Etiquette in China for Travelers: 5 Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t position chopsticks upright, avoid the number 4, and slurp your soup. What else?

Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels

As you would expect, Asia and the West are two different worlds. That’s why many of the mannerisms you’re used to may not be seen in China. Worse yet, some mannerisms are seen to be rude and offensive.

Some of these do’s and don’ts would be controversial in Western culture but are perfectly acceptable in Chinese culture. If you can’t remember them all on your trip abroad, ask a local friend or simply take notice of what everyone is doing around you and imitate them.

Here are 5 do’s and 5 don’ts of basic Chinese etiquette in everyday situations which travelers should appreciate:

Don’t

1. Split the bill

Splitting the bill is very common in Western culture but exceptionally rare in China. Common practice is for one person to pay for the whole meal. It is often the event organizer who pays e.g. birthday meal — so take note if you’re inviting a bunch of friends for a meal! What you’ll commonly see is a bunch of people ‘fighting’ to pay the bill for that group; a swarm of people rushing to the waiter/waitress in a desperate attempt to be the one who foots the entire bill.