13.2 Are there any rules for taking photos or giving gifts?

Photography and gift‑giving: cultural etiquette for foreign travelers in China

In China, you will encounter countless moments you’ll want to capture with your camera, and you may also have chances to thank people with small gifts. Knowing a bit about local etiquette around photography and gift‑giving will help you avoid accidental offense and show respect, leading to deeper and more pleasant interactions.

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1. Photography etiquette

The general rule for taking photos in China is: be respectful and sensitive. While photography is allowed in many situations, there are specific contexts where you should be cautious.

• Photographing people

  • Key rule: ask for permission.
    Before taking close‑up or portrait photos of individuals, you should ask for their consent. This is basic politeness.
  • Practical tip:
    Smile, lift your camera slightly, and use eye contact or a simple gesture to ask. If someone shakes their head or waves their hand to refuse, respect their choice and do not take the photo.
  • Crowds vs. close‑ups:
    Wide shots of streets, markets, or public squares that include people are usually fine. But when you focus on a single person or small group — especially children or older people — it is important to communicate first.

• Restricted areas

  • Absolutely no photos:
    For security reasons, do not photograph any military facilities, military personnel, or sensitive government buildings. Be cautious when taking photos near airports, bridges, and ports, and always check for “no photography” signs.
  • Religious sites (temples and monasteries):
    • At the entrance, look for signs indicating whether photography is allowed.
    • Inside many temples, especially in front of the main altars and statues, photos may be forbidden, and flash is almost always prohibited. This is considered disrespectful.
    • Watching what local worshippers do is often the best guide.
  • Museums and galleries:
    • Many allow photography, but flash is usually forbidden to protect exhibits.
    • Always follow posted rules.

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2. Gift‑giving etiquette

Gift‑giving plays an important role in Chinese social life. It is a way to build relationships and show gratitude and respect. There are many details, but a few key points are especially relevant for travelers.

• The act of giving and receiving

  • Use both hands:
    This is the most important gesture. Whether you are offering a gift or receiving one, always use both hands. It signals respect and sincerity. Taking or giving gifts with one hand can feel careless or rude.
  • Polite refusal:
    When offered a gift, many Chinese people will initially refuse once or twice out of politeness. This does not mean they don’t want it; it is a way of being modest. You should smile, gently insist, and offer the gift again — often the third time is accepted.

• When to open the gift

  • Key rule: do not open it immediately.
    Unlike in many Western cultures, opening a gift right away in front of the giver can be considered impolite in China. The idea is to avoid any embarrassment if the gift is not what the recipient expected (which would cause someone to lose face).
    The usual practice is to accept the gift, say thank you, set it aside, and open it later in private.

• Choosing appropriate gifts

  • Good choices:
    The best gifts are small items that represent your home country or hometown. For example:

    • Local specialty foods (chocolates, maple syrup, etc.)
    • Small handicrafts or souvenirs
    • A nicely printed photo book about where you are from

    The value is in the thought and uniqueness, not in the price.

• Gift taboos to avoid

  • Never give clocks:
    “Giving a clock” (送钟 / sòng zhōng) sounds the same in Chinese as “attending a funeral” (送终 / sòng zhōng) and is strongly associated with death. It is one of the biggest taboos.
  • Umbrellas:
    The word for umbrella (伞 / sǎn) sounds like “to part, to break up” (散 / sàn), implying separation or the end of a relationship.
  • Sharp objects (knives, scissors, etc.):
    These symbolize cutting things off — again, suggesting ending a relationship.
  • The number four:
    The number “4” (四 / sì) sounds similar to “death” (死 / sǐ). Avoid giving gifts in sets of four.
  • White flowers and all‑black or plain white wrapping:
    White and black are traditionally associated with funerals. Red and gold are considered lucky and festive colors, especially for wrapping or decoration.

Keeping these simple guidelines in mind will make your photos and gifts feel thoughtful and culturally appropriate.