Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Ningbo, China, China

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Ningbo, China

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

In Ningbo, it is important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette to avoid any unintentional cultural faux pas. For example, it is important to respect the elderly by displaying courtesy and politeness while conversing. In addition, it is important to respect personal space and privacy, and avoid touching any objects or people without permission. Furthermore, it is important to remove your shoes before entering someone's home, as well as avoid displaying too much public affection. Eating with chopsticks is a common custom in China, so it is important to respect this by not using any forks or knives. Moreover, one should be mindful not to discuss sensitive topics - such as politics or religion - as it is considered rude. Lastly, when conversing in Mandarin, try not to use the Mandarin dialect from another province, as this could be seen as disrespectful.