China is welcoming and easy to travel, and most social rules are gentler than visitors expect. Still, a handful of habits smooth the way and a few genuine mistakes are worth avoiding. Here are the do's and don'ts that matter on a first trip, covering dining, etiquette, temples and the things that quietly cause offence. For the practical side of planning, see our China travel guide and our China travel tips.
At the table
Meals are shared and social, and the table is where most etiquette lives.
- Do take from the shared dishes in the centre, a little at a time, onto your own bowl.
- Do try a bit of everything offered. Refusing a host's dish outright can seem cold.
- Don't stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. It resembles incense at a funeral.
- Don't tap or point with chopsticks, or use them to spear food.
- Do let the host order and pour tea. Tapping two fingers on the table is a quiet thank you.
Money and tipping
- Don't tip in restaurants or taxis. It is not customary and can cause confusion.
- Do set up Alipay or WeChat Pay, since even small stalls prefer the apps to cash.
- Don't haggle in shops and supermarkets. Bargaining is only for markets and clearly touristy stalls.
Respect and social face
- Do accept a business card or gift with both hands, and take a moment to look at a card before putting it away.
- Don't raise your voice or show visible anger in a dispute. Staying calm keeps everyone's dignity intact.
- Do expect directness. Comments that sound blunt are rarely meant as rude.
- Don't push political conversations with people you have just met.
Temples, sites and photography
- Do keep your voice down inside temples and dress modestly at religious sites.
- Don't photograph military sites, checkpoints or some government buildings. This is enforced.
- Do ask before photographing people close up, especially older residents.
- Do carry your passport, since you need it to enter stations, hotels and major attractions.
The mistakes first timers make
- Leaving the visa too late, when biometrics and review take time.
- Arriving without a payment app or a way around the blocked apps.
- Not booking the Forbidden City or Terracotta Warriors, which use timed slots that sell out.
- Travelling during Golden Week or Chinese New Year without knowing what those dates mean.
- Assuming English is widely spoken once you leave the hotel lobby.
If you would rather have the logistics handled for you, compare a China tour package to see what a bundled trip covers.
Frequently asked questions
What should you not do in China?
Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice, do not tip, and do not photograph military or government sites. Beyond that, avoid raising your voice in disputes and do not leave the visa or big site bookings to the last minute.
Is tipping rude in China?
It is not rude, but it is not expected and can cause confusion in restaurants and taxis. Simply paying the bill is normal and polite.
What are the most common etiquette mistakes tourists make?
Chopstick errors, trying to tip, haggling where prices are fixed, and being loud in temples. All are easy to avoid once you know them, and locals are forgiving of honest mistakes.
More China travel guides
- China Travel Guide: Visas, Cities, Costs and How to Plan a First Trip
- China Travel Tips: 20 Things to Know Before You Go
- Is It Safe to Travel to China? An Honest Guide
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