Things not to do in China. Trip to China

China… A country of mysteries and unknown culture. How to behave in the Middle Kingdom? What should be remembered constantly, and what is better not to do? Let's talk a little about how to behave in China, give some useful tips.

The Chinese consider souvenirs and gifts to be an important part of communication. A box of lollipops, wine, cigarettes will come in handy. These little things are appropriate as a present for a family holiday. Also, flowers, fruits, buns will be an excellent present. If we develop the theme of gifts further, otherwise it should be well thought out, taken into account cultural characteristics. In China, it is believed that odd numbers bring bad luck. For weddings, family celebrations, birthdays, it is customary to give paired gifts. With this, luck and wealth come to the house.

It is not customary to give a watch as a symbol of a funeral. Black and white color combinations also symbolize death and misfortune. The value of a gift for the Chinese is not as important as the sincerity and kindness with which the gift is presented. Otherwise, the present may even be regarded as a bribe. It is customary to give gifts in private, only small souvenirs are allowed to be presented in public.

You need to exchange money and traveler's checks in the branches of the Bank of China and in hotels, in addition, exchange offices are located in some department stores. Exchange receipts are recommended to be kept until departure. If you want to exchange unspent yen for dollars or euros, you can't do without receipts. It is convenient to use traveller's checks. The exchange rate in this case is more favorable. All major supermarkets, restaurants and bars accept American Express, Thomas Сook, Visa cards. Cards can be used to pay for goods and services in stores, but they cannot be used on public transport. At the main branch of the Bank of China, you can order cash at any time. The commission fee will be 4%.

Tipping is not accepted in China, but bargaining is very appropriate. You can try to lower the price in street stalls, shops, hotels and large supermarkets.

We do not recommend you rent a car in China. The traffic rules are very complex and confusing. Cyclists are constantly scurrying along the edge of the roadway, there is a risk of knocking them down! Public transport is packed. That's why the best option is to use taxi services in China. If you have any problems with the controllers or the police in public transport, say “budun” (I don’t understand), and most likely they will leave you alone, even if you violated the rules.

Get used to eating with chopsticks on vacation in China. In restaurants in China, tourists, of course, will be offered to bring a fork in case of difficulty. But the farther from the center, the weaker this probability. When ordering in a restaurant, you need to understand that Chinese portions are rarely designed for one person. Most often, two of them can eat. Therefore, even if the waiter will assure you otherwise, do not trust.

The use of photo and video cameras in temples is prohibited. If you start filming the interior of the temple with a camera, no one will take it away. You will simply be asked to leave. Do not step on the high thresholds of temples, they need to be stepped over.

As for daily expenses in China: the eastern part of the country is traditionally more expensive. In the east of the country, you need to count on a daily budget of $50, but this is not always enough. Food in the country is quite cheap, you can eat for $7 a day. One of the problems that tourists face is the government's allowing higher rates for tourists in some places.

Be sure to take a first aid kit with you to China. First of all, medicines for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can be useful.

What is better not to allow yourself in China? Don't talk to political topics and especially don't argue with the locals. Disapprovingly, the Chinese will accept an indifferent attitude to their history, culture and traditions. You can not stick and show signs of attention Chinese girls. The Chinese themselves very often behave rather uncivilized. On the streets, in the presence of strangers, it does not look the most in the best way. At these moments, you can not look disapprovingly at the address local residents.

China is a sharp contrast to everything European. Everything that is condemned and forbidden in our society, they are allowed.

There are a lot of fears about this country among foreigners and tourists living in China. The People's Republic of China is considered rather closed and unlike other countries. Therefore, before you go here to rest, or even more so move, you need to find out about all the pitfalls associated with this place. There are many unusual prohibitions. But, it is worth noting that there are even more myths associated with pseudo-prohibitions. So what is really going on in China? What can not be done there, and what is simply not recommended?

Strict prohibitions

To begin with, it’s worth talking about things for which in China they can not only look askance at you, but really punish you. As they say, ignorance of the laws does not relieve you of responsibility. So let's learn the basic laws of China together.

