Chinese Customs & Traditions
Practical customs for visitors: greetings, dining, gifts, face culture, and public manners—what to do, what to skip, and how to recover from mistakes.
Read MoreChinese Culture & Food 2026
Discover the rich culture and delicious cuisine of China
From the spicy Sichuan hot pot to the delicate Cantonese dim sum, from the ancient traditions to the modern festivals, experience the real China.
Chinese Cuisine Guide
Regional dishes, street food, and must-try meals across China
Chinese Dining Etiquette
Table manners, toasting, seating rules, and dining customs
Chinese Festivals
Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn, Dragon Boat, and how to experience them
Chinese Customs & Traditions
Greetings, gift-giving, taboos, and everyday cultural norms
Eight Great Cuisines of China
SpicySichuan Cuisine
Bold, numbing mala flavors — hot pot, mapo tofu, and kung pao chicken
Sweet & LightCantonese Cuisine
Dim sum, steamed seafood, and delicate, fresh flavors
SeafoodShandong Cuisine
Fresh seafood, hearty soups, and vinegar-forward dishes from the coast
DelicateJiangsu Cuisine
Refined presentation, sweet-savory balance, and slow-braised classics
FreshZhejiang Cuisine
Light, fresh ingredients — Dongpo pork and West Lake fish in vinegar
UmamiFujian Cuisine
Rich broths, seafood soups, and the famous Buddha Jumps Over the Wall
Hot & SourHunan Cuisine
Pure chili heat without numbing pepper — smoked meats and stir-fries
RusticAnhui Cuisine
Mountain herbs, game, and slow-cooked stews from rural eastern China
Most Popular Guides
Quick Answers
Is it rude to tip in China?
Tipping is not customary in mainland China and can sometimes cause confusion. Exception — some high-end international hotels and tour guides may accept tips. In Hong Kong, a 10% service charge is often added to restaurant bills.
What should I not do in China?
Avoid discussing sensitive political topics, pointing chopsticks at people, sticking chopsticks upright in rice, or giving clocks or white flowers as gifts. Always ask before photographing people, especially in ethnic minority regions.
What is the most popular Chinese food?
Hot pot, dumplings, Peking duck, and mapo tofu are among the most beloved dishes. Dim sum is essential in Guangdong and Hong Kong, while noodles and rice dishes dominate daily meals nationwide.
Can I use chopsticks?
Yes, and locals appreciate the effort. Hold one chopstick like a pencil and use the other as a pivot. Spoons are widely available, and forks can often be requested at tourist-friendly restaurants.
What are the most important Chinese festivals?
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is the biggest celebration, followed by Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and National Day Golden Week. Dates follow the lunar calendar and shift each year.