People who first come to China sometimes experience a real culture shock. Chinese customs and habits are based on various superstitions and, from the point of view of Europeans, are completely devoid of common sense. But the Chinese honor their traditions, so in order to have a successful relationship with them, you need to know some basic norms of behavior.
Instructions
Step 1
Most Chinese people greet each other with a nod or light handshake. Hugs and kisses when meeting or saying goodbye are totally unacceptable in China, avoid them.
Step 2
If you want to give a present to a Chinese man, do not be surprised by his refusal to accept the gift. It is considered perfectly normal for the Chinese to refuse gifts 2-3 times before accepting them. And if a Chinese person accepts a gift without ceremony, he risks looking greedy. Persuade your acquaintances, say that your gifts are insignificant and that you will be upset if they are not accepted. Use the traditional lucky colors of gold and red for packaging. Avoid black and white colors, they symbolize mourning.
Step 3
Don't give your Chinese friends a watch. In one of the local dialects, the clock sounds like "to go to a funeral", so this gift may look like a wish for death to a person. Avoid giving away sharp objects - this is seen as a threat to your friendship. Give flowers in an even quantity. Handkerchiefs, symbols of funeral and death, cannot be gifted either.
Step 4
There is a cult of tea in China. Chinese tea is served throughout the meal. The polite host fills the bowls of the guests without waiting for them to be empty. If you don't want your tea anymore, just don't finish it. In China, such a custom - dishes with tea during a meal should never be empty. Leave some food on the plate in the same way; empty dishes means that you are hungry, and the owners could not feed you to your fill.
Step 5
Do not stick the chopsticks vertically into the food plate while eating. For the Chinese, this is a bad sign, it reminds them of incense sticks stuck in a bowl of sand at a funeral ceremony. Also, do not wave your chopsticks, do not use them as a pointer.
Step 6
Burping at a table in China is a sign of satisfaction with food, so don't be shy. If you are invited to a banquet with many dishes, try to restrain yourself. It is considered polite to first refuse to try a particular dish. And if you agree right away, you may seem greedy.
Step 7
Do not expect an adequate answer to your questions from a Chinese, especially a stranger. Even if he does not know what you are asking, he will still answer, but he can fantasize, passing it off as a reliable answer. Contact the law enforcement officers with questions.
Step 8
In China, they are strict about the implementation of laws. Do not cross the road in the wrong place and do not throw garbage, for this you can face a large fine. Always be polite. In case of any problems, say "Budun" - it means "I do not understand." It usually helps.