• Don't deal with drugs. This point, perhaps, will not surprise anyone. Drugs are banned in most civilized countries, and China is no exception. The use of drugs, trade and their possession are prohibited here - the punishments for such things are as serious as possible. Moreover, it applies not only to locals, but also to foreigners. If you are arrested for drug trafficking in an Asian country, then it is quite possible that you will spend the rest of your life in a local prison. There were also cases when drug dealing was sentenced to death penalty. But that's only if it's really serious.
• Don't pay in dollars . This fact surprises many tourists. Foreigners are accustomed to the fact that everywhere you can use the international currency - dollars, euros. This is very convenient, because you do not need to recalculate and change anything. But in China it is forbidden at the legislative level. As in the former Soviet Union, for trying to pay with foreign currency, you may well be detained and fined (unless, of course, you shine money everywhere).Here you can say that China still maintains relations with other countries, so payment in dollars must be present. It is, but all this trade is semi-legal, and in China itself, you need to be very careful with dollars. It is better to immediately exchange dollars for local currency. A foreigner can exchange as many currencies as he wants per day, but buy only $500. Cunningly?
• Don't give bribes. We have already spoken about the problem of corruption in China. As well as the fact that they are now actively fighting it. Well, or trying to fight. Therefore, it is now impossible to give bribes in China. Of course, the punishment for this is not too terrible. You can simply be cooled with a short “no”; The maximum is to detain and issue a fine. However, in this case, the attitude towards foreigners is softer, but it’s still not worth the risk.
• Never criticize the local government. If in many countries politicians are loyal to what they say about them in the kitchen in Khrushchev or in a humorous program, then in the PRC this is more difficult. For criticizing local authorities, even a foreigner may well be deported from China.
• Be careful on the roads. It's not even a ban, but useful advice which could very well save your life. The fact is that in China a lot of people die in car accidents due to carelessness of drivers and pedestrians. This is especially true for the southern cities of the Middle Kingdom. According to statistics, it is there that the most irresponsible drivers who often break the rules. So here you have to be very careful. There are no special rules: everything is the same as in other cities. It is enough to be careful on the roads, not to switch to red lights and look around, moving from one side of the street to the other. Well, to be able to quickly run away from danger.

• Do not carry self-defense equipment. Even if you are afraid to walk in dark streets, have heard enough about the criminal areas of megacities, or simply do not trust foreign police, you still do not need to carry knives, gas cartridges and so on. The same goes for lighters and matches. The Chinese take their security very seriously. Therefore, noticing that you have something with you that carries a potential danger, it will be immediately taken away from you. This is especially true if you walk around museums or often use the subway. By the way, it is also not recommended to bring something like this to China.
• Don't stick your chopsticks in your food . This ban is due to local prejudices. The fact is that they associate this gesture with a funeral. When the Chinese bring food to a funeral, they always stick the chopsticks into the rice before placing the plate on the grave. Therefore, if you do this at the table, it will be perceived as a violation of etiquette. Although no one will point a finger at you - you are laowai.
• Do not drink water from—under the tap. This is true for many Asian countries. Doing this is not worth it simply because the water here is dirty, and in some cities even dangerous to health. Locals prefer to either buy bottled water, boil it, or filter it. You can follow their example.
• Learn Chinese. This is another tip that will make your life much easier. Of course, the phrase "in China you can't help but know Chinese” sounds loud, but in practice it is close to the truth. Few of the locals know English or, moreover, other, less common languages. Therefore, in order not to get lost in China, and to have a normal rest there, it is worth learning at least some basic phrases.

Don't believe the rumors

Separately, it is worth talking about rumors related to bans. So, for example, on the Internet you can find information that in China you can’t take pictures of local people. It is not true. But it is worth noting that many Asians are naturally shy, so not everyone will want to pose for a stranger or be photographed with him.

Another prohibition related to this topic is photographs in Museums. This is also a lie. The rules here are the same as everywhere else - pay extra money and take pictures. This rumor spread because there really is a ban on photography in the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen and in the mausoleum of the great Mao Zedong. But here everything is tied to politics, and warning signs about the ban at the entrance are always hanging.

