Keys
Keys are not just an accessory or an inconvenience as in many Western countries. In China, keys are a sign of authority or importance. It might seem strange having a section just about keys. But they do seem to hold some sort of significance, although less-so these days, in the rapidly evolving landscape of social China.
School kids, businessmen, police officers, doctors, teachers and party goers will all show a bundle of mostly insignificant keys dangling from the side of the waist. These denote ‘I’m a busy person and quite possibly important’. Women can sometimes also don the jingle-key craze though it is usually a sign of masculine hierarchical importance.
That said, you can easily pick up decorative keychains which make superb little gifts for all the folks back home. Often found in tourist spots at stalls. But like I said, this trend seems to have declined in recent years. You may still find this habit in more rural areas though.
(See also Clothing).
