Top 10 Chinese Culture Facts You Should Know

//Top 10 Chinese Culture Facts You Should Know

Top 10 Chinese Culture Facts You Should Know

Cultural differences are the main concern traveling to a foreign country. What’s acceptable behavior and might be normal in your home country but could be seen as offensive or rude behavior in another country abroad. What is important here is not to get angry at everything that’s not same as the life you were once used but important recognize and understand the subtle differences in your new host country. True familiarity with local culture will give you more comfortable living in China and ensure you don’t offend anyone with social miscues.

When going out with Chinese friends do not “Go Dutch” or suggest to split the bill. If you are amongst a full circle of international friends, this is acceptable but still perhaps a hassle for Chinese shop employees who don’t know this as normal behavior outside of China. In China, if a group of friends meets up for a meal in a restaurant, it is expected that the inviter or the one who makes this plan is the one who pays for the expense not everyone pitch in.

Do note that “tipping” virtually doesn’t exist as a concept in China. It’s not seen as a nice gesture. It may be even seen as uncouth, ill-advised or a weird act committed by a foreign traveler. Newly arrived expats, mainly older Americans, may be unaware of this or have a hard time adjusting to not tipping in a restaurant. To avoid an awkward exchange, understand that tipping was never a “thing” or never common practice in Chinese restaurant dining.

Drinking culture is almost new to everyone who first witnesses it. There are a few rules to know when invited to a social setting and drinking is involved.

1) Always make a toast with someone before you drink, preferably start with the highest senior present or the boss.

2) Do not refuse to drink with someone.

3) Drink as much as the person that toasts with you or finish the entire drink.

The most inconspicuous number in China is the number “4”. This number is seen as ominous because of the word four in Chinese also sounds similar to the word for death in Chinese. It often leads some Chinese people to avoid the number “4” in phone numbers, clothing, addresses, and even exclude 4th floors in buildings. Whereas the number 6 and 8 are held in high regards. “6” is a sign of smooth living or being well-off and “8” is seen as a representation of good fortune and wealth.

The concept of personal space in China is not the same as other countries. There are different acceptance when it comes to queueing and acceptable personal questions during first-time encounters. Some level of discomfort might be felt by new expats that have not grown accustomed to these differences.

2017-12-25T15:26:35+00:00

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