Etiquette:China is a large country with a very long history and unique culture. It is these reasons that make it such a draw to visitors, but there are some things that must be kept in mind when visiting China. China opened up to the outside world only three decades ago and has witnessed dramatic changes in those thirty years, but because China was closed to outsiders for centuries, its cultural is unique and most Chinese people are only familiar with their own culture and do not understand other cultures. Visitors must keep this in mind when visiting China. The old expression "When in Rome do as the Romans do" is a great way to look at China and its cultures and traditions. China is an amazing and diverse country which never fails to enchant visitors. It is important to remember that their culture is ancient and unique. Being flexible will help immensely.
Face:
The concept of "Face" in China is extremely strong. "Keeping face" is of extreme importance and "losing face" in public is unacceptable and can usually end in a fight. It is important to never embarrass shame, yell at, or demean a Chinese person. Losing face is considered unacceptable and if you make someone lose face, you will never get what you want, and may get something you don't want.
Patience:
Sometimes decisions that would be made easily and instantly elsewhere, can sometimes take quite a while in China. Everyone feels they must make absolutely sure that everyone involved is truly happy with the decision and not just being friendly. It is Chinese culture and sometimes requires patience.
Modesty:
Chinese people are inherently shy and modest. They do not display emotion and feelings in public and find speaking bluntly unnerving. Most couples never even hold hands when walking in public. For the most part, Chinese people never hug or kiss in public. The most public display seen when saying hello or goodbye is generally a handshake. It is not uncommon to see two females, or even two males walking down the street hand in hand. Most visitors to China cannot understand it and assume they are a couple. This is not the case, in China only truly close friends hold hands, but two friends of the opposite sex cannot hold hands. Please keep this in mind when traveling with your significant other, or boy/girlfriend. More and more people are accepting of it, but not everyone is yet.
Eating etiquette:Etiquette can vary widely between different cultures and nations. In China, a person who takes the last item of food from a common plate or bowl without first offering it to others at the table may be seen as a glutton and insulting the generosity of the host. In America a guest is expected to eat all of the food given to them, as a compliment to the quality of the cooking.
China is an amazing country with sites, culture and traditions which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. China warmly welcomes overseas visitors and the government is working hard to improve and increase tourism facilities. Visitors to this country rarely failed to be completely bowled over by it. It is important to remember that China is not a "Western" country and that it has its own unique traditions and etiquette. Try to respect those traditions and be flexible and you will have a truly unforgettable time in the remarkable country of China.
Face:
The concept of "Face" in China is extremely strong. "Keeping face" is of extreme importance and "losing face" in public is unacceptable and can usually end in a fight. It is important to never embarrass shame, yell at, or demean a Chinese person. Losing face is considered unacceptable and if you make someone lose face, you will never get what you want, and may get something you don't want.
Patience:
Sometimes decisions that would be made easily and instantly elsewhere, can sometimes take quite a while in China. Everyone feels they must make absolutely sure that everyone involved is truly happy with the decision and not just being friendly. It is Chinese culture and sometimes requires patience.
Modesty:
Chinese people are inherently shy and modest. They do not display emotion and feelings in public and find speaking bluntly unnerving. Most couples never even hold hands when walking in public. For the most part, Chinese people never hug or kiss in public. The most public display seen when saying hello or goodbye is generally a handshake. It is not uncommon to see two females, or even two males walking down the street hand in hand. Most visitors to China cannot understand it and assume they are a couple. This is not the case, in China only truly close friends hold hands, but two friends of the opposite sex cannot hold hands. Please keep this in mind when traveling with your significant other, or boy/girlfriend. More and more people are accepting of it, but not everyone is yet.
Eating etiquette:Etiquette can vary widely between different cultures and nations. In China, a person who takes the last item of food from a common plate or bowl without first offering it to others at the table may be seen as a glutton and insulting the generosity of the host. In America a guest is expected to eat all of the food given to them, as a compliment to the quality of the cooking.
China is an amazing country with sites, culture and traditions which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. China warmly welcomes overseas visitors and the government is working hard to improve and increase tourism facilities. Visitors to this country rarely failed to be completely bowled over by it. It is important to remember that China is not a "Western" country and that it has its own unique traditions and etiquette. Try to respect those traditions and be flexible and you will have a truly unforgettable time in the remarkable country of China.