Etiquette and Taboos: The Complete Guide to Behavior

Forms of Address

• Strangers: Just say "Hello" or "Excuse me" to service staff. For elders, you can use "Auntie," "Uncle," or "Master" (for drivers, craftsmen).
• Do not call by first name: Chinese people tend to use titles or relationship-based addresses ("Director Li," "Teacher Zhang") even in informal situations.
• "You" vs. "Nin": Use "Nin" with elders and service staff for more politeness.

Gift Giving

• Numbers: Avoid 4 (sounds like "death"). 8 (prosperity), 6 (smooth), 9 (long-lasting) are lucky numbers.
• Avoid: clocks (associated with funerals), shoes (evil), umbrellas (dispersal), pears (separation, especially when shared), green hats.
• Packaging: Red and gold are festive colors. White and black are for funerals; gifts should avoid all-white packaging.
• Hand over with both hands: This is basic courtesy.
• Do not open gifts in front of the giver: The Chinese custom is to receive the gift and set it aside, opening it later.

Dining Etiquette

• See the "Ordering Practice" section. Additionally: Do not move your favorite dish entirely to your own side and monopolize it.
• When toasting, keep your cup lower than the other person (shows respect).
• Do not point the teapot spout at people.
• Tapping the bowl: considered beggar behavior and is taboo.

Queuing and Public Behavior

• Queueing awareness is improving but still inconsistent: Queues can be cut in busy places (security, ticket counters, buses). Gentle reminders usually work.
• Volume: Noise levels in public spaces are higher than abroad. This is not targeted at you, and you do not need to match that volume.
• Personal space: Public areas in China are crowded; this is normal and does not require apologies or receiving apologies.
• Offering your seat: It is generally expected to give up your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or those holding children.

Places of Worship

• Temples: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered); do not step on thresholds (men step left, women right); do not photograph Buddha statues inside halls; do not tamper with ritual instruments.
• Taoist Temples: Similar to monasteries.
• Mosques: Non-Muslims are usually not allowed to enter the prayer hall; women need to cover their heads (most mosques provide coverings at the entrance).
• Potala Palace and Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries: Walk and turn prayer wheels clockwise (Bön religion is counterclockwise); do not touch Buddha statues or ritual instruments; do not point at Buddha statues.
• Prayer Wheels: Turn clockwise.
• Sky Burials: Strictly forbidden to watch or photograph; this is the most sensitive topic in Tibet.

Sensitive Topics

• It is inappropriate to discuss political topics with strangers; this is common social etiquette in China.
• Use standardized terms when referring to ethnic groups and regions.

Money and Transactions

• Bargaining at Markets: In places without fixed prices (antiques, wholesale, some souvenirs) bargaining is possible, usually starting at 30–50% of the initial price.
• Tipping: Tipping is not common in China. Restaurants, taxis, and hotels do not require tips. Satisfaction payments for tour guides and drivers are separate (optional, usually 100–300 RMB/day).
• Invoices: Can be requested, generally not needed for individual travelers.

Photography

• Ask before photographing people, especially monks, ethnic minorities, and market vendors.
• Military facilities and checkpoints: Photography is prohibited.
• Private locations: Ask before taking photos inside restaurants and small shops.