Everyday etiquette in China

You do not need to memorize hundreds of rules

Ordinary politeness works.

The most useful habits are to be patient, observe what locals are doing, avoid unnecessary confrontation and ask before taking close portraits.

Meals

At shared meals, use serving utensils when provided and avoid deliberately sticking chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice.

Giving and receiving

In formal or respectful settings, using both hands to give or receive a card or small item can appear courteous.

Public volume

Busy restaurants and transport hubs can be loud.

Do not interpret everyday volume levels as hostility.

Face and confrontation

If there is a problem:

stay factual and calm.