Chinese Customs you should know if you live in China

One of the most important things to do before arriving in China or any other new place is learning the
local customs and traditions. Chinese people probably have a radically different perspective on life than
you do, so doing so will save you a whole lot of trouble living abroad.

In this article, we will be considering Chinese customs you will probably encounter. Whether you are
coming as a stranger on a business trip, you are a traveler, or you want to live in China, get ready for the
“do’s” and “don’ts” in Chinese culture.

Greeting in Chinese
This is the first thing anybody visiting China should know. Showing respect is a remarkable value in
Chinese and it must be done appropriately. Greetings are divided into formal and informal ways, and it
may be challenging to get the right intonation. Most times, formal is used for older people as well as
institutions/organizations while informal ways are used for friends, kids, and so on. There are different
“Hellos” for each kind of person involved in the situation. For example:

“Ni hao”: This is used for greeting a single person. The tone of the first word is raised and the second
word is lowered.

“Hao”: This is mostly used in a formal setting for greeting someone in a higher position or an older
person. There is just a slight difference from the single person.

“Nimen hao”: When greeting a group of people, “nimen hao” is used. It is a collective term and needs to
be used that way.

“Wei”: This is often used when on a call with someone. The respect shown depends on the tone.

Chinese people don’t really ask how they are doing, and they don’t value words like “Thank you” as
much as we do in the west. For example, “Ni hao ma?” means “How are you?” but is only used if you
have a real reason to ask how someone is doing. For example, if someone just fell down.

You can say “Ni Zenmeyang?” This is a casual way of asking how someone is doing. Often used for
people you know, similar to the western “How are you?” or “What’s up?”

How to say goodbye

There are various ways to say goodbye in Mandarin:

“Zai Jian”: “See you again.” This is quite simple and the most common way to say goodbye in Mandarin.
Most Chinese people learned this as their first goodbye word too.
“Bai Bai”: “Bye Bye.” It is a casual and friendlier way to wish someone goodbye. It is often used by
foreigners since it’s so similar to English.

“Gao ci”: This is a formal way to say goodbye and it means “I am leaving” This is mostly used in official
places.

“You kong (Zai hui)”: “You Kong” means “meet”. However, saying “Zai hui” changes the perspective; it
means “We will meet again”. It can be used anywhere including a formal setting, especially with older
people.

“Zai lianxi”: Meaning “Let’s be in touch again”. It is commonly used among friends.

“Shi pie”: From all the ways to say goodbye, this has to be the most formal way to say one. It is often
used at work or in a very official setting. It means “Excuse me, but I must take my leave now”.

Practice saying “Hello” and “Goodbye” and you’ll make a good first impression!
The Chinese are very passionate about table etiquette
There are things Chinese do differently from the rest of the world while eating breakfast, lunch and
dinner. Of course, you have to eat during your stay – this is what makes learning their way of life also
important to you.
Chopstick are easy?
Chopsticks are replacements for forks in Asian countries. Truth is: You could make use of forks, but you
would be ruining it. Check out how to use them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nszM_rNGP7E
A few points to consider:

- Avoid dipping chopsticks vertically into food when you are not ready to eat. For citizens, it brings
back memories of funerals, and you wouldn’t want that. It should be laid down until when ready
to eat.
- Avoid stabbing or skewering food with these chopsticks
- No matter how small or big it is, do not negotiate prices of goods to an unreasonable price
- Waving chopsticks in the air looks disrespectful

Seating
One of the most important things is the seating. At any Chinese restaurant or other dinner table,
whether with colleagues or friends, the seating arrangement is taken personally. First, if there is an
important guest, you shouldn’t sit until they do. Formal or informal introductions should take place.
Eating
Most people are particular about how someone eats. They say it judges one’s character and morals.
Therefore, you should maintain good eating habits to survive. Make sure you learn how to do that from
friends or tour guides to get a stress-free experience.
Make sure older people in the gathering start eating first before making a move to eat. While picking up
a bowl, place your thumb on the top of the bowl, and your remaining fingers for support at the bottom.
One of the ways to express gratitude is by burping. Normally, this is done after every meal; it is
considered a way of showing the appreciation that you enjoy such a meal.
Never leave teacups empty especially when they are beside you. According to tradition, tea tapping is a
way of welcoming host. Therefore, it needs to be constantly refilled until when satisfied not to take
anymore.

Elegance
Elegance is all about table etiquettes, i.e., how you eat. In China, it is disrespectful to talk while eating or
chew out loud. Don’t put too much food in your mouth and open your mouth wide. Also, make sure you
wipe your mouth with a napkin instead of your tongue.

Other important customs and behaviors in China

Living in China means you have to get used to many other customs. Here are some Chinese customs that
are quite different from the west:
- Gifts are often rejected a few times and finally accepted. As someone who is new into the
country, you may want to get offended by this act; the truth is, they reject gifts a lot until they
come into terms to accept. It could be rejected up to 3 times before it is finally accepted.
- China will make you get used to seeing people spit in public.
- Many locals will want to take a photo with you if you’re a foreigner (who also looks like a
foreigner).
- For some reason, Chinese customs allow full-face masks to be worn to the beach.
Things not to do in China
There are some things you shouldn’t do because it is considered rude, disrespectful or inappropriate.
For example:
- In places like Tibet and Jiuzhaigou, pointing at people is rude. If you want to describe or identify
someone, it is best you make use of your full hand with your right or left palm facing upward
and fingers pointing in a direction.
- Do not tip.
- Do not take compliments graciously because they believe it is vanity.
- Never interfere with religious beliefs
- Old people shouldn’t be considered “aged”, because they want to believe they are still agile and
able to do several activities. In fact, you will find many old people doing business.
In conclusion, there are too many customs and behaviors you would have to get used to or learn when
you start your life in China. Although some may be challenging to get used to, many will become your
second nature before you know it. The best way to learn this is to experience it!

For more information on life in China, please use the chat or the contact from.