Etiquette Tips When Travelling in China
Handshaking is common in China, but the handshake typically lasts longer than in the West. When carrying on a conversation, it is customary for people to stand quite close together, sometimes a bit closer than Westerners find comfortable. Visitors find that some Chinese seem to be very formal; and at times not as polite in Western terms.
Casual wear that is somewhat conservative is acceptable most everywhere in the country; but clothing that is revealing is not considered appropriate and may cause offence. It is recommended that visitors avoid expressing religious or political opinions, as this may also make people feel uncomfortable.
Dining Etiquette
When invited to dine with a Chinese host, a guest should wait to be seated until their seat is pointed out to them; and should eat only when the host indicates that they should begin. Note that chopsticks should not be positioned upright in the rice bowl when finished, as this position is symbolic of death. Making a toast at the beginning of a meal, and during it, is common. Bringing a gift to the host if the meal in held at the host’s home is customary; and may be a small souvenir from the guest’s country, or fruit or sweets.
Tipping is not generally expected, but the practice is becoming more commonplace, and a gratuity is appropriate for tour guides, tour drivers, servers at the better restaurants and staff at tourist hotels. At most ordinary restaurants and hotels, tipping is not expected; and at some of the larger establishments, a service charge of 10% is normally added to the bill.
The Chinese surname appears first, followed by the given or ‘first’ name. Visitors often are listed at their hotels under their first name, unless they have made it clear what their last name is by underlining it when registering. When addressing a Chinese person, the surname and a title should be used.
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