etiquette
All travel guides tagged with "etiquette".
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chinaChina Buddhist Temple Etiquette Guide: How to Visit Respectfully and What to Expect
Navigate Buddhist temples in China with confidence — the correct behaviour when entering temples, what the different hall types contain, the meaning of the rituals you'll observe, which temples are active religious sites versus tourist attractions, how to participate in incense burning if you choose to, and the etiquette for interacting with monks and nuns.
Updated May 2026
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toolkitChina Etiquette & Cultural Customs Guide 2026: What to Know Before You Go
Essential cultural knowledge for China visitors — the 'face' (面子) concept and why it matters in every social interaction, dining etiquette (never stick chopsticks upright in rice, always pour for others before yourself), the shoes-off custom at some homes and guesthouses, bargaining norms (expected in markets, never in malls), and the customs around exchanging contact information via WeChat.
Updated May 2026
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toolkitGift Giving & Social Etiquette in China 2026: What to Give, What to Avoid
Gift giving etiquette in China — the gifts to avoid (clocks symbolise death, pears symbolise separation, green hats are an adultery reference), good gifts (quality tea, wine, fruit), the Chinese practice of not opening gifts immediately, the red envelope (hongbao) tradition, and basic social etiquette around meals (the host orders, the host pours drinks, the host pays).
Updated May 2026
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toolkitVisiting Temples in China 2026: Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian & Mosque Etiquette
How to visit China's temples, mosques, and sacred sites respectfully — the dress code at Buddhist and Taoist temples, which side of a threshold to step over, when photography is and isn't allowed, the difference between Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and folk religion temples (most visitors can't tell them apart), and what the red envelopes and offerings actually mean.
Updated May 2026
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toolkitTipping in China 2026: Where to Tip, Where Not to & Service Culture Explained
Tipping culture in China — the short answer (China doesn't have a tipping culture and tipping can sometimes be refused or cause embarrassment), where it's expected or appreciated (Western-style restaurants, tour guides, massage therapists, hotel porters), and how service culture in China works differently to the West (service is included, not contingent on tips).
Updated May 2026
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