Fujian is a coastal province in southeast China facing Taiwan, known for the UNESCO tulou earthen buildings, Gulangyu island, Quanzhou's Maritime Silk Road heritage and the Wuyi Mountains.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Fujian life revolves around tea; accept the small cups offered.
Respect Buddhist and Taoist temples: dress modestly, do not point at statues.
Hold the number of bows and incense to the temple custom: three sticks are standard.
Use two hands to give and receive business cards and gifts.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet with a nod or light handshake.
- Remove shoes when entering a tulou home if asked.
- Offer to pay but accept when a local host insists.
- Bargain politely in markets.
Don't
- Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice.
- Don't photograph worshippers' faces at temples without asking.
- Don't give clocks or white flowers as gifts.
- Don't discuss politically sensitive topics loudly.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- A nod and 'Ni hao'; in Minnan areas locals may greet in Hokkien.
- Dining
- Dishes are shared; the eldest or host starts.
- Dress
- Casual; cover shoulders and knees at temples.
- Gifts
- Tea, fruit or local sweets, wrapped in red or gold.
- Tipping
- Not expected in restaurants.
- Business
- Exchange cards with both hands; relationships matter.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
Hello
nee how
谢谢 (Xièxie)
Thank you
shyeh-shyeh
多少钱? (Duōshao qián?)
How much?
dwoh-shaow chyen
厕所在哪里? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)
Where is the toilet?
tser-swoh dzai nah-lee
Li ho
Hello (Minnan)
lee hoh
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Fujian.
Main: Buddhism, Taoism and folk religion centred on the sea goddess Mazu.
Sites: Quanzhou Tianhou Palace, Kaiyuan Temple, Nanputuo Temple, Qingjing Mosque.
Holy Days: Mazu's birthday (23rd day of the third lunar month), Lantern Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival.
Conversations: Religious curiosity is welcomed; keep voices low in temples.