Rules of behavior when visiting China. Features of Chinese etiquette. Rules of conduct for tourists in China

Rules of conduct for tourists in China 📃

When going to another country for the first time, everyone should familiarize themselves with the restrictions existing there and unusual events. This will avoid possible problems and awkward situations. You must also follow the rules that exist in this state.

What should a tourist know about China?

• There is no need to try to ride like a hare on public transport. The fare is not exorbitant. People here will not understand the word “savings”, and besides, they are so meager. Why contribute to trouble?
• Police representatives should not be rude. Offer them a bribe, too, so as not to worsen your situation and not end up behind bars.
• Few people know that in the Middle Kingdom, children can go to the toilet anywhere, even in stores! For these purposes, mothers carry special bags with them. There is no need to laugh or loudly discuss the action you saw, so as not to provoke a conflict.
• The Chinese are quite friendly towards foreigners and are always ready to respond to help. Residents of other countries perceive them as a “curiosity” and love to look at and communicate with them. The tourist has the opportunity to be the center of attention. There are times when tourists are photographed hiding behind a tree or around the corner of a house. White-skinned people evoke a genuine desire among the Chinese to capture a meeting with them. This is especially true for fair-haired girls.
• When choosing an order in a restaurant, you should try to clarify with the waiter what will be served. This must be done in order not to encounter surprises. The word “meat” can mean dog or shark meat. The Chinese offer tourists to try delicacies at high prices. This does not always meet the expectations of foreigners.
• The Chinese language is quite difficult to learn. You need to at least learn the main phrases. To greet the local people, you can learn the word "nihao", which means "hello".
• It is imperative to ask at least three Chinese to find out the desired route of travel. Everyone here is ready to help, so you can safely contact local residents in a difficult situation.
• Knowledge of English may not always help a tourist in China. In Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong you can hear the answer to your question on English language, in other cities this is already a problem. For this purpose, you should always carry a hotel business card and a phrase book with you.

These tips will help those who are planning to get acquainted with Chinese culture and traditions.

Rules of etiquette in China

Social Features:

For every Chinese, the prestige of the enterprise is higher than their own. In the family, work collective or public organization Due to the unseemly act of one of the group members, the reputation of the group can be lost, so any Chinese tries to behave with dignity.

Here they do not argue with elders based on title, rank, position and age. This is not just a gross violation of etiquette, but also national tradition generally. When talking with superiors or a senior person social status It is common to give a lot of compliments and show concern that you are taking up their precious time.

In Chinese families, the legal norm is to have only one child, so children here are a great blessing and value.

Greetings/introductions:

In China, people are sociable and friendly. They may be the first to talk to you in public transport or on the street, and this will not be considered something exceptional.

When meeting, the Chinese greet with a slight nod and words. “You” is rarely addressed - only to strangers or older people. Saying “Mr” or “Madam” before your last name shows special respect.

Food is a very significant element Chinese culture. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Chinese are accustomed to greeting each other by asking whether you have eaten or not. The literal translation of this question is: “Have you eaten rice yet?” (Ni chifan la ma?) To which the answer usually follows: “Yes, thank you!” - And you? (Shi, sese! Nina?) This is almost an exact equivalent English greeting"How are you?" And the expected response is "Fine, thanks." Even if you are not “fine” at all.

Traditional Chinese bows are mainly modern China not in use, except perhaps among elderly Chinese, and even then not everywhere and not always. Most Chinese have successfully adopted the Western habit of shaking hands, although perhaps not as vigorously as that of Europeans. Therefore, you should not be surprised at the embarrassment of some women who, according to established etiquette, are forced to shake your (man’s) hand. Hugging and kissing as a way of greeting or parting is absolutely not acceptable in China (yet) and should be avoided. Although some particularly “advanced” Chinese may surprise you with a tight hug. But kisses, even the most innocent ones, are incomprehensible to the Chinese.

Most Chinese have three-part names. However, young Chinese, especially in southern China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, are adding to their English name. (For example: Andrew Wang Li Dong, Julia Hua Mei Sheng). For Europeans unfamiliar with the Chinese name system, it can be quite difficult to understand how to refer to a Chinese person: either “Mr. Wang” or “Mr. Dong.” To avoid this confusion, many Chinese, especially those who often communicate with foreigners, write an English first name and a Chinese surname on business cards (Andrew Wang). It is also worth considering that chinese women They don’t take their husband’s surname. Therefore, do not be surprised if the owner of the house surnamed Wang introduces you to his wife - Mrs. Ma!

