Many travellers from abroad are confused and frightened by Chinese customs. China may be changing fast, but it’s still a highly traditional society. Showing respect for local customs will make your travels more pleasant for you and those around you. One don'ts, that is important, don't always think there is only one correct way to do things. Be open in mind and don't be too quick to judge the country. Here’s some tips to help you avoid a gaffe. This handy reference tool makes it easy for newcomers to China to fit right in.
1. Do not behave in a carefree manner in public. The Chinese do not like a public display of emotions.
2. Do not lose your temper, as to lose one’s temper is an absolute loss of face.
3. Do not point at someone with your index finger or beckon anyone with it. Finger snapping is a no no too.
4. Do not whistle to get someone’s attention.
5. Don’t point the bottom of your shoes/feet at someone.
6. Don’t touch someone’s head. It is sacred.
7. Do not go biting your nails or putting your hands in your mouth as it is considered to be vulgar in Chinese culture.
8. Do not get into political discussions. Don’t talk badly about the government. Don’t talk about Chairman Mao.
9. Do not even mention Tibet.
10. Don’t expect people to speak English.
11. Do not be surprised if you present a gift, invitation or a favor and it isn’t accepted. The Chinese think it polite to refuse a couple of times before accepting. It reflects modesty and humility.
12. Do not wrap gifts to be presented in black, white or grey. They represent mourning.
13. Do not include yellow or white flowers as gifts, they represent funerals.
14. Do not use red ink. It symbolizes an end in the relationship. It is also used in letters of protest.
15. Do not gift books or clocks of any kind. The phrase ‘to give a clock’ in Mandarin sounds too much like ‘attend a funeral’ and ‘giving a book’ sounds like ‘delivering defeat.’
16. Do not forget to take off your shoes when entering any home in China, unless are told not to.
17. Don’t put sugar or milk in your tea. Normal Chinese teas are always drunk neat.
18. Do not stick your chopsticks upright in the rice bowl. Instead, lay them on your dish.
19. Do not use your own chopsticks or spoon to dish shared dishes (which is customary) when eating with a group, use the serving spoon to dish into your bowl or plate to eat instead.
20. Do not set the tea pot spout facing towards anyone. It is considered impolite.
21. Don't tap on your bowl with your chopsticks. Beggars tap on their bowls, so this is not polite. Also, in a restaurant, if the food is coming too slow people will tap their bowls. If you are in someone's home, it is like insulting the cook.
22. Do not use a toothpick in public without covering your mouth with your hand.
23. Don’t give too much attention to an object someone else has; they may feel obligated to give it to you.
24. Don’t use those pretty gold/silver papers for western décor. It’s for spiritual/cultural Chinese rituals.
25. Don’t take a cab all by yourself if you are unfamiliar with the area.
26. Don’t drink water from the tap.
27. Don’t freak out if you don’t know what to do. When in doubt, simply watch what the Chinese people do and follow suit.
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