The last story that people like to retell on the Internet is that in China you can’t eat everything offered, you must definitely leave food on your plate. In fact, this is not at all the case. In the past, wealthy Chinese and tourists used to do just that to prove that they live in abundance and do not starve. Now such a “demonstration of satiety” is completely useless. Try new dishes, eat with pleasure, and if you want, eat up and even ask for more!

Time zone: GMT 8.00

Important phone numbers:

• Police: 110
• Fire department: 119
• Rescue Service: 120 (or 999)

Electricity: 220V / 50Hz

Legislation

Foreigners for crimes are mainly threatened with fines provided for in the provisions of local legislation. Possession of drugs is severely punished, up to and including the death penalty. Even the commission of minor offenses by foreigners usually results in their immediate deportation from China. Prostitution is prohibited for foreigners, for the use of such services they are threatened with large fines and imprisonment for 10 days.

Insurance

In China, there is no obligation to have health insurance. If necessary, on domestic flights at the airport, you can take out voluntary insurance for 20 yuan (CNY).

The foreign policy of insurance companies, which is usually not made known to tourists, is that the foreigner pays for all medical services in cash. Reimbursement can be claimed upon return to one's own country, upon presentation of invoices to the insurance company, which, to the maximum extent possible, should be issued on English language(in Russian they will definitely not be given to you). Some Insurance companies require a report on the status of accounts in the relevant consulate of Russia.

Safety

Although the crime rate is increasing year by year, China remains a relatively safe country. Often it comes to pickpocketing in places frequented by tourists, shops, parks, markets, public transport, and intercity buses. Robbery in trains is represented by isolated cases, there are also extortions of money in dubious entertainment centers, massage rooms, etc., and attacks on foreign tourists living in remote areas.

Visas

Russian citizens traveling to China must have a valid residence or transit visa (people who are waiting for international flights, whose stay at the airport does not exceed 24 hours, can leave the airport on the basis of short-term permits obtained directly during passport control).

Departure from mainland China to Hong Kong or Macau is considered as exit from the PRC and automatically cancels the validity of the visa. When planning a trip to these places, you need to apply to the Chinese Consulate for a visa to Hong Kong or Macau. A visa to enter the Chinese mainland from Hong Kong or Macau can be obtained from the PRC Central Government Liaison Offices, as well as through travel agencies. Only in exceptional cases can you get a visa at the airport.

Staying in China without a valid visa (stay outside the validity period of the visa) is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. The responsible Public Security Visa Bureau has the authority to charge a fine of about $60 for each day without a valid visa. And the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the Chinese visas expire. Consular offices may require individual tourists to present a return ticket. Tourists to this country are not required to have a certain amount of money for each day of their stay.

To obtain a visa with the right to work (so-called Z visas), the organization must apply to local authorities for the issuance of the appropriate permit. After obtaining a visa with the right to work, a foreigner must apply to the Public Security Bureau for a residence permit (permit) - this is a residence permit, which, however, does not exempt from the need to have a valid residence visa. The same procedure applies to those who would like to study in China on the basis of a university certificate, foreigners can apply for a study visa (such as Visa X), and after arriving in China, must apply for a residence permit. In most cases, the formalities associated with a long-term stay of a foreigner in China are related to the host organization. Since 2004, it is possible to obtain a residence permit for a period of 10 years. You can extend a visa only in large cities, at the public security office.

Visa extension usually takes 5 business days. In addition to international airports And railway crossings on the borders with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, North Korea and in the south with Vietnam for foreigners are available at several border points car roads and transitions. The situation is similar on the border with Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos. The crossings on the border between Nepal and Tibet are only open intermittently. Foreigners are not allowed to enter China with their own vehicles. An exception may be international rallies, expeditions, etc., but such events must be organized by specialized travel agencies China, who are developing the route, with the receipt of appropriate permits from the authorities and the delegation of their liaison officers accompanying foreigners along the route.