From this point of view, Chinese women were emancipated much earlier than European women.

The Chinese write their personal name after their surname. It is customary to address people by name only with relatives and close friends of approximately the same age.

Another specific problem that may arise when communicating with the Chinese is the difficulty of identifying gender when communicating by correspondence (for example, by email). Most southerners and overseas Chinese sign themselves as described above: English name- Chinese surname. Therefore, it is easy to understand the "Mr" or "Mrs" (Miss) in front of you. However, there is a fairly large percentage of Chinese who only subscribe Chinese name therefore, in correspondence you can ask your partner whether he is a man or a woman. This problem is international and there is nothing scary or inconvenient about it.

Usually the Chinese receive guests not at home, but in in public places, especially when the guests are foreigners.

The oldest person present at a birthday party, meeting or other event should be the first to deliver a greeting or congratulation.

If you were invited into a house, you were given a great honor.

Try to come to visit on time. Being late in this case will be a manifestation of bad taste. Staying too long, by the way.

In China, you must take off your shoes before entering your home.

Bring with you a small gift for the lady of the house. It could be fruits, sweets or cakes. A small toy is appropriate for a child. If you know that the family has small children and elderly people, then coming without a gift will be regarded as extremely indecent. In any case, the gift should not be expensive so as not to provoke an ambiguous reaction.

Chinese people are usually very happy about gifts given to them by foreigners. It is worth considering, however, that the gift must be from the country from which the foreign guest came. It should be something unique or practical that your Chinese partners will never be able to buy in China.

Here are some tips for choosing gifts:

Gifts to individuals should be relatively inexpensive - $10-15. If you give gifts to several people at the same time, make sure that they are approximately equal items. And in no case should you bypass anyone with a gift, especially from those people who were useful to you during your visit. The Chinese often have the habit of inviting people to the final contract signing ceremony or a farewell dinner who were not directly involved in the negotiation process, but who are important figures for your immediate partners: the vice president of the company, heads of departments and departments or their deputies. In a word, those who were useful. This sometimes creates confusion among foreign guests. But being prepared, you always have 2-3 sets of gifts in reserve in your bag. Therefore, this should not scare you. There is nothing terrible, on the contrary, if you ask your partners how many guests from the Chinese side will be present at the final meeting. Be sure that you will be understood correctly and will be given the most accurate and truthful answer. Even if the exact number is unknown, you can ask: no more than 3 (.4.5.6) people? Thus, you can be sure in advance that you will not put yourself in an awkward position by not giving someone a gift.

Company gifts may be slightly more expensive and should be given to the head of the group seated at the table. It is better to avoid very expensive gifts, unless of course you had a very large and very profitable deal. chinese food cult etiquette

If you are invited to visit your home, it would be very appropriate to bring with you some original souvenirs of your home country or some toys for children. Small trinkets such as badges and beautiful pocket calendars are absolutely universal in Chinese conditions. Not only children, but also adults are delighted with the badges. As a last resort, if there is nothing left, you can buy fruit in advance or on the way to visit.

For the Chinese, it is considered completely normal to refuse gifts two or three times (sometimes quite decisively, almost indignantly) before accepting them. A Chinese person who accepts a gift “without ceremony” risks looking greedy. Insist that the gifts are “very small” and that you will be offended if they are not accepted. They may give you a gift right away - as a sign of great respect for you and future relationships. If a gift is wrapped, it is considered impolite to unwrap it in front of the gift-giver unless he or she insists on it.

Use the traditional good luck colors of red and gold to wrap gifts. Avoid white and black colors, which symbolize mourning.

Also, the Chinese consider it appropriate to give gifts in pairs or even several pieces. Therefore, if you take oranges as a gift, take the “lucky” number - six or eight, but not odd number. The owner will give you back a few (in the case of oranges) as a sign that he is sharing his good fortune with you.

