Customs in China
Traditions, symbolism, lucky and unlucky numbers, festivals, and family customs.
Public Park Etiquette in China: Morning Exercise, Square Dancing, and Shared Spaces
When visiting Chinese public parks, observe group activities like tai chi and square dancing from a respectful distance, keep noise levels moderate, and never i…
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Chinese School Etiquette for Expat Parents: Teacher Relationships, Gifts, and Meetings
In Chinese schools, building respectful relationships with teachers through appropriate gift-giving and active participation in parent-teacher meetings is essen…
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Taking Didi in China: Etiquette, Rating System, and What Chinese Drivers Expect
Didi is China's essential ride-hailing service, and understanding local etiquette around pickup points, communication, and the rating system ensures smooth trip…
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Chinese Massage and Spa Etiquette: What Foreigners Need to Know Before Going In
Always remove your shoes at the entrance and follow the staff's guidance on changing into provided garments—Chinese spas operate on a strict hygiene protocol. N…
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Renting an Apartment in China as a Foreigner: Landlord Relations and Unwritten Rules
Renting in China as a foreigner requires building personal trust with landlords, often through real estate agencies, and understanding that relationship-buildin…
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Temple Etiquette in China: What to Wear, What Not to Do, What the Rituals Mean
When visiting Chinese temples, foreigners should dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees, remove hats and sunglasses, and follow local customs like bowin…
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China vs Japan Etiquette: 12 Key Differences Foreigners Always Mix Up
China and Japan share Confucian roots but have distinct etiquette practices. In China, communication tends to be more direct with hierarchical customs, while Ja…
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WeChat Pay & Alipay for Foreigners 2026: Setup, Etiquette, and What to Do When It Fails
Foreigners can now use WeChat Pay and Alipay by linking international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through the 'Foreign Card' feature. For …
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Chengdu Etiquette: What Foreigners Get Wrong in China's Most Relaxed City
Chengdu is more relaxed than Beijing or Shanghai, but foreigners still commonly make mistakes with tea etiquette, tipping, bargaining, and social dining customs…
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Beijing Etiquette for Foreigners: Rules That Actually Matter in the Capital
Beijing etiquette centers on showing respect through proper greetings, gift-giving, and dining customs. Always use both hands for business cards, avoid sticking…
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Shanghai Etiquette for Foreigners: What's Different Here vs the Rest of China
Shanghai blends international business customs with Chinese traditions in ways that differ significantly from Beijing and smaller cities. As China's most global…
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How Chinese People Apologize: Why 'I'm Sorry' Is Sometimes Not Enough
In China, “I’m sorry” often isn’t enough—context and action matter more than the phrase itself. 不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi) covers everything from “excuse me” to deep re…
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Eye Contact in China: When Looking Away Is Actually More Respectful
In China, sustained direct eye contact with seniors or authority figures can signal challenge, not confidence. Instead, lower your gaze slightly or look away pe…
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Personal Space in China: Why Someone Is Standing So Close (And It's Not Rude)
In China, close physical proximity isn’t rudeness—it’s a practical response to dense urban living, where space is scarce and efficiency rules. With over 1.4 bil…
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Humor in China: What Makes Chinese People Laugh (and What Gets You in Trouble)
Chinese humor thrives on wordplay, puns, and self-deprecating jokes about everyday struggles—like surviving hot summers or office life—rather than sarcasm or ir…
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China's Elastic Time Culture: When 'Around 7' Means 7:20 (And That's Fine)
In China, "around 7" (七点左右) often means 7:20, and arriving early can actually signal over-eagerness. Social gatherings follow flexible time, while business meet…
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Chinese Modesty: Why '哪里哪里' Doesn't Mean 'Where, Where?' (Compliment Guide)
When a Chinese person says “哪里哪里” (nǎlǐ nǎlǐ), they’re not asking for directions—it’s a humble way of saying “I don’t deserve your praise.” Similarly, “还行吧” (há…
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The 3 Layers of Chinese Face (Mianzi): Dignity, Grandeur, Influence
Chinese face operates on three levels: 尊严 (zūnyán, dignity) — the baseline right not to be humiliated; 排场 (páichǎng, social grandeur) — the display of respect t…
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China Parcel Delivery Guide: Lockers, Stations & Door Delivery
In China, couriers typically leave packages at smart lockers (快递柜) or pickup stations (菜鸟驿站) rather than delivering to your door. You'll receive a pickup code v…
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China Waste Sorting: A Foreigner's Practical Guide
Learn the 4-category system (recyclables, hazardous, food waste, other), but always check your specific compound's rules. Listen for the music signal to bring o…
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Chinese Property Management (物业): What They Do & How to Use Them
物业 handles common areas, security, and community coordination—not private repairs. Pay your 物业费 on time, join the WeChat group, and file complaints with specifi…
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Medical Emergencies in China: What Foreigners Must Know
Call 120 (yāo-èr-líng) for life-threatening emergencies, or go directly to the nearest Grade 3-A hospital's emergency department (急诊科 Jízhěn Kē) for serious but…
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Buying Medicine in China: Pharmacy Guide for Foreigners
Look for pharmacies with a green cross sign (药). Most common OTC meds are available without a prescription, but antibiotics and many other drugs require a presc…
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China's IV Drip Culture: Why So Many Drips and Can You Refuse?
China's IV drip culture stems from historical patient demand for faster recovery and over-prescription in some clinics, though the government has cracked down o…
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