Work in China

IN last years there are many foreigners who want to work in China. In addition to working in the branches of multinational corporations operating in the local market, many people, especially young people, work as translators. Note, however, that work in China is possible only after obtaining the appropriate visa (“Z”). If this is not done, which future employers often deliberately do not talk about, then this can lead to serious consequences, including expulsion from the territory of the PRC. So, if you decide to sign a contract with a local language school, then they must ensure that the work will be carried out legally, after obtaining a “Z” visa. It is also important to agree on the exact living conditions, the duration of vacation and the number of hours of study.

Declaration

In China, when importing foreign currency in excess of $ 5,000, foreigners are required to submit a declaration, on the basis of which the return export is carried out foreign exchange. Its size should not exceed the amount specified in the declaration. If the amount of currency is less than the equivalent of $ 5,000, its export does not require permission. When exporting foreign currency equivalent from 5,000 to $ 10,000, a foreigner must have a certificate from the bank that issued the money, present a travel document (passport) and documentation of the origin of funds. If the amount exceeds the equivalent of $10,000, in addition to a bank statement, the approval of the currency control office is also required.

In the entry declaration, a foreigner is obliged to provide everything of value that he brings in (for example, a video camera, camera, radio, valuable jewelry). It rarely happens when customs declarations are carefully studied at airports, but often customs officers do this at the land border. It is forbidden to carry drugs, weapons, ammunition and explosives, Chinese currency, publications deemed harmful by Chinese law (including pornography and publications critical of the PRC government and its political system, as well as those promoting sects banned in China, such as Falun Gong). Meat products, dairy products, seeds, living plants, etc. are also prohibited from being imported into China. Only a limited amount of alcohol (usually 1 liter) can be imported into China, which must not be in hand luggage. Failure to comply with these provisions will result in confiscation of goods at the border. Purchased works of art, rare editions and gems and products from them. The export of consumer goods from China, including electronic equipment, is considered very liberal. There are no customs restrictions that differ from generally accepted international standards.

Registration

China has registration requirements for foreigners. When staying in a private home, registration is required at the nearest police station within 24 hours of crossing the border. Registration of persons living in hotels is carried out by the local administration. When renting an apartment, foreigners are required to register at the nearest police station within 14 days from the date of moving in.

Availability

Almost the entire territory of the PRC is accessible to foreigners, with the exception of military, border zones and other areas where entry is restricted. An exception to this rule are regions where entry is allowed only organized groups(such as Tibet, Xinjiang, northwest region, some National parks). When planning a trip to Tibet, you must first obtain a travel permit. All this can be learned when planning tours to China: search, offers and booking gives a lot of information on visiting certain places. You can get discounted travel services by contacting local travel agents (usually, the package includes access to Tibet, local transportation, accommodation, excursions, etc.).

Tourists traveling to China should consider the necessary fees - compulsory insurance For long trip by bus or tourist fees associated with staying in places of interest in terms of cultural, historical and natural heritage. The safest and relatively cheap vehicle is a railroad. Local airlines are rapidly modernizing and now offer a decent level of service. Quality of service and condition road transport China is very diverse - from new, luxurious buses with all the amenities and professional service, to falling apart, old buses, travel on which, especially on the mountainous roads of southern China, can be risky.

Information for drivers

A foreigner cannot enter China with his own vehicle. But he can rent or buy a car if he passed the exam and got a Chinese driver's license. This document can be issued by the police on the basis of a national driving license, with a residence permit for at least one year. The validity of the Chinese driver's license is renewable - depending on the age of the driver - for 2 and 4 years, or one year after the medical examination. International driving licenses are not recognized in China. When driving in China, keep in mind that the rights of pedestrians and cyclists are considered privileged. This means that even the slightest encounter with them can result in extremely high compensation and litigation often within months. If you cross the road, be careful. Paradoxically, local drivers do not respect the rights of pedestrians, even at crossings when the green light is on.

