China’s rich and ancient culture shapes daily life in meaningful ways. Understanding local etiquette is key to having a respectful, rewarding, and smooth experience while traveling there.
The culture of China has been developing over a long time, and certain behaviors may be considered impolite or inappropriate according to local customs. If you’re planning your trip to China, make sure to read this article carefully so that you don’t end up offending anyone during your visit.
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The borders of China have been opening up, and the government has also started to grant visas to travellers. If you’ve not yet applied for a visa to China, then make sure to do it immediately. It’s recommended that you always apply for a visa with the help of an agency so that you don’t have to invest all your time in the paperwork.
There are more chances of a visa getting approved when it’s applied through an agency. Once you’ve got your visa approved and holiday planned, make sure to learn all the etiquette so that you’ve got a smooth trip.
Personal Space and Privacy
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As the most populous country in the world, urban areas in China can feel crowded, especially in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. This is the reason the Chinese people are quite comfortable in tight areas.
If you’re visiting China for the first time, public places might feel a bit uncomfortable at first. In some older public restrooms, especially outside major tourist areas, you may encounter limited privacy or squat toilets. However, newer and urban facilities often provide more modern accommodations.
Physical contact in China tends to be limited in public settings. Locals typically prefer more personal space with strangers, and public displays of affection are generally modest.
Greetings
When you’re in China, greetings can be done by shaking hands with the help of a nod. Bowing is not customary in China – a light handshake paired with a nod is a common and respectful way to greet someone.
If you’re addressing people in a group, make sure to start addressing elders first to show respect when you’re in China.
Handshakes in China are typically gentle – avoid a firm grip, as it may be perceived as aggressive. A firm handshake in China is a sign of aggression.
Chinese don’t like to hug people and greet people when they are meeting for the first time, so make sure to simply shake hands and greet people in China.
Going Out
If you’re exploring different places in China, then you will end up making some local friends. In Chinese culture, it’s more common to socialize over meals at restaurants rather than inviting guests into the home, especially with new acquaintances.
The person who hosts ends up ordering the food and then paying for it. If you’re invited to anyone’s home in China, make sure you take off your shoes when you enter. If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to remove your shoes at the door – guests are usually offered indoor slippers.
Table Manners
People in China are very particular about their table manners, and when you’re eating with them, make sure to follow them. If someone ends up toasting at a gathering, it’s quite polite to join in on the toast.
Make sure to stand up when you’re giving a toast. If you’re at a gathering or a dinner, make sure to sample all the food available. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate can be seen as a sign that you’ve been well fed, though this custom may vary by region.
When someone refills your tea, you can tap two fingers on the table as a discreet way to say thank you – a tradition especially common in southern China.
Avoid placing inedible items like bones or seeds in your rice bowl – instead, use a side plate or tissue. Use tissues or napkins to discard bones, and place them on a designated plate if provided.
Avoid tapping your bowl or plate with chopsticks – it’s considered rude and reminiscent of begging.
The culture of China is quite different from any other country because of its rich history. If you’re visiting China or planning to visit China, make sure to apply for the China visa beforehand at https://visaexpress.com/visa-for-china-from-us/. This will help you plan your trip accordingly. Make sure to book all your hotels beforehand to get some great deals on them.
