Global Major Cities Guide

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1. Etiquette in Shanghai

Shanghai residents, like most Chinese people, value politeness, respect, and harmony in social interactions. Here are key points to keep in mind:

Greetings and Introductions

Handshakes are the most common form of greeting, especially in business or formal settings. A light handshake is sufficient, and prolonged eye contact is not typical.
When addressing someone, use their title and last name (e.g., "Mr. Wang" or "Professor Li"). Avoid using first names unless invited to do so.
A slight nod or bow is also acceptable as a sign of respect, especially for elders.

Gift-Giving

Gift-giving is an important part of Chinese culture, including in Shanghai. If invited to someone’s home, it is polite to bring a small gift, such as fruit, tea, or sweets.
Avoid giving clocks, white flowers, or anything in sets of four, as these are associated with death and bad luck.
Gifts are often declined initially out of politeness, so it’s customary to offer them a few times before they are accepted.

Dining Etiquette

Chopsticks are the primary utensils, and it’s important to use them correctly. Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles incense used in funerals.
Wait for the host to invite you to start eating, and try a little of everything offered to show appreciation.
Toasting is common during meals, especially in business settings. The phrase “Ganbei” (干杯) means “cheers,” and it’s polite to clink glasses with others, ensuring your glass is slightly lower than that of someone senior to you.

Public Behavior

Avoid loud or overly expressive behavior in public, as it may be seen as disruptive.
Queueing is expected in most places, such as metro stations and shops, though crowds can sometimes lead to less orderly behavior.
Respect personal space, but note that in crowded areas, such as public transport, close proximity is unavoidable.

2. Traditional Festivals in Shanghai

Shanghai celebrates many traditional Chinese festivals, which are deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. Participating in these festivals is a great way to experience local traditions.

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

When: Late January to mid-February (based on the lunar calendar)
Customs: Families gather for reunion dinners, give red envelopes (hongbao) with money to children, and set off fireworks. The city is decorated with red lanterns and festive symbols.
Costs: Participating in public celebrations is free, but dining out or buying gifts can be expensive during this time.
Local Sites: Visit the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival, where elaborate lantern displays are showcased.

Lantern Festival

When: 15th day of the Lunar New Year (February or March)
Customs: People eat tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) and enjoy lantern displays.
Local Sites: Yuyuan Garden and other parks often host lantern exhibitions.

Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)

When: April 4th or 5th
Customs: Families visit ancestral graves to clean them, make offerings, and pay respects.
Costs: Minimal, unless you are purchasing offerings such as paper money or flowers.
Local Sites: Cemeteries and ancestral halls in and around Shanghai.

Dragon Boat Festival

When: Fifth day of the fifth lunar month (May or June)
Customs: People eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) and watch dragon boat races.
Local Sites: While dragon boat races are more common in southern China, some events may be held in Shanghai’s water towns like Zhujiajiao.

Mid-Autumn Festival

When: 15th day of the eighth lunar month (September or October)
Customs: Families gather to admire the full moon and eat mooncakes.
Costs: Mooncakes can range from affordable to luxury-priced, depending on the brand and ingredients.
Local Sites: Parks and waterfront areas like The Bund are popular for moon-viewing.

Shanghai’s social norms are shaped by both traditional Chinese values and the city’s modern, international character.

Respect for Elders

Elders are highly respected in Chinese culture. Always offer your seat to an elderly person on public transport and address them with respectful terms.

Saving Face

The concept of “face” (mianzi) is crucial. Avoid causing embarrassment or confrontation in public, as this can lead to a loss of face for both parties.

Punctuality

Being on time is important, especially for business meetings. Arriving late can be seen as disrespectful.

Dress Code

Shanghai residents tend to dress stylishly, especially in urban areas. For formal occasions, business attire is expected, while casual wear is acceptable for everyday activities.

Tipping

Tipping is not a common practice in China, including Shanghai. However, high-end restaurants and hotels catering to international visitors may include a service charge.

4. Costs Associated with Cultural Activities

Dining Out: Meals at local restaurants can range from ¥30-¥100 per person for casual dining, while upscale restaurants may cost ¥200 or more per person.
Festival Participation: Public events are often free, but purchasing festival-specific foods (e.g., mooncakes, zongzi) or souvenirs can cost ¥50-¥300 depending on quality.
Transportation: Public transport is affordable, with metro rides costing ¥3-¥9 depending on distance. Taxis start at ¥14 for the first 3 kilometers.

5. Procedures for Engaging in Local Customs

Learning Basic Mandarin Phrases: While many people in Shanghai speak some English, learning basic Mandarin phrases (e.g., “Ni hao” for hello, “Xie xie” for thank you) is appreciated.
Participating in Festivals: Check local event schedules online or through apps like WeChat. Many public celebrations are open to everyone, but some temple events may require a small entrance fee.
Visiting Temples: Dress modestly and behave respectfully. Avoid taking photos in restricted areas or during prayer ceremonies.

6. Important Local Site Considerations

Shanghai is home to many cultural and historical sites that reflect its traditions:

Yuyuan Garden: A classical Chinese garden that hosts cultural events during festivals.
Jade Buddha Temple: A serene place to observe Buddhist practices and learn about local spirituality.
Zhujiajiao Water Town: A historic water town near Shanghai where you can experience traditional customs and architecture.
The Bund: While primarily a modern attraction, it’s a great place to witness Shanghai’s blend of old and new during festivals.

By understanding and respecting these customs and traditions, visitors and immigrants can fully immerse themselves in Shanghai’s rich cultural and social life. Whether you’re attending a festival, dining with locals, or exploring historical sites, embracing these practices will enhance your experience in this dynamic city.

Shanghai

Local Customs and Traditions