Shénxian xiàfán, xiān wèn tǔdì.

神仙下凡, 先問土地。

Lit [When] celestial beings descend [from Heaven] to earth, [they have to] first enquire of the local Earth God.

Fig Upon entering another's territory, it is essential to pay one's respects to the local authorities.

Note [Note: xiàfán is a Buddhist term referring to gods descending to earth from Heaven; see also xíng kè bài zuò kè below.]

Topics AUTHORITY Buddhism COURTESY Earth God LOCALITIES OFFICIALS PLACE RESPECT TERRITORY xiàfán