What is proper Chinese etiquitte?

Question

I am travelling to China and do not want to offend anyone. Is it rude to cross your legs in China? Is there anything in general I should know about Chinese etiquitte?

Answer 1

since ur american, they wont go too hard on you... but here are some simple ones:

- RESPECT!!!
- give/recieve with BOTH HANDS & don't snatch
- always elders and ladies and kids first!!
- be pleasant but not superficially "fake"...

respect's the big thing i suppose...
and YES, you can cross your legs... oO what kinda question's that? lol...

Answer 2

Unless you are asking about Business etiquitte, the informal visits are not as stiff as most think. They are generally not very tactile people, so keep the physicall contact to the hand shakes. Crossing legs is OK. Much were mentioned by the previous answerers already.

Just a few more precautions when invited to dinners.
You can probably get away from not accepting a cigerette when offered but it's hard to do with alcohol. Try to balance between offending the host and being falling down drunk. (It's not as easy as most think) Don't finish food on the plate nor any plate on the table. Sigh...it's wasteful but that's the ettiqitte of a host, empty plates = stingy host. Otherwise, relaxe, they are not hostile even if you slip a little here and there.

Answer 3

Look, the only etiquette you need to know is extreme patience and do not drive in China. Traffic is crazy in China. Green light at the Pedastrian crossing does not mean you can just go. Watch out for the bicycles and motorcycles and get us to the car honks.

Plus, spitting and smoking is common in restaurants except Western Style fast food stores. Don't get mad if some lady or people just cut the line.

Yea yea, it sounds bad etc etc but I have been living in Shanghai for close to a year and for the first timer, these are the things you have to get use. Other than that, whatever etiquette you have should be sufficient and there is no such thing as crossing the leg thing being bad.

Some of the above are really some Nationalist propaganda right, come on....I love being in China but you are going to tell a first time foreigner to just cross the road when its green in Shanghai?. LOL

Answer 4

A lot of unknowing foreigners may think that Chinese people lack manners, but in fact China is the land of ultimate etiquette. There are rules to follow in almost all daily situations, from eating to visiting to talking to new associates or friends, etc. Of course, manners are very different from western manners, and they sometimes may seem funny, strange or even rude for some of us, however, their etiquette is as important as it is for us, maybe more.

Handshaking is considered formal greeting behavior in China. It is used to show respect. The grip should be firm, but not overly strong, and brief, because Chinese, like other Asians, prefer a brief handshake. Hugging or kissing is not accepted unless it is among very close family members and friends. I don't even kiss my fiancee in public when we meet after a prolonged absence!

Mianzi, the keeping of face, is very important, again like in other Asian cultures. Keeping face, avoiding embarrassment is extremely important. In all situations, never get angry or show a lot of negative emotions towards someone, even if you would be in your right to do so in your country. Saving the face in public and avoiding confrontation is considered the ultimate show of grace and politeness, especially if the people around you know you are right about an issue.

Gift giving is also important. It is considered polite to bring a small gift if you are invited to someone's house. Nothing big or expensive (expensive gifts would be embarassing to accept, and they may even feel slightly insulted), just some candies, fruits, pastries, cigarettes, a bottle of wine, etc. The number 4 is taboo because it sounds like "death" so don't bring anything that comes in four. The word "pear" in Chinese is also bad luck, so don't bring pears.

Personal space is sometimes challenging for westerners. Although Chinese are usually reserved and will not be "touchy" (avoid the North American "buddy" shoulder hug or slap on the back), they tend to step very close when they talk to someone.

What else: never point with the index finger, do not snap fingers to call a waiter, instead use the hand with fingers motioning downward as in waving and say "fu yen", never whistle at someone.

You might find that some Chinese customs are quite bothersome, but that's the way they are, and they are not a sign of impoliteness, just get used to them: spitting on the street, smoking almost everywhere even in restaurants (being offered a pack of cigarette by another man -if you are a man- is a sign of politeness and respect), eating noisily or talking while eating. And the concept of lining up is not really part of the customs, so expect people to cut in or shove you around when you wait in line. Do not retaliate or be upset, just do the same a few minutes later.

Oh yeah, NEVER eat with your fingers or pick up food that you dropped on the table, or pick at your teeth without using a toothpick and covering your mouth completely with your other hand (don't keep the toothpick in your mouth like we do in North America).

Books have been written on Chinese etiquette, and I find that it is a great demonstration of respect and openness on your part that you are showing interest in this subject before you travel. Most foreigners don't, unfortunately. With a little bit of research on the internet, you will be able to navigate smoothly around any formal or informal situation you will come across in this wonderful and fascinating land. Happy and safe travels.

Oh, finally, when you go to a restaurant, the waitress will drop a little packet of kleenex for each guest. I thought it was a nice gesture...little did I know! Use them sparingly at the table, because you might need them if you have to go to the bathroom because usually there is no toilet paper there. I wish someone had warned me beforehand that their main utility was not to wipe my mouth!!!

Answer 5

Listen to YKPhil, as this is an everyday view of Chinese life, not one from a book, he is very right!
Also know that Chinese people are very accepting of foreigners and will surely NOT be offended if you don t follow their customs to perfection.

Answer 6

Chinese etiquette are generally as same as west country,unless some minorities' in China, so u needn't be worry about it .

PS, the first answer is severe wrong.

Answer 7

The biggest thing with Chinese is that they are not as energetic as most westerners. The best thing is to be nice to them and if you do something wrong, the chinese have known how Westerners act and they will understand.

Answer 8

It's not rude to cross your legs, but don't do it in formal settings. If you're in a fancy restaurant and the waiter pours you tea, tap your index and middle finger together twice (it means thank you). Use chopsticks. Don't hug people, unless you really really know them, shake their hand.

Answer 9

Don't worry about crossing your legs. Chinese do that too.

Answer 10

Eat your food loudly.. It's a sign that its good. Also burping is good table manners.. And whenever you begin to feel full, always leave a little bit of food left in your plate... It's a sign that the food was good and your stuffed.