Culture & Etiquette Cheat Sheet

Politeness, temples, food, and the unspoken rules that smooth every interaction in China.

Updated 2026-07-20

Everyday etiquette

Bowing is not common — a nod and smile work everywhere. Wait to be seated by the host at formal meals. Chopsticks point down, never straight up in a bowl.

Gifts: two is an auspicious number
Business cards: present with both hands

Temples & photography

Remove hats in temples, don't point at statues, and ask before photographing monks. Some sites ban tripods.