The only gift you should avoid giving to the Chinese is a watch. In Cantonese, watch also sounds like "going to a funeral" and this gift can be seen as wishing the person to die. Also avoid giving gifts of sharp objects, as this is seen as a threat to friendship. Flowers are traditionally given to people in hospital (or being discharged), as well as for funerals. However, these traditions change over time, but the custom of giving people flowers in even numbers still remains.

And a few more tips:

Foreigners should avoid giving the Chinese alcoholic drinks, even very expensive and elite ones.

If you admire for a long time and loudly some trinket in a store in front of your partners, it is very likely that they may give you exactly this or a similar thing when they break up.

It will be a very useful gift for Chinese students studying Russian. Dictionary Russian language or a book by a famous Russian writer.

In China there is a certain cult of food. Therefore, many traditions have a direct connection with food.

Chinese tea is served throughout the meal. A polite host will fill guests' mugs or bowls before they are empty. It is not necessary to drink tea every time it is topped up. It’s just that the dishes with tea should not be empty - that’s the custom. You can see how Chinese people thank each other for their thoughtfulness and kindness by tapping with two fingers right hand along the edge of the table. It is said that this gesture of politeness dates back to the Qing Dynasty, when one emperor took pleasure in incognito, “going among the people.” Those accompanying him could not express their respect to the ruler in words and expressed it by tapping two fingers on the table. Now many people find this habit quite practical: you can say “Thank you” without interrupting the main conversation.

You will use chopsticks while eating. Do not stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. For the Chinese, this is a “bad” sign, as it resembles incense sticks that are stuck vertically into a bowl of sand at funeral ceremonies. Don't wave your chopsticks or point them at people. It is also not good if your chopsticks cross with someone else's when you take food from common dishes. Just bad omens!

It is considered normal if the owners underestimate the quality of the food they eat. However, you should not agree with him or her, even if the food is not very good. On the contrary, it is considered polite to praise in every possible way the quality and taste of the food served.

As in other Asian cultures, burping at the table is a sign of satisfaction with food. In contrast European culture. At banquets, where there are sometimes up to twelve courses, try to restrain yourself. The hosts expect you to try every dish. Again, it is considered polite to first refuse the owner’s invitation to try this or that dish. If you agree immediately, you may be suspected of greed.

Turn the fish over to the other side in the dish - Bad sign. It symbolizes an overturned boat. The top side of the fish is eaten and the bones are removed, leaving access to the bottom side. The bones are usually removed either by the owner or the waiter.

Don't forget to leave noodles or rice (served at the end of the meal) a little uneaten. If you clean your cup, it will mean that you are still hungry, and the owners did not bother to feed you enough.

After the meal is finished, the guests stand up together and bow. This is somewhat different from the European habit of getting high after a meal with a cup of coffee and a cigarette. In a purely Chinese restaurant, coffee may not be available. But smoking after a meal is quite normal (if the owners also smoke).

There are still restaurants in China, especially in the provinces, where it is simply impossible to find a fork. You can cause a lot of unpleasant moments for your hosts or those accompanying you by asking them to find you a fork and not start eating until they find it. If you pause to search for what you need cutlery drags on for more than 2 minutes - feel free to grab your chopsticks. This will save the Chinese from having to send a person to the next store or the next village to get a fork. (My personal trick is to carry a set of plastic cutlery with me).

Please note - the lower the rank of the restaurant, the more natural the Chinese feel there. Are you not surprised that your companions - quite civilized and cultured, in the Western manner, in the city - can begin to behave like "peasants", slurping, belching and throwing bones on the floor at their feet in some roadside restaurant in rural areas. “Food” habits are one of the strongest and most complex in human nature. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Chinese, even the most educated and well-mannered, forget and give themselves free rein during lunch. You just need to accept it without trying to understand or change it.

Business Etiquette:

From knowledge business etiquette The fate of negotiations and commercial projects may depend on China.

Businessmen in China build business relationships through intermediaries in order to ensure the reliability of your company. Intermediaries are guarantors of transactions and your guarantors. Clarification of questions and coordination of details are also carried out through intermediaries

Before you arrive in China, send the transaction materials in advance to Chinese.

Coordination of various issues requires a lot of time and effort, truly angelic patience, since the Chinese bureaucracy is huge. This should be taken into account when doing business with Chinese partners.

Unlike our style of doing business in China, business relationships are more formal and do not involve closer contacts (restaurants, sauna, etc.).

