Detailed Explanation of Quiet Norms in Chinese Public Places (Museums, Subways, etc.)

In China, quiet norms in public places are an important part of social civility etiquette. Below are specific guidelines for venues such as museums and subways, which will help you follow local rules and integrate into the cultural environment.

1. Quiet Norms in Museums

1. Prohibition of Loud Talking
2. Conversations inside museums should be kept at a low volume; shouting or sudden loud noises (such as laughter or exclamations) should be avoided.

3. Mobile phones should be set to silent or vibration mode, and phone calls should be taken outside the museum or in designated areas.

4. Prohibition of Flash Photography and Noisy Equipment

5. Some exhibits (such as paintings and textiles) are sensitive to light, so flash photography or use of fill lights is prohibited.

6. Selfie sticks, megaphones, and other devices that may disturb others are not allowed.

7. Quiet Conversations During Group Tours

8. Tour guides should use earpieces or speak softly during group tours, while tourists should focus on listening and avoid分散discussions分散.

9. Parents should guide children to control their volume; some museums have dedicated activity areas for children.

10. No Touching Exhibits or Running

11. Visitors are usually not allowed to touch exhibits (even if there is no glass cover), and should maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter.

12. Running or fast movements inside the museum are prohibited to avoid disturbing others' viewing experience.

13. Special Exhibitions and Photography Restrictions

14. Temporary special exhibitions may completely prohibit photography, so it's necessary to check signs or ask staff beforehand.
15. For religious exhibits (such as Buddha statues), flash photography should be avoided, and some venues may prohibit taking photos altogether.

Consequences of Violation: Minor offenses will result in verbal reminders from staff; serious disturbances (such as damaging exhibits) may lead to fines or legal responsibility.

2. Quiet Norms on Subways

1. Prohibition of Loud Talking and Phone Conversations
2. Loud talking or long phone conversations inside subway cars should be avoided; if necessary, keep them brief and lower your voice.

3. This is especially important during peak hours (7:30-9:00 AM, 5:00-7:00 PM).

4. Restrictions on Electronic Device Usage

5. When watching videos or listening to music, headphones must be used, and the volume should be kept low enough not to disturb others.

6. Playing sounds out loud (such as short video clips or game sound effects) is prohibited.

7. Prohibition of Sales Pitches and Performances

8. Commercial pitches, begging, or impromptu performances are not allowed in subways (some cities allow licensed street performers, but prior approval is required).

9. Orderly Boarding/Alighting and Seat Etiquette

10. Queue up when boarding or alighting, and avoid pushing or rushing.

11. Priority seats (for elderly, weak, sick, disabled, and pregnant individuals) should be offered to those in need even if they are unoccupied.

12. Child and Pet Management

13. Children should be restrained from running or crying, and pets are allowed in some cities but must be caged.
14. Eating inside subway cars is prohibited except for drinking water.

Consequences of Violation: Subway staff or volunteers will issue warnings, and serious offenders may face fines (for example, Beijing subway regulations stipulate a maximum fine of 500 yuan).

3. General Suggestions and Precautions

1. Observe Signs and Prompts
2. Pay attention to bilingual signs in Chinese and English (such as "Keep Quiet" or "Silence").

3. Some venues use icons for prompts (e.g., "No Flash Photography").

4. Adapting to Cultural Differences

5. The tolerance for noise in Chinese public places is relatively low, so it is advisable to consciously lower your speaking volume.

6. If you're unsure whether your behavior complies with the rules, observe the conduct of locals around you or consult with the staff.

7. Practical Tools Preparation

8. Download translation apps (such as Tencent Translation) for emergency communication needs.
9. Bring noise-canceling headphones to cope with long subway or high-speed rail journeys.