Be a welcome guest.
You don't need to get everything right — a little awareness goes a long way. Here are the unspoken rules locals love you knowing.
Face (面子)
Almost every rule traces back to one idea: helping everyone keep their dignity. Give people a graceful way out and you'll be read as kind and worldly.
- Praise in public, raise problems quietly and one-on-one.
- A soft "maybe" often means no — don't push.
Dining like a regular
Meals are shared, family-style, off a spinning lazy Susan. The host orders and looks after guests — let yourself be hosted.
- Never stand chopsticks upright in rice — it echoes incense for the dead.
- Serve others before yourself; try a little of everything offered.
Toasts & baijiu
"Gānbēi" (干杯) means bottoms-up; sip-toasts are fine too. To show respect, clink your glass slightly below the other person's.
- Let the host start; toast back, especially elders.
- Not drinking? Toast with tea — graciously accepted.
Giving & receiving
Offer and accept things — gifts, cards, your phone to show a photo — with both hands. A small gift from your home country is always a hit.
- Avoid clocks and sets of four (both sound unlucky).
- A polite refusal once or twice is just modesty — offer again.
Tipping & the bill
Tipping isn't expected in everyday China and can confuse staff. Expect a friendly "fight" over who pays — whoever invited usually insists.
- No tipping at restaurants, taxis or hotels.
- Offer to pay to be polite, but let the host win if invited.
Out and about
China is overwhelmingly safe and friendly to visitors who show a little awareness. A few small things smooth your day.
- Ask before photographing people, especially elders and kids.
- Address people by title + surname until invited to be casual.
The whole culture, on a table.
Where it all happens
Gānbēi, with respect
Tea is never wrong
Photos via Wikimedia Commons, used under their open licenses.