Business meetings are not scheduled in nightclubs, theaters, cafes and restaurants. The Chinese are very scrupulous about the distinction between business and personal communication, so try not to get into trouble.

The Chinese see foreign partners not as individuals, but as representatives of companies, so focus on clearly stating the essence of the matter, rather than trying to win the sympathy of your interlocutors in personal communication.

For Chinese partners it is extremely important has your rank. To conduct high-level negotiations, the head of the company should travel, not an assistant or deputy.

Chinese business does not have gender asymmetry - women can hold responsible positions on an equal basis with men. But at the same time, touching a woman, helping her put on a coat or taking her by the arm is unacceptable. It is also not customary to open the door for a woman and give her a seat. For women, there is a strict ban on drinking alcohol and smoking in company!

Discuss your upcoming important business meeting in writing two or three months in advance.

Questions that should not be touched upon in conversation (as their severity decreases):

• 1. Sino-Japanese relations: Never compare China and Japan.
• 2. Taiwan.
• 3. Tibet.
• 4. The teachings of Falun Gong, as well as freedom of religion and human rights in general.
• 5. The shooting of students in Tiananmen Square in 1989 (opinions about the events vary depending on the proximity to Beijing).
• 6. Chinese manners and cleanliness (disparaging remarks are unacceptable).
• 7. The Cultural Revolution or the trials that families went through during Mao's reign: you will never know where the pitfalls lie. Even the uprising of the Yihetuan late XIX century, directed against foreigners can be a very complex topic.
• 8. Number of children: despite the relaxation in the state policy of “one family, one child,” you should not focus on this sensitive topic when telling your Chinese interlocutor about your family.

Also, if you really want to learn something from a Chinese person, you should be diplomatic. “People here are very reluctant to open up to foreigners,” says Peter Hessler, who had to piece together information for the book. One day he decided to find out the opinion of one resident of Hubei province about the construction of the Three Gorges power plant. She replied that it was wonderful. “Then I asked what others thought about this. She said: “Everyone is upset that nature has suffered,” that is, she expressed her opinion on behalf of the people.” Sometimes it is better to show a neutral attitude towards the issue that interests you, or even your complete incompetence.

Allowed topics:

• 1. Education: The Chinese are very proud of it. The first thing they will tell you about the child is where he studies; the first thing they will ask for is help with education abroad; The first question that will be asked is: “Where did you study?”
• 2. Ancient history: The more you know about China before 1850, the better. The distant past is a universal fascination. The work on the book of Confucius sold 600 thousand copies.

Face in the Celestial Empire -- keyword. It can be lost and saved, given and received. Even now, reputation in China is more valuable than money. You will feel this in any contact: with a receptionist, a party member, or a businessman. “When reputation collides with truth, truth retreats,” says Scott Seligman, a businessman and author of Chinese Business Etiquette. “As a result, foreigners often feel that the Chinese are not being completely honest with them.”

No: do not be angry. Anger causes both parties to lose face, and most importantly, it leads nowhere. The object of your emotions will withdraw and refuse to help. Tears don't work either. Dunlop recalls how she burst into tears in front of her hosts in the province when they dragged her around as guests. The Chinese were furious because they had lost face in front of their neighbors.

No: don't think that "yes" is always "yes". To refuse means to lose face. So learn to read between the lines. Most often, instead of a refusal, you will hear: “This is unacceptable” - or something like that. The answer “I will consider this possibility” is also rather negative. Trying to get a clear refusal will make you look like a boor. It's better to look for an alternative.

No: Never say “no” in public, no matter what the request is. Explain to the person in private why you have to refuse. The same goes for reprimands to subordinates and complaints about service.

No: don't get into arguments. Debating at a Western table is humiliating for a Chinese person surrounded by friends or colleagues. It is better to express disagreement privately.

No: do not make fun of the person, the organization they represent, or the country. It's not that the Chinese don't have a sense of humor, it's just that they are very sensitive to dissatisfaction, even if expressed ironically.

Yes: use flattery and don't skimp on praise.

Yes: ask for forgiveness even for involuntary tactlessness, especially if it affected national pride. It happens that the Chinese behave arrogantly, but at the same time they are extremely vulnerable. Even if you are right, it is better to apologize. If they try to deceive you, say: “This is some kind of misunderstanding.” Without betraying your principles, show humility. A foreigner is not afraid of losing face.

