During your trip to China with China Tours, the best way to explore Chinese culture is to make as much contact with the locals as possible! Even if you are staying at one of China Hotels, don’t close yourself to the local Chinese customs. Chinese etiquette can be very different to what you’re used to, so before you hang out with your new Chinese friends learn a few rules and make a friendship last for a lifetime!
The importance of ‘Face’
‘Face’ (mianzi) is a very important concept meaning honour, respect and good reputation. When interacting with Chinese people it is essential to ‘give face’ – that is, to show respect – as well as to avoid ‘losing face’ – that is to show wisdom in action and keep your emotions to a minimum at all times.
Meeting etiquette
When you meet a Chinese person, there are a few things to remember:
- Greetings are formal and the oldest person is always greeted first.
- Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners. Westerner should wait for the other person to offers his or her hand first, before offering to shake hands.
- Many Chinese will look towards the ground when greeting someone.
- Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they want to move to a first-name basis, they will let you know which name to use.
Once you’ve introduced yourself to your Chinese friend and continue talking with them, don’t forget that:
- Chinese people consider it rude to say “no” directly.
- Pointing at someone with one finger is also considered rude. To get someone’s attention and tell them to “come here” use your whole palm.
- The Chinese view punctuality as a virtue. Arriving late is an insult and could negatively affect your friendship.
Dining etiquette
One of the best ways to make friends with a Chinese is to go for a meal with him or her. Keep in mind those few rules:
- You should try everything that is offered to you.
- Never eat the last piece from the serving tray.
- Don’t put your chopsticks horizontally in your food – it is associated with funeral rituals.
Sometimes you might be even invited over for dinner. Once visiting someone at home it is essential to:
- Bring a small gift to the host.
- Remove your shoes before entering the house (not necessary, but it is considered very polite).
- Wait to be told where to sit. The guest of honour will be given a seat facing the door.
- Remember that the host begins eating first and offers the first toast.
Gift etiquette
You might like to present your Chinese friend a small gift. Also, he or she might give you one to seal your friendship. To avoid losing face, remember that:
- A good idea for a gift is something related to food, e.g. a food basket. Do not give any sharp items, as they indicate the severing of the relationship. Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or flowers as they are associated with funerals and death.
- For the same reason do not wrap gifts in white, blue, green or black paper.
- Four is an unlucky number so do not give four of anything. Eight is the luckiest number, so giving eight of something brings luck to the recipient.
- It is essential to receive or present a gift with two hands.
- Gifts are not opened when received they may be refused three times before they are accepted. Therefore it would be polite for you to initially refuse a gift and always insist on giving the gift to another person.
Remember! When in doubt about unfamiliar customs simply watch what the Chinese people do and don’t worry too much. Book a tour with China Travel and try out your new Chinese savoir-vivre skills!
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