Do and Don'ts in China

As one of the oldest living civilizations on Earth, China has been developing its culture over millennia and during your visit you might notice that Chinese culture isn't exactly what you're used to. What might be culturally acceptable in the West might be taboo in China (and vice versa!) so it's only natural to feel a bit overwhelmed when visiting China for the first time.
To help keep the culture shock to a minimum, we've compiled this handy list of cultural do's and don'ts, as well as a general etiquette guide that'll help you blend right in when visiting this fascinating country.
Greetings
Do
Handshakes as greetings in China are as common as they are in the West.
· Do greet others by using a handshake or a nod. Bows are best saved for your visit to Japan or Korea.
· Do address seniority by an honorific title (family relationship or e.g. 'teacher': laoshi) or by the family name plus Mr. (xiansheng), Ms. (nvshi).
· Do address the eldest or most senior person first. This is done as a sign of respect to those in a more senior position.
Don't
· Don't offer too firm of a handshake. A firm handshake could be construed as a sign of aggression.
· Don't go straight for a hug. Especially when meeting someone for the first time. Any body contact, apart from a simple handshake, may make your new Chinese friends feel uncomfortable.
· Don't address elders using 'ni hao' (/nee haow/). Instead, use 'Nin hao' (/neen-haow/ 'you good'). This is more polite, formal and respectful.
If you're interested in avoiding other do's and don'ts when communicating in China, take a look at the in-depth guide on Communicating in China.
Table Manners
the guides will show you the proper, Chinese way of using chopsticks
Do
· Do join in on toasts. It's considered polite to join in on each toast and even to stand up during formal gatherings.
· Do sample all dishes at banquets or formal occasions. It's considered polite, and at the end of the meal be sure to leave a little on the plate to honor your host's generosity.
· Do tap the table when someone refills your tea. The gesture of using two fingers to tap the dining table is used to show thanks toward whoever refilled your tea.
Don't
· Don't put bones, seeds or other inedibles into in your rice bowl. Use a tissue or your hand to place them in the small plate provided — or observe how others deal with them.
· Don't tap your chopsticks. Tapping your bowl or the table with your chopsticks is considered rude and impolite.
· Don't use your own chopsticks to pick food from the central dishes. This is typically considered unhygienic. Use the serving spoons or serving chopsticks provided.
See article on Chinese Dining Etiquette to learn more about Chinese table manners.
Giving and Receiving Gifts
When visiting friends in China, it's common to present your host with a small gift.
Do
· Do Present and receive things with both hands. This is considered polite in Chinese culture.
· Do refuse a gift a number of times before accepting it. Politely refusing a gift before accepting it is the norm in Chinese culture, so don't be discouraged when someone initially refuses your gift.
· Do gift small items like books, music CDs, perfumes, cigarettes and candies from your home country (or a well-known Chinese brand). These are always appreciated and are always well received.
Don't
· Don't be too eager to unwrap your gift. Unless the person offering the gift insists. It's considered polite in Chinese culture to open gifts after you or your guests leave.
· Don't wrap gifts using black or white wrapping paper. Choose festive colors, such as red, instead.
· Don't gift clocks or other symbolic items. Clocks and things related to the number four are associated with death in China, and sharp objects symbolize the severing of relationships.
Etiquette in Historic and Religious Areas
Don't photograph elders in Tibet without permission.
For example, around Tibet and Jiuzhaiguo:
Do
· Do walk in a clockwise direction when touring a temple or monastery.
· Do take off your hat when entering temples. This is done as a sign of respect.
· Do donate a few yuan to religious beggars. This is considered an act of merit in Tibetan culture.
Don't
· Don't photograph old folk without permission. It's often assumed that a request to photograph them is an offer to pay – the same in some places on the Silk Road.
· Don't touch a Tibetan on the head. Tibetans believe that God resides in your head and may be offended by this gesture.
· Don't dip your fingers in the yak butter lamps in temples. You may be tempted to taste the butter but this is highly offensive, not to mention unhygienic and a health risk.
If you're interested in learning more about Chinese temple culture, join us on the popular 7-Day Tibet Discovery Tour by Train where you'll be surrounded by spectacular scenery while travelling via the world's highest railway.
In Mosques and Islamic Areas Around the Silk Road:
Xi'an Great Mosque
Do
· Do maintain gender separation in mosques. This is very important in Islamic culture, and you shouldn't even shake hands with the opposite gender.
· Do cover up when visiting mosques. As a minimum, you should cover your arms to the elbow and your legs above the knees.
· Do cover your head with a scarf. Women are required to wear headscarves when visiting mosques.
Don't
· Don't ask sensitive questions. Sensitive topics such as relations between the various ethnic groups and the governments should be avoided.
· Don't assume that alcohol and cigarettes are permitted. This is usually not the case. It's best to ask first if you're unsure.
· Don't bring non-halal items into a Muslim restaurant/home (the guide can help if you're unsure).
Thinking of travelling to the Silk Road? Be sure to check out the Silk Road Travel Guide, or if it's your first time visiting China, the 13-Day Beijing- Xian- Dunhuang- Urumqi- Shanghai Tour incorporates a visit to the Silk Road with other popular Chinese highlights.
General Etiquette in China
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