Yes: use intermediaries when making a claim or praise. If you tell the guide's boss that you liked him, it will dramatically increase his reputation. If the job is done poorly, people would rather be scolded by the boss than by you in front of other people.

Yes: laugh instead of arguing or refusing. The Chinese themselves laugh when they feel awkward. Seligman tells how he once fell in a store: “No one helped me get up, but many laughed nervously.” And there is no need to be offended by this.

Yes: Let's have some tea alone. Tipping is officially prohibited, but it is not refused.

When going to China, you must understand that a completely different world will open up before you cultural traditions, linguistic features and mentality. No matter what goals you pursue - business, tourism, entertainment, shopping - you will encounter a culture that is unknown, alien and attractive. To make it easier for you to adapt to an unfamiliar space, we offer you a short list of tips that will certainly be useful to you in the Middle Kingdom.

Where to start our journey? That's right - from the hotel!

• The Chinese are friendly and at the same time pedantic people. If you do not follow the written rules of behavior, you will face best case scenario warning. The rules for your stay at the hotel are described in detail in a booklet, which lies in a visible place on the table. Don't worry: they're not in Chinese. An English version is also available.
• In order not to get lost in an unknown city, at the reception you will be given a special card in Chinese with the hotel address and other information. useful information. If necessary, you can use it in a taxi: it is unlikely that the taxi driver will know English. Try to keep it with you at all times.
• When checking into your room, carefully check that everything is in working order: telephone, shower, TV, refrigerator and other appliances. You will be charged for the damaged property, even if you did not do it. This is the order, so accept the number with due responsibility.
• In your room you will be provided with a thermos of boiled water or bottles of mineral water. Don't risk drinking from the tap: with drinking water The Chinese have a complicated relationship.
• Store valuables (money, jewelry) in safes. If you can’t find the treasured box in your room, rent it. Theft is often an integral part of Chinese hospitality. may be overshadowed by such an unpleasant situation.
• Although tipping is officially prohibited in China, it is customary to give about 1-2 yuan to porters, maids, and massage therapists. Taxis, restaurants, cafes, bars do not take tips. Therefore, do not even persuade, but be polite. The Chinese will appreciate it.

About transport and rules of conduct.

So, you left the hotel. Full of people streets, noise and turmoil, incomprehensible signs. Do you need to go somewhere, for example, to a shopping center? Then the right solution would be to use the services of a taxi driver. It's fast and... expensive. It will be cheaper to rent a car with a driver. If you don't have a Chinese driver's license, driving is a bad idea. Don't forget, the Chinese are pedantic and do not tolerate it when foreigners do not respect their laws. For a trip out of town, the ideal train is: local public transport busy and extremely slow.

We recommend that you follow the rules of conduct. Smoking in public places is monitored by moral squads of the local police. If you are caught next to a prohibitory sign, get your wallet ready: the fines for such offenses are high. Especially for foreigners.

Traditionally, photography is prohibited in churches and museums. But for a certain fee it is possible. Keep this in mind when you release the camera shutter.

In China, it is customary to give and receive things with both hands: this is a sign of great respect. Hugging in public is bad manners, even if it's your good old friend. Shake hands and smile.

Personal safety issues are also important to discuss

Pickpocketing occurs at every turn. Take care of your property and do not show off your wallet or passport. If your passport is stolen, immediately contact your country's embassy in China or the police. You will be provided with a protocol with the necessary information to obtain temporary documents. Failure to detect the loss in a timely manner can cost you dearly. It is advisable to change money at a bank branch or at a hotel. Street money changers pursue their own selfish interests - do not fall for the bait of experienced scammers. Conflicts, unfortunately, are inevitable. In any situation that is out of your control, say “I don’t understand,” or “budun” in Chinese.

If you decide to buy something in China.

Porcelain and lacquer boxes, pearls, tea and silk are popular goods purchased by foreign tourists. In China, it is customary to bargain everywhere, except in places with fixed prices: boutiques, supermarkets, large stores. Keep your receipts; they may be useful to you when you leave: a souvenir and a museum rarity are the same thing for a customs officer.