Solvency

You can change currency at branches of state banks, airports, railway stations and hotels. We strongly warn against using random money exchange services (such transactions are prohibited by law, there is also high risk counterfeit Chinese banknotes). Not all types of credit cards used by Russian tourists are accepted by local terminals and ATMs; problems may arise even when using VISA cards, there are difficulties in using such cards as Maestro, Visa Electron. Most ATMs only accept cards issued by Chinese banks. When traveling to remote areas of China, make sure in advance (for example, when booking a hotel) that you can use your bank's credit cards there, it is best to stock up on cash in advance. Credit cards, as a rule, are accepted only in hotels, at least the middle class and large shops and supermarkets in large cities. See hotels in China: the best hotels and reviews of specialists, here you will find out whether Russian bank cards are accepted at the hotel. IN Lately it happens that in the south of China (in Guangzhou, Shenzhen) ATMs issue counterfeit banknotes. In this case, you must notify the local police immediately.

What to bring?

• Insect repellent - In Chinese hotels and homes, this is often a problem.
• Light cotton clothing in the summer months and warm in the winter
• Chopsticks (issued in restaurants and bars are often dirty)

How to get there

It is convenient to fly to Beijing or Hong Kong, which have good air links with the rest of the country. From Russia, Kazakhstan can come by train, bus and car, as well as from Pakistan, Nepal, Vietnam, Laos and Burma.

culture

In China, there are no specific restrictions on tourists visiting places of worship. When visiting Buddhist monasteries, Taoist temples and Islamic mosques, tourists must behave with due tact and respect religious customs. At the same time, certain recommendations may be given, for example, not to take pictures inside the visited monuments.

Vaccination is mandatory if tourists come from countries or regions included in the list of those where there are epidemiological risks. Before crossing the border, a foreigner fills in a health declaration. The law does not allow entry into China of tourists with HIV, tuberculosis, infectious diseases, leprosy, typhoid and cholera, people infected with sexually transmitted diseases, and mentally ill people. So since the outbreak of SARS, that is, since April 2003, travelers must notify the Chinese Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of symptoms such as high fever, cough and cold symptoms.

Everyone arriving in China has their body temperature measured using electronic scanners. In China, there is still an increase in the number of cases of hepatitis A, which is why preventive vaccination is recommended. Tourists often complain of diarrhea and food poisoning - the cause of such problems is food in casual street eateries and from stalls with questionable sanitary conditions. To avoid such problems, food, especially fruit, is thoroughly washed before consumption. It is not recommended to drink not boiled water, but tap water. In southern China, south of 25° northern latitude there is a risk of malaria, dengue fever. In rural areas of southern China, there is a risk of viral meningitis, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. In Tibet and other mountainous areas, you should not drink unfiltered water.

Medical care other than deep inland areas (Tibet, Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, parts of Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan) is not a problem. IN big cities hospitals have doctors of all specialties, hospitals are equipped with modern medical equipment. The doctor's appointment fee ranges from $20 to $100. The price per night for a foreigner's stay in the hospital ranges from 60 to 200 US dollars and does not include the cost medical services, tests and medical services for which you pay extra. Treatment costs range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. IN largest cities China's medical and dental services are world class, but they are very expensive (medical certification $90 and up). Stock up on essential medicines before you travel to China.

People with cardiovascular disease should avoid traveling to areas with high altitudes (Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai, Gansu, Xinjiang). Be aware of the threat of bird flu. In order not to put yourself at risk of infection, you should stop traveling in the provinces where the outbreak was detected (for example, Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia) and closely monitor the epidemiological situation. It is advisable to purchase an accident and medical expenses insurance policy.

Climate, weather, average temperature

China has a very diverse climate. In the temperate climatic zone are the Mongolian plateau and Dzungaria, the Manchurian plain, the Amur-Ussuri plain and part of the Chinese plain. The central and eastern parts of the country are included in the dry subtropical climate zone. Southern and Southeastern China belong to the humid subtropical climate zone.

Kitchen

Chinese cuisine is very diverse, due to the vastness of the country and the diversity of the climate. From a culinary point of view, China can be divided into four regions: Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Sichuan.

