Colors of Shanghai - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Shanghai If you have never visited China before, then Shanghai will surely impress you with its culture of behavior and traditions. For example, it is not customary to turn to a person by name here. Local residents turn to their colleagues by rank and surname at work. They usually call each other by the degree of relationship at home. The words "mister" or "miss" will be acceptable when you turn to a stranger. The traditional Shanghai greeting can be translated as "did you eat?”. Handshakes are not common in Chinese tradition. However, many residents of Shanghai, especially business people, greet partners by shaking hands today. This tradition appeared here under the influence of Western culture.
Despite the fact that Shanghai occupies a vast coastal territory, there are no beaches for a holiday in the city available. This drawback is fully compensated by the variety of entertainment … Open
Touching is not accepted in Shanghai. Therefore, you should not hug or pat the Chinese on the shoulder or back. The Chinese are very respectful of the elderly. You will need to knock on any object and wave in your direction to call the person. This gesture is useful for you to call a waiter or taxi. Actively gesticulating is not accepted here. The people of Shanghai are quite restrained. It is also not customary to look directly into the eyes of the interlocutor. This is unusual but a man and a woman can't hold hands. This is considered rude. However, it is worth noting that two people of the same sex may hold hands or hug in public.
You cannot demonstrate feelings (hugging, kissing) in public places. This is considered rude. Patience, punctuality, and deference are the characteristic of a good upbringing. Hands should be visible when talking. If you keep them in your pockets or behind your back, cross them, then the locals may perceive this as rude. Personal questions are considered the norm here. Local residents will ask you about your family and your marital status. Shanghai residents are sympathetic to people who don't have a family. Chinese are quite straightforward in their statements. Therefore, you should not be offended if someone says something unflattering about your appearance. This is not an attempt to offend but it's accepted here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
1. It is better to go to Shanghai in the spring. The weather is very comfortable here at this time. In addition, there are not many tourists here at this time of year. The main influx of … Open
You should be very careful when talking about politics. There are two sensitive subjects here. These are Taiwan and Tibet. The ambiguity of the status of both territories is very unpleasant for the Chinese. Therefore, it is better to avoid these topics. You should not talk about customs and traditions. It is not acceptable to refuse directly. Most likely, a local resident will try to answer ambiguously or change the topic. Direct refusal is perceived as rudeness. Special rules apply to gifts. For example, you cannot gift a watch. This is a symbol of death and parting here. You can't make green gifts. You can present a small souvenir as a sign of respect. It is customary to open a gift immediately, in front of the giver.
Panorama @ astor_hotel The home customs of Shanghai residents are unusual for Asia. It's customary to sit on chairs here. Local residents wear shoes around the house. If you are invited to visit, then bring something as a gift. It is considered good form here. It is better if it is some kind of treat or alcohol, preferably imported. The Chinese are very superstitious. You won't find the fourth floor in hotels. Four is a sign of death here. Therefore, residents of Shanghai try to avoid this number in the numbering. The eight, on the contrary, is considered a symbol of happiness. Therefore, weddings are often set for the 8th date.
In Shanghai, hundreds of amazing hotels are available for travellers. There are many original and exclusive institutions among them. On the bund Waitan there is a legendary historic hotel … Open
All significant Chinese dates and holidays are celebrated in Shanghai. Celebrations are usually noisy and colorful. They are held with music and costumed performances. The most favorite holiday of Chinese residents is celebrated in January-February. It's Chinese New Year. The start date is changed annually because the lunar calendar is used to determine it. The celebrations last for two weeks, even though the state weekend involves a seven-day holiday. It is not customary to clean the house on holiday days. Traditional wishes on red paper are attached to the door in order for luck and well-being to settle in the home. Decorations in red and gold colors are hung everywhere. These are paper lanterns, ribbons, and pictures.
Shanghai All family members traditionally gather at the table for the New Year. Unlike other holidays, when many residents of Shanghai go to restaurants, this event is usually celebrated at home. A special type of cookie is an indispensable attribute of the feast. It called nian gao. In addition, a wide variety of dishes are put on the table. The holiday is celebrated very noisy, with crackers, fireworks, and firecrackers. This is necessary in order to ward off evil spirits and make the coming year happy and successful. Money placed in a red envelope is almost a mandatory gift for this holiday.
Shanghai is great for shopping. There are many shopping centers here. You can find everything you need in them: from European brand clothing to Eastern traditional medicine. If you are … Open
The mid-autumn holiday is the second most important holiday after the New Year. It is celebrated in September-October. This day has its own symbol. It's a moon cake. This is a special pastry made of dough with a filling and glaze decoration. They are made in a traditional round shape. This is almost a mandatory gift for all relatives and friends who gather together at the same table on this day.
Shanghai Lantern Festival and Memorial Day are also widely celebrated here. Valentine's Day is a very popular holiday. It is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Double seven days is another name for it. Shanghai tourism festival deserves attention from the annual events. It takes place in September-early October. This festival is dedicated to the culture of China. It is accompanied by various concerts, fairs, carnivals, and dances. Colorful fireworks are sure to be launched during the celebration.
Shanghai - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Traditions and festivals in cities around Shanghai

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