And lastly, starting your journey with the anticipation of getting to know new culture, you must learn a couple Chinese words and popular expressions. A good phrasebook will become your guide. Although many signs and announcements are in English, show your respect for the culture. It will be appreciated.

If you are lucky enough to be invited to visit China, you definitely need to show respect to the hosts. In what features of Chinese etiquette?

Sweets for children)

4. When visiting, shoes are removed and you can wear socks.

5. It is not customary to touch the owners' things. Taking something yourself is the height of indecency.

Tea always good gift. In any country)

In general, you should know that foreigners are rarely invited to visit China, so if you are invited, you have been given a great honor! So pack your gifts and run)))

Kids and Chinese)

For many Europeans, China is not just another country - it is a completely different world! People who come to China for the first time not only face differences in language, geography, politics, etc. - many experience real culture shock. Many Chinese customs and habits are rooted in the country's ancient past and are based on various kinds of prejudices and superstitions. From the outside - from the point of view of Europeans - they are completely devoid of any common sense and sometimes seem a little wild to non-Chinese people. However, for people who want to work with China and the Chinese, knowledge of some basic Chinese traditions and norms of behavior will be very useful, as it will allow them, as they say, to “save face” in front of this peculiar people and feel less discouraged by the “strange” behavior of the Chinese. It should be borne in mind that China is currently experiencing a lot of changes, including in cultural life society. And some Western traditions are replacing them.

GREETINGS

Food is a very significant element of Chinese culture. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Chinese are accustomed to greeting each other by asking whether you have eaten or not. The literal translation of this question is: “Have you eaten rice yet?” (Ni chifan la ma?). To which the answer usually follows: “Yes, thank you! - And you?” (Shi, sese! Nine?). This is almost the exact equivalent of the English greeting "How are you?" And the expected response is "Fine, thanks." Even if you are not “fine” at all.

Traditional Chinese bows are generally not in use in modern China, except perhaps among older Chinese, and even then not everywhere and not always. Most Chinese have successfully adopted the Western habit of shaking hands, although perhaps not as vigorously as the Europeans. Therefore, you should not be surprised at the embarrassment of some women who, according to established etiquette, are forced to shake your (man’s) hand. Hugging and kissing as a way of greeting or parting is absolutely not acceptable in China (yet) and should be avoided. Although some particularly “advanced” Chinese may surprise you with a tight hug. But kisses, even the most innocent ones, are incomprehensible to the Chinese.

Another specific problem that may arise when communicating with the Chinese is the difficulty of identifying gender when communicating by correspondence (for example, by email). Most southerners and overseas Chinese sign their names as described above: English given name - Chinese surname. Therefore, it is easy to understand the "Mr" or "Mrs" (Miss) in front of you. However, there is a fairly large percentage of Chinese who sign only with their Chinese name. Therefore, in correspondence, you can ask your partner whether he is a man or a woman. This problem is international, and there is nothing scary or inconvenient about it.

For the Chinese, it is considered completely normal to refuse gifts two or three times (sometimes quite decisively, almost indignantly) before accepting them. A Chinese person who accepts a gift “without ceremony” risks looking greedy. Insist that the gifts are “very small” and that you will be offended if they are not accepted. They may give you a gift right away - as a sign of great respect for you and for the sake of future relationships. If a gift is wrapped, it is considered impolite to unwrap it in front of the gift-giver unless he or she insists on it.

Use the traditional good luck colors of red and gold to wrap gifts. Avoid white and black colors, which symbolize mourning.

Also, the Chinese consider it appropriate to give gifts in pairs or even several pieces. Therefore, if you are taking oranges as a gift, take the "lucky" number - six or eight, but not an odd number. The owner will give you back a few (in the case of oranges) as a sign that he is sharing his good fortune with you.

The only gift you should avoid giving to the Chinese is a watch. In Cantonese, watch also sounds like "to go to a funeral", and this gift can be seen as a death wish for the person. Also avoid giving gifts of sharp objects, as this is seen as a threat to friendship. Flowers are traditionally given to people in hospital (or being discharged), as well as for funerals. However, these traditions change over time, but the custom of giving people flowers in even numbers still remains.

TABLE BEHAVIOR

As noted earlier, in China there is a certain cult of food. Therefore, many traditions have a direct connection with food.

