{"id":24528,"date":"2020-12-12T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-12T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=24528"},"modified":"2026-02-26T14:24:50","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T13:24:50","slug":"chinese-customs-know-before-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/chinese-customs-know-before-go\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Chinese customs to know before your trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every country has its own unique customs and culture, and China is no different. Understanding the traditions and etiquette of China will make your trip so much more rewarding, so we\u2019ve put together some common Chinese customs and traditions to know before you go. From chopsticks etiquette to gift-giving superstitions, here are some of the major customs to remember on your trip to China<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use chopsticks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chopsticks are the most common eating utensil in China, but there\u2019s a few Chinese customs to be aware of while you\u2019re learning how to use chopsticks. Firstly, you should never leave chopsticks upright in a rice bowl, as it looks similar to a ritual made as an offering to the dead. You should also never make gestures with your chopsticks in your hands, as this is considered impolite in Chinese culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:<\/strong> Best of China with Yangtze Cruise<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chinese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Burping is polite<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In China, burping isn\u2019t considered rude. In fact, it\u2019s actually a sign of gratitude to the cook and satisfaction with the meal. It\u2019s a great compliment, so don\u2019t be surprised when you hear a burp or two at the dining table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking hot water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll quickly get used to drinking hot water when in China. The locals drink dozens of cups of hot water every day as they believe it can prevent diseases and cure illnesses. Expect to have your cup refilled with hot water many times in Chinese restaurants. This is the same for tea. Hosts will ensure that teacups never go empty and when they refill your cup, you should tap the table to show thanks. This Chinese tradition is known as tea tapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chinese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Down your drink after saying \u201cganbei\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Downing your drink isn\u2019t just for 21st birthdays in China. When you hear \u201cGanbei\u201d (cheers) and glass clinking, you should drink up all the alcohol in your glass, instead of just taking a sip. If you don\u2019t down it all, it\u2019s considered impolite in China. If you can\u2019t drink alcohol, don\u2019t panic. There\u2019s a Chinese saying, \u201c\u201cReplace the wine with tea (Yi Cha Dai Jiu)\u201d, so everyone can drink after saying \u201cGanbei!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT:<\/strong> 6 local and immersive food experiences you can do with Trafalgar in China<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"group<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Spitting in public is common<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spitting is another bodily function that is considered totally normal to do in public in China. It isn\u2019t considered rude at all to spit while around others, whether it\u2019s on the street or indoors. While it may be a bit unusual to see at first, remember that our differences are what make every culture so unique. Plus, the Chinese think it\u2019s just as odd to watch you blow your nose into a hanky or tissue and put it back in your pocket!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never share a pear<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a superstitious Chinese custom, based on homophones. The Chinese phrase for \u201cdividing a pear\u201d is \u201cFen Li\u201d (\u5206\u68a8), which sounds similar to \u201c\u5206\u79bb\u201d which translates to \u201cdeparture\u201d in Chinese. This is a bad omen in China, so it\u2019s best to only share around your apples and oranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong>The first timer\u2019s guide to China: where to go and what to do<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chinese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Your gift will be refused<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be offended if you offer someone a gift and they turn it down. It\u2019s a Chinese custom to refuse the gift at least one time, and up to three times. Your gift will be politely refused at the first offer, and will eventually be accepted after a few tries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT:<\/strong> 6 facts you probably don\u2019t know about Christmas in China<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"wrapped<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Superstitions about gifting clocks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While we\u2019re on the topic of gifts, it\u2019s important to note that you should never give a clock to a Chinese person as a gift. This is another homophone-related tradition. The phrase \u201cgiving clock\u201d in Chinese is \u201cSong Zhong\u201d (\u9001\u949f) which sounds similar to \u201c\u9001\u7ec8\u201d meaning \u201c\u201clooking after a dying person\u201d or \u201cburying a person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alarm<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Don’t accept a compliment too easily<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it might seem a little odd to refuse a compliment, you should always protest or rebuff a compliment in China. This is because accepting a compliment right from the start can be seen as a sign of arrogance or vanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tipping can be offensive<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remember that tipping isn\u2019t the norm everywhere. In China, tipping is usually unnecessary and may even be considered rude. Tips are generally only given at hotels or on tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chinese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You might feel like a superstar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s common for Chinese people to ask foreigners for a photo. Although the big Chinese cities receive many visitors every year, many locals are still fascinated by foreigners. So don\u2019t be surprised if you\u2019re approached by many locals asking for a selfie! Just smile and enjoy the ride\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:<\/strong> Classic China<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Business cards require both hands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re not going on a business trip to China, it\u2019s handy to know this Chinese custom to avoid offending any locals. If someone offers you their business card, you should take it with both hands. If you are giving someone your business card, you should also give it to them with both hands. This shows respect to others, especially if you\u2019re giving or receiving a card from someone older than you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passionate gardeners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you love gardening, you\u2019ll be amazed when you see the cities in China. No matter where you are, from apartment blocks to residential suburbs to small roadside strips, you\u2019ll see all kinds of fruit, vegetables and flowers growing that were planted by ordinary Chinese people. There\u2019s even a joke that goes around that planting trees is in their DNA in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong>7 best girlfriends from China have built a mansion to retire in together<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"pink<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You might see the face-kini at the beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A pale complexion is highly desired in Chinese culture and many locals go to great lengths to protect their skin from the sun. A recent trend turns this up a notch – the face-kini, a full face mask that protects the skin from both the sun and jellyfish stings. It looks like a balaclava and can be a little terrifying at first sight, but the designs have become much more glamorous in recent years! The face-kini first began on the beaches of Qingdao in 2004 and has become popular across the country ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Napping on the street<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Chinese are the kings and queens of napping. It\u2019s a very common activity and you\u2019ll often see locals sleeping in the car, on public transport or in unusual places on the street. There\u2019s even a whole website<\/a> dedicated to the country\u2019s famous habit of sleeping in odd places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Giant<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Giving hongbao during the Chinese New Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Chinese New Year is one of the most important and happiest times of year for Chinese people. No matter where you come from, most families give out hongbao (lucky money) to the children. Hongbao are red envelopes stuffed with brand new bills, and they\u2019re given out by the elders of the family. They are meant to symbolise luck and blessings for the year ahead and you\u2019ll likely see lots of red symbolism if you\u2019re visiting China during the wonderful Spring Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chinese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eating dumplings during the Winter Solstice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re visiting China during the Winter Solstice, expect dumplings to be the star of the show. Nearly everyone eats dumplings on the Winter Solstice, as legend says if you don\u2019t, your ears will be frozen off by the cold wind! You\u2019ll see all the dumpling restaurants packed with customers and delivery drivers zooming around with dumpling orders. Be sure to try some of these delicious treats no matter what time of the year you visit China!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know any interesting Chinese customs or traditions? Let us know in the comments below!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Every country has its own unique customs and culture, and China is no different. Understanding the traditions and etiquette of China will make your trip so much more rewarding, so we\u2019ve put together some common Chinese customs and traditions to know before you go. From chopsticks etiquette to gift-giving superstitions, here are some of the 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