I am going to China next month, I was wondering if there is any customs that I should know about?

Question

I don't want to do anything that would offend their culture. I think that eye contact is a no -no and touching.

Answer 1

The Chinese people are very traditional but open to new ideas. Eye contact is fine, so is touching. Public displays of affection is not such a good idea, but in the parks you'll see the young sometimes laying on the grass in a lovers embrace.

Don't give any time piece, period. It pretty much means that their life on earth is limited.

They are also very helpful. The big cities less so then the smaller ones. I've found this universally correct in all countries I have traveled too.

Try not to waste your food. Eat what is on your plate and it is not impolite to refuse more food. They will pile it on till you burst. Also, this has happened to me on numerous occasions. Go out to dinner and the food shows up. Enough to feed everyone on the table. Then sooner or later its doubled and there is twice as much as needed. So eat slowly and learn how to use chopsticks. I actually prefer them over a fork and spoon. Yes its an art, but one you will enjoy once you learn.

Try to understand, their eating etiquette is considerably different then ours. They will spit fish bones onto the table without thinking about it. It is considered normal.

Go with an open mind, don't go with a fix it attitude and for gods sake, leave the America is Better attitude at home. China is a very proud country and while they are very curious about America and our culture, they don't want to be told what to do.

Finally, the Chinese people are not very political. I let them open up that discussion and most of the time they are only curious of what you think of Bush. With that question, I state it with relish, the guy is nuts and everyone to a person gives me a thumbs up. Don't diss Mao, while there are a lot of Chinese that dislike him, there are many more that revere him.

Signed, an ex pat living in the heart of China.

Peace

Jim

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Answer 2

public display of affection is not recommended; get a good Chinese-English phrase book; public or private teaching of christian or other religions is illegal you can go to prison[china is an atheist state]. being intoxicated in front of people That do not know you very well is bad manners; photographing soldiers,military bases, bridges,or tunnels is prohibited. the chinese are a modest people , so dress conservitive[no 2 piece swimwear for women] Carry toilet paper with you as public restrooms do not provide it. tap water is unsafe to drink,unless it is boiled first. follow these tips and have a good time.

Answer 3

Eye contact is not a no no. No touching is true. They are not used to hugs and kisses. Don't give a clock as a present......big no no.

Answer 4

Be prepared to be ignored. No one knows English or rather hardly anyone. So you could be standing there jabbering while the person goes about doing their work.

Answer 5

google customs of mainland China

Answer 6

chop sticks....