China

Chinese Society and Culture.

Traditional values have clearly shaped much of contemporary Chinese life. The belief in rule by an educated and functionally unspecialized elite, the value placed on learning and propagating an orthodox ideology that focuses on society and government, and the stress on hierarchy and the preeminent role of the state were all carried over from traditional society. The role of model workers and soldiers, as well as official concern for the content and form of popular literature and the arts, also reflects characteristically Chinese themes. In the mid-1980s a number of Chinese writers and political leaders identified the lingering hold of "feudal" attitudes, even within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), as a major obstacle to modernization. They identified such phenomena as authoritarianism, unthinking obedience to leaders, deprecation of expert knowledge, lack of appreciation for law, and the failure to apply laws to leaders as "feudal" legacies that were not addressed in the early years of China's revolution.

Etiquette and Customs

Meeting Etiquette

• Learning a little Chinese goes a long way. While it’s not necessary to master Chinese, learning to say a few phrases will help break the ice.
• While the Chinese prefer to bow at the waist for formal ceremonies and special events, a handshake and hello are becoming more and more popular. Always stand when being introduced and remain standing until introductions have been completed.
• Greetings are formal and remember to greet the oldest person firstly.
• Sit on the established seating pattern. If you are not sure, please do ask.
• Address the person by an honorific title and their family name.
• A good eye contact and smile are necessary and appreciated.
• Do not interrupt anyone, even of you disagree totally.
• When speaking, be brief and make sure that you say is relevant.

Gift-Giving Etiquette

• In Chinese societies, gifts are given for holidays, such as birthdays, during official business meetings, and at special events like dinner at a friend’s home.
• The Chinese like food, so food would make a great gift
• Do not give sharp objects like scissors and knives
• Do not give towels, umbrellas, hangkerchiefs and clocks
• Do not give cut flowers particularly yellow or white flowers.
• Do not wrap gifts in white or black paper.
• Do not give gifts in sets of four, green hats or shoes

Table Manners

• In Chinese restaurants, knives should not be seen on the table. Chopsticks, bowls and soup spoons are the traditional table ware. Food is always cut into bite sized pieces, whole meats such as pig, fish and poultry are cooked till they are so tender that the meat can be removed right off the bones with chopsticks
• When using chopsticks, don't point them directly at people and never stick them standing upright in your rice bowl -- this is a reminder of the incense burned at funerals.
• Use a clean spoon solely for taking food from communal plates for yourself or others, if you serve someone with your own chopsticks, use the blunt ends that don't go into your mouth. Though you may see that Chinese people take food directly with their own chopsticks sometimes, especially it will be like that when people have meals with their families, relatives and intimate friends
• If you're invited to be a guest at a meal, don't be surprised that if your host orders more food than you can have, this is the way for Chinese people to "save face" and show their hospitality. And also, please don't be surprised if your host keeps serving you choice morsels of food even you don't ask for it, this is another way to show hospitality.
• In Chinese custom, unless amongst friends or in an informal setting, it is the inviter who pays for the meal. It is polite to make an effort to pay, but expect strong resistance, that is why in many Chinese restaurants, it is a common sight to see two people arguing loudly after a meal-they're fighting for the right to pay..
• When you are not so sure what to do, simply ask your guides or do as local people do..