Whether you’re getting ready for a gap year, backpacking or doing some volunteer work in China, there are many things that western people do that may be deemed inappropriate to locals. Vice versa, there are certain habits and customs that we aren’t used to seeing when visiting another country.
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Here are five customs to remember when travelling in China:
1. The art of giving
In China, if you’re invited to someone’s home it is a sign of respect to bring a gift for the family. It shows you appreciate them inviting you to their home. So bring along something as simple as loose leaf tea, a bottle of wine or some chocolate. Chances are, you’re about to be showered in food and gifts yourself!
2. Wearing slippers
Chinese people will always offer slippers for you to wear around their home. They’re not accustomed to people walking around bare footed or with socks on – especially not with your shoes on!
3. Avoid the three Ts
It’s a communist country – enough said. The Chinese government has very strongly laid down concern among people from talking about certain events in their history: Tiananmen, Tibet and Taiwan. Furthermore, if you’re teaching English to students you’ll be asked not to discuss war, religion and politics. It’s propaganda at its finest, and a restriction of free speech. But you don’t want to be naive and end up being locked up, disappearing or offending someone.
4. Spitting is normal
It’s disgusting – and I’m not saying join in – but be prepared for it to happen. Even in the elevator. Since 2008, a spitting ban was in place as China prepared to clean up Beijing for the Olympics, so a lot of young Chinese people have stopped. But for many it’s still a life-long habit.
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5. Say goodbye to personal space
From bustling streets to lining up for the bus or subway; forget about ‘right of way’ or ‘I was here first!’ etiquette. It’s a fight to the death. With a population of 3.15 billion, you’ll be lucky to escape the crowds when visiting the big cities!
Image via Chinatourguide.com
