China is a large country with many beautiful landscapes, so every tourist season many tourists come here to visit. Putting aside all political and military issues, the beauty of China is undeniable. There are very ancient beauties there and also beauties with a modern twist from European countries.
Because it is so large and has a long history, there are also “rules” in China that most Westerners find strange.
Never accept compliments directly
Chinese people have a trait of never accepting compliments directly. So, if you compliment them and say “the party was great”, don’t be surprised when they respond with “no, no, the food wasn’t that delicious”. You will also notice the same thing when complimenting their children on being beautiful or smart, they will respond to you “no, they are just normal”. Of course, such words were simply because they were…humble and polite.
Therefore, when visiting China, instead of accepting compliments directly, you should also be “humble and polite” like the host, so that both the guest and the host will be very happy.
Never make someone lose face
The worst thing for Chinese people is when you publicly humiliate or cause trouble for them. Doing so will make Chinese people feel humiliated and unhappy. So never point out their mistakes or scold them in public places or crowded places.
Instead of using “heavy” words, you can make them feel happy with compliments. Do this whenever possible, it will make you more beautiful in the eyes of the homeowner.
Never get angry in public
Getting angry or making noise in public is one of the things that Chinese people feel most uncomfortable with – especially if people get angry at tourists or vice versa. This is one of the things that makes Chinese people feel embarrassed, and so you should avoid doing this no matter where you are.
Don’t get angry in public
Chinese people don’t want to show their “dark side”, so be polite and restrained, you can deal privately with the person you want to talk to according to China’s “closed door” culture. .
Never address a Chinese person by their first name the first time you meet them
Chinese people have surnames and names, just like anyone else. However, in China, the last name always comes first. Families (and groups in general) always take precedence over individuals. Joe Smith in Minnesota is called Smith Joe in Shanghai. If a man introduces himself to you as Li Ming, you can call him Mr. Li – a safe and polite way to call him, absolutely do not call him Mr. Bright.
Unlike Westerners, Chinese do not feel comfortable calling each other by their first names. Only family members and a few close friends can be called each other by their first names and still feel intimate and polite. For example, if you are familiar with Li Ming you can call him “Ming”. However, they also add the prefixes Lăo Lî or Xiao before the family name to show familiarity and closeness.
Never eat right after using chopsticks
If you often dine with Chinese people you will recognize two things. First, whether at home or in a restaurant, eating with a spoon is not common. In Chinese culture, as well as in many Eastern countries, people often use chopsticks to eat rice or pick up food.
Pick food into a bowl and then bring it to your mouth
Second thing, if you want to pick up food, never pick it up and put it in your mouth. Pick up food, put it on your plate or bowl, then put it in your mouth and enjoy. This is the minimum courtesy of the Chinese people.
Never drink alcohol without “filling your stomach”
Chinese people drink a lot of alcohol. Each Chinese party usually has 8 to 10 dishes and lots of alcohol. Chinese wine is rice wine or some type of strong wine. Therefore, to be able to “have enough” to drink with the host, you should eat some food before drinking. That’s a way to slow down drinking as well as preserve energy for long-term fun.
“Struggle” to pay for meals
Most Westerners feel “stunned” when witnessing the chaos and noise at the end of a meal at a Chinese restaurant. Chinese culture is not the same as Westerners, so everyone “fights” to pay the bills. For Chinese people, it is a way to show politeness and enthusiasm. And the “chaos” will not end until someone “wins” for some reasonable reason and “takes over” the right to pay the bill.
Do not come to the house with “empty hands”
Give gifts when you come to visit
Giving gifts to each other is something that many Chinese people do regularly even if it is not for any holiday. Usually, they will give gifts when they come to visit, or ask for a favor. In Western culture, this is not the case, so many Westerners feel “uncomfortable” with this culture.
Never accept without saying no a few times
If you are given food, drinks, clothes or concert tickets from a Chinese person, the first thing you should do is…refuse it. Chinese people will judge you as a polite person if you accept a gift after refusing it a few times.
Huong Giang
According to dummies
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