China Etiquette for Tourists: Tipping, Toilets & Taboos
Know the local rules before you go — whether to tip in China, why to carry your own tissue, what you must not photograph, and the small taboos to sidestep.
Greetings & politeness
- A smile and a nod go a long way. “Hello” in English is widely understood in tourist areas, but full conversations usually need a translation app — see Essential Tools →.
- People may be curious and ask personal questions (age, salary, marital status) — it’s usually friendly, not rude.
- Loud conversations in public are normal; don’t assume anger.
Tipping — generally no
Tipping is not customary in China (unlike the US). Restaurants and taxis don’t expect it. Rounding up or leaving tips can confuse staff. Exception: high-end hotels may add a service charge.
Queues
Lines form at metros, attractions, and counters. Gentle crowding at the front is common but do queue — don’t cut.
Toilets (important!)
- Public toilets are common but many are squat toilets with no toilet paper — carry your own tissue.
- Malls, McDonald’s, KFC, and hotels usually have sit-down toilets and paper.
- Look for the “toilet / restroom” signs. “WC” is also understood.
Photo etiquette
- Don’t photograph military installations, police, border/port areas, or some museum exhibits (signs will say so).
- Ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas.
Numbers & symbols
- 4 (sì, pronounced “si”) sounds like the word for “death” — avoided in floor/room numbers.
- 8 (bā, pronounced “ba”) is lucky. Red is festive; white is for funerals — avoid gifting white flowers.
- Handshakes are fine; avoid overly physical contact with strangers.
Festivals & closures
National holidays (see Pre-trip Essentials →) mean huge crowds and closed services — plan around them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tip in China?
No. Tipping is not customary in restaurants or taxis and can confuse staff. Some high-end hotels add a service charge instead.
Do public toilets in China have toilet paper?
Often not, and many are squat style, so carry tissue. Malls, hotels and fast-food chains usually have sit-down toilets with paper.
Is it rude to take photos of people in China?
Ask first, especially in rural areas. Never photograph military sites, police or border areas, and respect no-photo signs in museums.
Do people speak English in China?
Rarely outside hotels and major attractions. A translation app plus your destination written in Chinese handles almost every situation.
Why do Chinese buildings skip the 4th floor?
The word for four sounds like the word for death, so it is avoided in floor and room numbers. Eight is considered lucky.
Last updated: 2026-08