Chinese tea is served throughout the meal. A polite host will fill guests' mugs or bowls before they are empty. It is not necessary to drink tea every time it is topped up. It’s just that the dishes with tea should not be empty - that’s the custom. You can see how Chinese people thank each other for their thoughtfulness and kindness by tapping two fingers of their right hand on the edge of the table. It is said that this gesture of politeness dates back to the Qing Dynasty, when one emperor took pleasure in incognito, “going among the people.” Those accompanying him could not express their respect to the ruler in words and expressed it by tapping two fingers on the table. Now many people find this habit quite practical: you can say “Thank you” without interrupting the main conversation.

You will use chopsticks while eating. Do not stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. For the Chinese, this is a “bad” sign, as it resembles incense sticks that are stuck vertically into a bowl of sand at funeral ceremonies. Don't wave your chopsticks or point them at people. It is also not good if your chopsticks cross with someone else's when you take food from common dishes. Just bad omens!

It is considered normal if the owners underestimate the quality of the food they eat. However, you should not agree with him or her, even if the food is not very good. On the contrary, it is considered polite to praise in every possible way the quality and taste of the food served.

As in other Asian cultures, burping at the table is a sign of satisfaction with food. In contrast to European culture. At banquets, where there are sometimes up to twelve courses, try to restrain yourself. The hosts expect you to try every dish. Again, it is considered polite to first refuse the owner’s invitation to try this or that dish. If you agree immediately, you may be suspected of greed.

Turning fish over on the other side in a dish is a bad omen. It symbolizes an overturned boat. The top side of the fish is eaten and the bones are removed, leaving access to the bottom side. The bones are usually removed either by the owner or the waiter.

Remember to leave the noodles or rice (served at the end of the meal) slightly uneaten. If you clean your cup, it will mean that you are still hungry, and the owners did not bother to feed you enough.

After the meal is finished, the guests stand up together and bow. This is somewhat different from the European habit of getting high after a meal with a cup of coffee and a cigarette. In a purely Chinese restaurant, coffee may not be available. But smoking after a meal is quite normal (if the hosts also smoke).

The lower the rank of the restaurant, the more natural the Chinese feel there. Don’t be surprised that your companions - quite civilized and cultured, in a Western manner, in the city - can begin to behave like “peasants”, slurping, belching and throwing bones on the floor at their feet in some roadside restaurant in the countryside. “Food” habits are one of the strongest and most complex in human nature. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Chinese, even the most educated and well-mannered, forget and give themselves free rein during lunch. You just need to accept it without trying to understand or change it.

LANGUAGE OF THE BODY

Touches. All Chinese people really dislike being touched. strangers and foreigners. Women in particular experience an almost physiological hostility to tactile signs of attention from strangers or unfamiliar people. Hugging, patting on the back, kissing, and generally any other form of close physical contact can be shocking to the Chinese.

Hands. Never point at the Chinese index finger. To do this, use an open palm with the inside facing up. Never call anyone by wagging your finger. This is done in China by moving the fingers of the palm - inner surface palms down. Clicking your fingers is considered a very indecent gesture.

Legs. It is considered extremely indecent and rude to place your feet on a table or chair. Do not pass anything or point at anything with your feet.

Nose. It is considered very unhygienic to blow your nose into a tissue and then put it back in your pocket. Freeing your nose without using a scarf on the street is considered normal.

Crowds and queues. The very concept of a queue is unknown in China. The Chinese can gather in huge crowds trying to gain access to something. At the same time, they do not consider these clusters to be a small heap or a crush, finding a certain order in the crowd, giving way to each other or cutting off each other.

Whistling. Whistling is very rude in China.

Cautions. People of the same sex can walk holding hands. This is a gesture of deep friendship and trust. The Chinese can noisily and quickly suck air through their lips and teeth, thereby expressing difficulty or surprise caused by a question addressed to them.

A question addressed to a Chinese person, especially a stranger, by a foreigner may not always receive an adequate answer. If a Chinese person does not know where this or that point that you are asking about is located, he may make something up or make an assumption, passing it off as a reliable answer. This is due to the fear of “losing face” in front of a foreigner. This is not always the case with all Chinese. In any case, in China it is better to contact law enforcement officers who are on duty with questions.