What are China's social taboos (e.g., gift-giving, photography)?
PM 23:07 2025/04/22
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Social Taboos in China (Gift-Giving, Photography, and Other Common Precautions)

Understanding local social taboos while traveling in China can help you better integrate into the cultural environment and avoid misunderstandings. Below are detailed explanations categorized accordingly:


1. Gift-Giving Taboos

  1. Item Selection
  2. Clocks: Should not be given as gifts ("sending a clock" sounds like "sending someone off," symbolizing death).
  3. Umbrellas or Pears: Avoid giving them ("umbrella" sounds like "scatter," "pear" sounds like "separate," implying separation).
  4. Shoes: Some people consider it taboo (symbolizing "leaving" or "going away").
  5. White or Black Packaging: Use cautiously in festive occasions (traditionally associated with funerals).
  6. Sharp Items: Such as knives, which may imply "cutting ties."

  7. Quantity and Amount

  8. Prefer Even Numbers: Avoid odd numbers for red envelopes or gifts (odd numbers are used for funerals, even numbers for celebrations).
  9. Avoid Number 4: Its pronunciation resembles "death"; instead, choose auspicious numbers like 6 (smooth), 8 (prosperity), and 9 (longevity).

  10. Gift-Giving Etiquette

  11. Use Both Hands: Show respect, especially when presenting gifts to elders or business partners.
  12. Do Not Open Gifts Immediately: Unless the recipient asks, avoid opening gifts in front of the giver.

2. Photography Taboos

  1. Taking Pictures of People
  2. Ask Permission: Always seek consent before photographing strangers (especially elders or children); some ethnic minority regions are sensitive about this.
  3. Religious Ceremonies: Temples, mosques, etc., may prohibit photographing statues or worship activities; follow posted guidelines.

  4. Venue Restrictions

  5. Military or Government Facilities: Strictly forbidden, as it could involve national security issues.
  6. Museums and Antiques: Flash photography and tripods are often prohibited; some exhibits cannot be photographed at all (check signs).
  7. Religious Sites: In Tibetan Buddhist temples, follow clockwise walking rules and avoid touching scriptures.

  8. Drone Usage

  9. Apply in Advance: Notify local police departments and avoid restricted areas (e.g., central Beijing, airport surroundings).

3. Dining Etiquette Taboos

  1. Seating Arrangements
  2. Respect the Host Seat: The seat facing the door in a round table setting is reserved for elders or the host.

  3. Chopstick Usage

  4. Never Stick Chopsticks Upright: This resembles funeral rituals and is considered unlucky.
  5. Avoid Pointing or Tapping: Using chopsticks to point at others or tap bowls is impolite.

  6. Eating Habits

  7. Do Not Stir Dishes Excessively: Pick food from the top rather than searching through the dish.
  8. Wait for the Host: Begin eating only after the host or elders have started.
  9. Avoid Leaving Food: Try to finish everything in your bowl, symbolizing appreciation.

4. Public Behavior Taboos

  1. Conduct
  2. Avoid Loud Talking: Keep quiet in places like subways or museums.
  3. Queue Properly: Cutting in line is highly frowned upon; follow order.

  4. Sensitive Topics

  5. Politics and Religion: Avoid discussing Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, or other territorial issues.
  6. Personal Privacy: Do not ask about income, age (especially women), or marital status during first meetings.

  7. Physical Contact

  8. Moderate Handshakes: A light handshake is sufficient in business settings; avoid hugging or kissing unless in close relationships.

5. Additional Precautions

  1. Temples and Historical Sites
  2. Threshold Taboo: Do not step on temple thresholds (it symbolizes "tripping Buddha"); step over them.
  3. Walk Clockwise: In Tibetan Buddhist temples, walk in a clockwise direction.

  4. Tipping Culture

  5. Not Mandatory: There is no tipping tradition in China, but small tips may be appreciated at high-end hotels or by tour guides.

  6. Language Communication

  7. Avoid Negative Words: Such as "ghost" or "death"; use euphemisms instead.

Practical Suggestions

  • Learn Simple Chinese Phrases: Like "thank you" (xièxie) and "excuse me" (bù hǎo yìsi) can resolve many awkward situations.
  • Carry Cash: Some remote areas may not support mobile payments.
  • Respect Local Customs: Ethnic minority regions (such as Yunnan or Tibet) have significant cultural differences that should be researched beforehand.
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Anything you want to know about China travel, such as visa, guide, destination, transportation, accommodation, local foods ect.