4 Things You Should Never Do in China

China is a country where the rules of politeness can be complicated and mysterious. However, this travel destination remains accessible and interesting. To avoid an awkward moment of discomfort and not make mistakes, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with Chinese customs before going there. If you are thinking of going there, here are 4 things you should definitely avoid.

1) To get angry or make someone lose face

To begin with, you should know that the Chinese have habits and manners that are very different from those in the West. For example, they regularly spit in the street. It may also happen that you are jostled when crowds are pressing or that you are overtaken in queues. If this happens, all you need to know is that there is no point in getting upset and complaining.

Public displays of anger are frowned upon by the Chinese and frowned upon by the government. This refers to getting upset and publicly humiliating or embarrassing people. This will make them feel uncomfortable, as they are very reserved when it comes to expressing emotions. And as a foreign visitor, it is best to remain polite in the event of a conflict and discuss things privately with the person concerned.

2) Address people by their first name

During your stay in China, always address people by their family name, because it is tradition. Of course, Chinese people have first and last names like everyone else. The reason is mainly that an honorary status is attached to the Chinese family name. Indeed, the family takes precedence over the individual. To distinguish the name from the first name in China, it is that the name comes first. It is also generally monosyllabic.

Only family members and really close friends can use first names. In the family and close circle, they sometimes give each other little nicknames or add prefixes. For example, if the person is old, they use the prefix "lǎo" (old).

3) Accept a gift on the first try

In China, when you are invited to someone's home for the first time, it is imperative not to arrive empty-handed. This shows gratitude to the host. But, when you are the one being offered a gift or something else, there is a gesture you must make.

This is the act of politely and repeatedly refusing the gift before accepting it. Better yet, refuse until the person places the gift in your hands. Indeed, it is not appropriate in Chinese culture to show that you are eager to receive. Other than that, always remember to take everything you receive with both hands.

4) Incorrectly positioning the chopsticks

Finally, the handling of chopsticks is also to be taken into account. At the table, one should avoid holding chopsticks vertically and especially sticking them in the dishes. These are very negative signs in the country, because it recalls a fatal event with the lit incense sticks of the altars dedicated to the deceased.

Also avoid licking them, crossing them on the table, using them to move a bowl, pointing at something or someone with them, or just playing with them. There are many good ways to get them to handle LChinese chopsticks art clothing. Just use them for their functions: stirring, pinching and picking up. In addition, there is the chopstick holder to put them on.