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.