temples or family graves. Avoid unnecessary travel to show respect for the holiday.

Respectful Observance: Show respect during public holidays by visiting temples or family graves.
Avoid Traveling Unnecessarily: Avoid unnecessary travel to show respect for the holiday.
Cultural Importance: Understand the cultural and historical significance of public holidays in Zijinglu.