Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Shanghai has a distinct local identity — Shanghainese people are proud of their city's cosmopolitan history and may distinguish themselves from other Chinese
Face (mianzi) is extremely important — avoid embarrassing anyone publicly or causing them to lose dignity
Guanxi (relationship networks) drives business and social life; building genuine relationships takes precedence over transactional interactions
Loud talking and behavior in public is acceptable — Shanghai streets and restaurants are lively and noisy
Punctuality is valued in business but not always in social settings; arrive on time for formal meetings
Red is a color of good luck and happiness — it's appropriate for gifts and celebrations
WhatsApp, Google, Instagram, and Facebook don't work without a VPN — use WeChat for messaging with local contacts
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet elders and senior colleagues with a slight bow or nod before a handshake
- Present and receive business cards with both hands — read it carefully before putting it away
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home — slippers will usually be offered
- Try to learn a few Mandarin phrases — locals deeply appreciate any attempt to speak the language
- Dress modestly when visiting temples: cover shoulders and knees
- Use WeChat for communication with locals — it's the universal messaging app in China
- Offer to split the bill ('AA制') among peers, or pay the whole bill as a generous gesture with new contacts
- Accept food and drink when offered — refusing immediately can seem rude; accept even if you take only a small portion
Don't
- Don't stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — this resembles incense sticks at funerals and is considered very inauspicious
- Don't tap your chopsticks on the bowl — beggars do this and it's considered impolite at the table
- Don't tip in restaurants — tipping is not customary in China and can be awkward or refused
- Don't openly discuss politics (Taiwan, Tibet, Tiananmen, Xinjiang) — these are extremely sensitive topics
- Don't photograph military installations, government buildings, or airports without checking restrictions
- Don't use your left hand alone for giving or receiving things — use both hands or the right hand for politeness
- Don't lose your temper in public — remaining calm and polite is highly valued; showing anger is considered shameful
- Don't write on a gift or use a white gift bag — white is the color of mourning in Chinese culture
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Giving Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Red envelopes containing cash are given at Chinese New Year, weddings, and birthdays — a deeply meaningful gesture; digital hongbao via WeChat have modernized this tradition
Tea Culture
Pouring tea for others before yourself is a sign of respect; tapping two fingers on the table (usually index and middle) is a gesture of thanks for tea poured for you — a custom originating in the Qing Dynasty
Banquet Toasting
At formal dinners, the host proposes toasts (ganbei — 'bottoms up'); drinking baijiu (Chinese grain spirit) in a single shot is traditional; it's acceptable to substitute tea or juice and clink glasses
Paying the Bill
In Shanghai, fighting over who pays the restaurant bill is a social ritual — the person who invited the group traditionally pays. Accepting graciously and reciprocating the next time is proper etiquette.
Morning Exercises
Parks fill with elderly residents practicing tai chi, qigong, sword dancing, and ballroom dancing from 6-9AM — a living tradition that has persisted through decades of urbanization
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshakes are standard for first meetings; close friends may hug. 'Ni hao' (hello) is universally understood. Addressing someone by their title and family name (e.g., 'Wang Jing Li' = Manager Wang) is respectful in professional settings.
- Dining
- Wait for the host or most senior person to eat or toast first; never waste food ostentatiously — order what you'll eat; refill others' tea and rice before your own; communal dishes are shared from the center of the table
- Dress
- Smart casual for most restaurants; formal and upscale venues require dinner dress; beach dress on Shanghai streets looks out of place and mildly offensive; temples require covered shoulders and knees
- Gifts
- Wrap gifts in red or gold paper; avoid clocks (sounds like 'giving death'), green hats (implies infidelity), shoes (walking away from someone), and pears (sounds like 'separation'); fruit, tea, wine, or quality snacks are always appropriate
- Business
- Exchange business cards at the start of a meeting with both hands; bring cards in Chinese and English; show respect by reading the card carefully; bring a small gift to a first business visit
- Tipping
- Not customary anywhere in China; at fine restaurants in tourist areas a tip may be accepted but is never expected; porters at luxury hotels may expect ¥5-10 per bag
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
Hello
Nee how
谢谢 (Xièxie)
Thank you
Shyeh-shyeh
请 (Qǐng)
Please
Ching
不好意思 (Bù hǎo yìsi)
Excuse me / Sorry
Boo how ee-suh
多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)
How much does it cost?
Dwaw-shao chyen?
我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)
I don't eat meat
Waw boo chr row
你会说英语吗？(Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?)
Do you speak English?
Nee hway shwaw Ying-yoo mah?
地铁站在哪里？(Dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?)
Where is the metro station?
Dee-tyeh jan zai nah-lee?
买单 (Mǎidān)
The bill, please
My-dan
好吃！(Hǎo chī!)
Delicious!
How chr!
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Shanghai.
Main: Buddhism is the most widely practiced religion; Taoism and Confucianism are deeply embedded in culture; there are also Christian churches and mosques throughout the city
Sites: Longhua Temple (Buddhist), Jade Buddha Temple (Buddhist), Jing'an Temple (Buddhist), Xiaotaoyuan Mosque, St. Ignatius Cathedral (Catholic), Moore Memorial Church (Protestant)
Holy Days: Chinese New Year (Jan-Feb), Qingming Festival (April — grave sweeping), Dragon Boat Festival (June), Mid-Autumn Festival (September), National Day Golden Week (October 1-7)
Conversations: Avoid sensitive topics including Taiwan independence, Tibet, Tiananmen Square, and Xinjiang — these can derail conversations or attract unwanted attention even from well-meaning locals