The etiquette questions people are too polite to ask

No. Tipping is not part of the culture and is often refused.

A dozen phrases transform the experience: 你好, 谢谢, 这个, 多少钱, 不辣, 不要肉. Nobody expects fluency, everybody appreciates an attempt.

Refusing seconds is fine. Refusing the first offer outright is impolite — accept a small amount and leave it.

Ask first with a gesture. Most people say yes; some ask for a photo with you in return. Never photograph worshippers in temples or people at work without asking.

If invited to a home, bring fruit, tea or something from your country. Avoid white flowers and clocks. Do not open a gift immediately on receiving it.

Metro queues are orderly. Busy counters and escalators can be a loose crowd where determination decides. Stand close, hold your position, and do not take it personally.

In tourist markets, antique markets and anywhere prices are not displayed, yes — offer 40–50% and be willing to walk away. Never bargain in shops with marked prices or over food.

Chinese people will often change the subject or give a flat answer. That is caution, not ignorance. Do not push — you are a guest, and winning an argument is not the purpose of the trip.

Hand-holding and light affection are fine in cities and more conservative outside them.

Do not cause someone to lose face publicly. That means no raised voices, no pointing out a mistake in front of others, and no argument in a shop. Almost every other rule follows from it.