Guangzhou & Cantonese Etiquette
(广州文化与礼仪)

Welcome to Guangzhou! Understanding a few local social norms, especially those rooted in Cantonese culture, will go a long way in your interactions.

Speaking the Lingo: Basic Cantonese Phrases

While Mandarin is widely spoken, using a few simple Cantonese phrases will be warmly received.

Hello: Nei Hou (你好)
Thank You (for a service): M'goi (唔该). Use this when a waiter serves you, a cashier helps you, or to get someone's attention.
Thank You (for a gift): Do Ze (多谢). Use this when someone gives you a gift or pays you a formal compliment.
Excuse Me / Sorry: M'hou Yi Si (唔好意思)

Dining & Yum Cha Etiquette (饮茶礼仪)

Yum Cha (drinking tea and eating dim sum) is the heart of Guangzhou's culinary culture.

Tea Tapping (Kou Tou): When someone pours tea for you, tap your bent index and middle fingers on the table a few times. This is a silent, universally understood "thank you" gesture in Cantonese culture.
Requesting a Tea Refill: If your teapot is empty, simply leave the lid ajar. The staff will see this and come to refill it with hot water.
Serving Others First: It is polite to pour tea for others at the table, especially elders, before filling your own cup.
Use Serving Chopsticks: Always use the provided serving chopsticks (公筷 - gōng kuài) to take food from communal dishes, not your personal ones.
Chopstick Rule: Never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This resembles incense for the deceased and is a serious taboo.

General Social Customs

Saving Face (面子 - Miànzi): The concept of "face" (reputation, dignity) is crucial. Avoid causing public embarrassment or direct confrontation. Be polite, humble, and indirect.
Respect for Elders: Always show respect to older people. Let them go first, offer them a seat, and greet them politely.

Bargaining Culture (砍价文化)

Where to Bargain:

Tourist markets (e.g., Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street).
Wholesale markets (like the ones near Guangzhou Railway Station).
Small, independent stalls and shops.

Where NOT to Bargain:

Major department stores (e.g., TeeMall, Grandview Mall).
Supermarkets, convenience stores, and brand-name shops.

How to do it: Keep it friendly! Start by offering about 50% of the asking price. If the vendor doesn't agree, smiling and politely walking away is a powerful tactic—they may call you back with a better offer.

Tipping

Tipping is not part of the culture in Guangzhou and is not expected in restaurants, taxis, or for most services. Trying to tip can sometimes cause confusion.

Guangzhou & Cantonese Etiquette (广州文化与礼仪)