A cultural travel guide to the world

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

China · Lhasa

2 rules found

Essential restrictionsSafetyPlace-specific guidance · 中国

China: don't get physical in a dispute

Do

  • Walk away from an argument and call the police if needed

Don’t

  • Pushing, shoving or fighting

Whoever starts it, taking part in a fight can bring a fine or detention, and the injured party usually demands compensation.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice

Essential restrictionsEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · 中国

China: carry your original passport

Do

  • Foreign visitors should carry their original passport

Don’t

  • Carrying only a copy or photo of your passport

Police make random ID checks and do not accept printouts; if you cannot show your passport, you may be fined or detained.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice

Site-specific notes 5

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Shoton Festival

  • Making noise or pushing at the unveiling
  • entering monks' areas without permission

Norbulingka

  • Touching murals or exhibits
  • talking loudly inside the halls
  • walking anticlockwise around shrines

Butter tea

  • Don't drain your bowl, let your host refill it again and again, and then refuse
  • don't pass or take a bowl with your left hand
  • don't spill tea on the floor

Potala Palace

  • Don't point at monks or pilgrims
  • always ask before photographing people
  • don't point a finger directly at Buddha images
  • don't step on thresholds.