Last updated: May 2026. In China, daily interaction runs on unspoken rules—nothing posted on signs, but widely understood. Etiquette isn’t about memorizing a list; it’s about not disturbing, not offending, and keeping a sense of proportion. In most situations, being polite and smiling is enough.
The Real Rule
There’s no single “etiquette manual” on the wall; habits differ by place and generation. In cities, younger people take handshakes, nods, and photography in stride; at temples and in more traditional settings, quiet and decorum matter more.
The common thread: If you’re respectful and a bit reserved, you’re unlikely to offend. Locals care more that you mean well than that you get every detail right.
Where mix-ups often happen:
- Greetings: Handshakes are widely fine; hugs and cheek-kissing are not the norm with strangers or in formal settings.
- Photos: Buildings, streets, and food are fair game. For strangers, Buddha images, or religious rituals, ask first or follow on-site signs.
- Temples and heritage sites: Keep your voice down, don’t shout, don’t touch artifacts or statues. That’s usually enough.
- Gifts: Refusing once or twice is often politeness, not a real no. Giving and receiving with both hands is the polite norm.
How to Handle It
Greetings and Forms of Address
- Handshakes are common in business and first meetings; a nod or smile is also fine.
- Use “nín hǎo” (您好) instead of “nǐ hǎo” (你好) with elders or in formal situations.
- Don’t hug or kiss on the cheek with people you don’t know well—unless they initiate or clearly follow Western style.
- “Sir,” “Madam,” or “lǎoshī” (老师, for someone you respect) are safe; when in doubt, a smile and “nǐ hǎo” work.
Photography
- Scenery, streets, food: Shoot freely.
- Locals: For close-ups or clear portraits, signal or ask first—a wave, nod, or smile at the camera. If they wave you off or turn away, stop.
- Temples and museums: Many halls ban photography or flash; check signs or staff. Don’t block others with tripods or selfie sticks.
- Buddha and deity statues: Plenty of places don’t allow frontal photos or flash; follow the rules.
Temples and Religious Sites
- Quiet and dress: Keep noise down. Avoid very revealing clothes (sleeveless, very short shorts/skirts); some temples may turn you away or offer a wrap.
- Pointing and circulation: Don’t point directly at statues with your finger; follow on-site direction for walking (often clockwise).
- Inside halls: No eating, drinking, or smoking. Donations are optional.
Not sure if you can photograph a hall? Check notices at the entrance or inside, or ask staff: “Zhèlǐ kěyǐ pāizhào ma?” (这里可以拍照吗？ — Can I take photos here?)
Gifts and Handing Things Over
- What to give: No need for expensive items; thought counts. Tea, small snacks, or souvenirs from home are all appropriate.
- When they decline (“búyòng búyòng,” “tài kèqì le” — no need, you’re too kind), it’s often politeness. Offer once or twice more; you can say “yīdiǎn xīnyì” (一点心意) or “xiǎo yìsi” (小意思) and hand it over. Don’t force it.
- Giving and receiving: Use both hands, especially with elders or in formal settings.
- Avoid: Clocks, pears (sound-related taboos), knives or scissors. When unsure, choose something neutral.
Dining and Toasting
- Start eating after the host or elders have picked up their chopsticks.
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in the rice bowl (resembles incense); don’t point at people with chopsticks.
- When toasting, lower your glass slightly below the other person’s to show respect. You don’t have to drain your glass; pace yourself.
For payment and tipping, see Tipping in China.
Queues and Public Spaces
- Queue at metro, bus, and ticket counters; cutting in draws disapproval.
- In many cities, stand on the right on escalators.
- Loud phone calls or playing audio/video in carriages or indoors will get looks—keep it down or use headphones.
What Most Guides Don’t Tell You
Urban vs. rural and age:
In big cities and among younger people, “international” norms are familiar—handshakes, no hugging, asking before photos. In more traditional or small-town settings, or with older people, formality and terms of address matter more; “nín hǎo” and two-handed passing of items go a long way.
Temples and museums:
Rules vary: some ban all photography, some only flash. When in doubt, follow on-site notices.
When someone corrects you:
If someone kindly says “you can’t photograph here” or similar, thank them, stop, and don’t feel embarrassed.
Quick Reference
DO:
• Greet with a handshake or nod; use “nín hǎo” when unsure—works in most situations
• Signal or ask before photographing people; check notices in temples and museums before shooting
• Keep quiet and dress modestly in temples and heritage sites; don’t point at statues
• Use both hands to give and receive; offer a refused gift once or twice more
• Queue, keep right on escalators, and keep volume low indoors
DON’T:
• Hug or kiss on the cheek with people you don’t know well
• Photograph or use flash where it’s forbidden
• Stick chopsticks in rice or point at people with them
• Pressure others to drink or empty their glass
• Cut in line or play audio aloud in transit or indoors
FAQ
Q: Is it okay to shake hands with strangers or business contacts?
Yes. Handshakes are standard in business and first meetings; a nod or smile is also acceptable. If unsure, wait for them to extend a hand or offer yours—it’s rarely refused.
Q: Do I always need permission to take photos?
Not for scenery, buildings, or food. For clear shots of strangers, it’s better to signal or ask first; in temples and museums, follow “no photography” or “no flash” signs.
Q: What should I wear in temples?
Avoid sleeveless tops, straps, and very short shorts or skirts. Some temples lend wraps at the entrance. There’s no nationwide rule; follow what’s posted.
Q: What if they keep refusing my gift?
Refusing once or twice is often politeness. Say “yīdiǎn xīnyì” (a small token) and offer again; if they still decline, respect that and don’t insist.
Q: What are the main chopstick taboos?
Don’t stand chopsticks upright in the rice bowl; don’t point at people with them; don’t dig or flip through dishes. Start after the host or elders have begun.
Everyday etiquette in China boils down to: respect the setting, don’t disturb others, and communicate in good faith. Get that right and a trip or short stay will go smoothly. If you forget the details, politeness and a smile still work everywhere.
Related Guides:
- Tipping in China
- Chinese Toilets: A Visitor’s Survival Guide
- How to Pay in China
- Beijing City Guide — city-guide) (customs vary by city; pair with your destination)
- Shanghai City Guide
Etiquette and customs vary by place; when in doubt, follow local practice.