Etiquette and tipping in China: what visitors should know

Do you tip in China?

Generally, no. Tipping isn’t part of everyday life in mainland China: you pay the price on the menu, the meter or the app and that’s it. Shanghai’s tourism authority says tips aren’t expected in most restaurants and hotels, but that restaurants and bars in hotels, and some outside them, may add a service charge of 10–15% (Shanghai FAQ). Beijing’s tourism site likewise says there’s no need to tip taxi drivers or at snack stalls (Visit Beijing).

If someone politely refuses a tip, don’t press it on them. A sincere 谢谢 (xièxie, thank you) is always welcome.

What are the table manners in China?

Most meals are shared: dishes go in the middle, often on a turntable, and everyone helps themselves. Many restaurants provide serving chopsticks (公筷, gōngkuài) and serving spoons (公勺, gōngsháo), something public health campaigns have promoted since 2020 (Sixth Tone); use them to take food from shared plates, and ask for a pair if there are none. Turn the turntable gently and check nobody is mid-serve.

• Don’t stand chopsticks upright in rice. It looks like incense at a funeral. Rest them on the holder or across your bowl.
• Don’t point with chopsticks, wave them around or stab food with them.
• Let the host or older guests start, and try a bit of everything you’re offered.
• Finishing is fine. Leaving a little food used to signal that the host was generous, but campaigns against food waste now encourage people to finish what they order.
• Thank whoever refills your glass or cup. At a casual meal, a nod or 谢谢 is enough.

These points follow a China Daily table etiquette guide republished by the Shanghai government. The tableware lesson has the words for chopsticks, spoons and bowls.

How does toasting work at a Chinese dinner?

At banquets and business dinners, the host usually makes the first toast, and toasts continue through the meal. 干杯 (gānbēi) literally means “dry the glass.” When you toast someone senior, stand if they are standing, hold your glass with both hands and keep its rim a little lower than theirs. You don’t have to drink alcohol: toasting with tea or a soft drink is normal, and 我不喝酒 (wǒ bù hē jiǔ, “I don’t drink alcohol”) said with a smile is accepted.

Who pays the bill in China?

Whoever invited usually pays for everyone, and friends often argue over the bill as a friendly ritual. If you’re a guest, offer once, accept graciously when your host insists, and offer to treat them next time; 我请客 (wǒ qǐngkè) means “It’s on me.” Among friends and younger people, splitting the bill is common and is often called “AA” (AA制, AA zhì). The bill lesson covers splitting and paying separately; payment itself is covered in the ordering food guide.

How do you greet people in China?

A simple 你好 (nǐ hǎo) works everywhere; 您好 (nín hǎo) is the polite form for older people and in shops and hotels. In business and formal settings a handshake is normal, usually lighter than in many Western countries, often with a slight nod. Hugs and cheek kisses aren’t usual with people you’ve just met. Address people by family name and title, such as 王先生 (Wáng xiānsheng, Mr. Wang) or 李女士 (Lǐ nǚshì, Ms. Li), until they suggest otherwise, and give and receive business cards with both hands (Cultural Atlas).

You may be asked questions that feel personal, such as where you’re from, your age or whether you’re married. It’s usually friendly curiosity, and a smile and a light answer are fine. The greetings lesson covers the basics with audio.

Do people queue in China?

Yes. Ticket halls, attractions and train stations use barriers and staff to manage lines, and metro platforms have marked waiting areas. Let passengers off before you board; many platforms display 先下后上 (xiān xià hòu shàng, “exit first, then board”). Expect bag security checks at metro and train stations. At busy spots people may stand closer than you’re used to and someone may try to slip ahead: hold your place calmly and say 不好意思，我在排队 (bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ zài páiduì, “Excuse me, I’m in line”). The metro guide covers stations in detail, and the queues and security lesson has the phrases.

Can you smoke in public in China?

Rules are set city by city, and the big cities are strict on paper. Beijing has banned smoking in indoor public places and workplaces since June 1, 2015, with fines of up to 200 yuan for individuals (National Health Commission). Shanghai bans smoking in all indoor public places, extended the ban to e-cigarettes in 2022, and banned vaping in metro stations and trains from March 2025 (Shanghai government). Smoking on high-speed trains, toilets included, can bring a fine of up to 2,000 yuan under a State Council railway rule in force since January 2014 (China Daily); don’t vape there either.

Enforcement varies, and you may still see people smoking in some restaurants, private dining rooms and smaller towns. Look for 禁止吸烟 (jìnzhǐ xīyān, no smoking) signs and use designated smoking areas. If smoke bothers you, ask for a non-smoking area (禁烟区, jìnyān qū) when you get a table.

Is it OK to take photos of people in China?

Ask first. A gesture at your camera usually does it, or say 可以给您拍张照片吗 (kěyǐ gěi nín pāi zhāng zhàopiàn ma, “May I take your photo?”). Ask parents before photographing children, and respect a no from vendors, monks or anyone else. You may also be asked to pose for photos yourself; saying no politely is fine.

Follow 禁止拍照 (jìnzhǐ pāizhào, no photography) signs, which are common inside temple halls and in some museum galleries; flash is often banned where photos are allowed. Don’t photograph military sites, police operations, or airport security and immigration areas. The UK government notes that restricted military areas aren’t always clearly signed (FCDO).

How should you behave in a Chinese temple?

Active Buddhist and Taoist temples are places of worship as well as sights. Dress modestly, keep your voice down, and don’t touch or climb on statues or altars. Step over the raised threshold at a hall’s doorway rather than standing on it. Follow posted rules on photography and incense: some temples hand out free incense and ask visitors not to bring their own. You never have to burn incense or pay for a blessing; if anyone pressures you to buy expensive incense, decline and walk on.

What gift should you bring to a Chinese host?

If you’re invited to someone’s home or meeting business contacts, a small gift from your home country, such as snacks, tea or a local specialty, is a good choice. Offer it with both hands. Your host may decline once or twice out of politeness before accepting, and many people don’t open gifts in front of the giver (Cultural Atlas). Many households take shoes off indoors, so follow your host’s lead.

• Avoid clocks. “Giving a clock” (送钟, sòng zhōng) sounds like attending someone’s death (送终).
• Avoid sets of four. 四 (sì, four) sounds like 死 (sǐ, death).
• Skip knives, scissors and umbrellas, which can suggest cutting ties or separation.
• Red and gold wrapping reads as festive; plain white or black is better avoided.