Before going to China, I tried to find information on the networks about how to behave in china, so as not to get into trouble and not offend the locals with random mistakes. However, all the articles were copied from each other and, as it turned out, the information in them was largely untrue. And therefore, upon arrival in China, I decided to find out directly from our Chinese friends that in China can't do what is possible and how). Although you can’t learn Chinese etiquette in a month, it’s worth a try. By the way, the Chinese have a saying, which in translation sounds something like this: “if you don’t know the rule and violated it out of ignorance, no one will kill you, if you know and violated it on purpose, it’s very bad.” That is, if a foreigner made a mistake, they will be treated condescendingly. And if you knew... Or repeated... you understand.

Part 1 Rules of conduct in China at the table.

Now about that how to eat in china

2. It is not customary to drink soup from a cup. True, local spoons are usually forgotten to bring, ask. Or eat with chopsticks (often soup is like soup, but the liquid is left, the rest is taken out with chopsticks).

3. Chew food should be soft. It's hard to explain, but the way we Russians eat is not quite decent by local standards. It’s not even very decent) You can’t gnaw at all. Judging by the horror in the eyes of a Chinese woman, “nibbling” at the same time is the height of indecency.

Dumplings again...

5. You can't stick chopsticks in rice and leave them like that, that's what they do at funerals.

6. About the fact that it is necessary to leave the last piece on the plate is nonsense.

7. You can blow your nose at the table, but not much, turning away and no more than two times. (I'm quoting a Chinese woman)

9. When drinking alcohol, you should say a toast. And after the toast, drink to the bottom - to leave or drink a little bit is considered extremely indecent. By the way, if you are offered a drink, it is also extremely impolite to refuse and you can only if you have some serious illness for which alcohol is contraindicated. (If you are invited to chinese house- which for a foreigner is a huge sign of respect from the owners, then refusing to drink with the owner is generally mega-indecent).

10. When you have finished your meal, put your chopsticks on the table. If you still eat, put it on a napkin.

the dish is called "Chinese samovar" - everyone throws what he likes to cook ...

12. On a common table, it is not decent to immediately pounce on a dish of food if they brought only one, and immediately finish it, you have to eat a little bit of everything, start when they bring a few.

13. Tipping in a restaurant is not customary. And asking for food to go is fine.

Babies and Chinese

The traditions of China have been established and taken root for thousands of years. Being a closed country, China has formed its own cultural taboos that are alien and incomprehensible to foreigners.

Over the past 40 years of reforms, the country has significantly opened up to the world, people have become more tolerant of the violation of some unwritten laws by outsiders, but still there are a lot of things that should not be done in China. Of course, it is impossible to know all of them, and only after some time of residence can one learn to intuitively feel the situation so as not to spoil relations with neighbors, friends or partners.

One of the most ceremonial aspects of life is eating. In general, food, cuisine and everything connected with it evokes special hypertrophied feelings among the Chinese. If you want to fit into Chinese society, then here's what not to do at the table, and not only.

It is indecent to refuse an invitation to dinner, by doing so you will offend the Chinese very much. Agree, even if you are not very pleased, you can refuse only by referring to some very important reason. Do not be surprised if the inviting party suddenly invites more huge amount people. The more, the tastier.

Do not rush to take your place at the table, the Chinese are seated in the order of seniority, significance, coolness that they understand. You will definitely be shown a place by which you can judge how the other side perceives you, but, as a rule, the Chinese are very respectful of guests, offering place of honor next to the owner.

Dishes are usually ordered by the elder or the invitee, your opinion will also be asked, but if you do not have strict restrictions, such as religious, medical, or you are simply not a fan of some products, let the Chinese choose what they consider appropriate for the situation. If for some reason you cannot eat something, be sure to let us know, and they will choose suitable dishes for you.

The senior at the table starts the meal.

Chopsticks are for food only, you can't use them as toothpicks, hair ornaments... If the chopsticks fall, don't touch them, ask the waiter to replace them. Dirty chopsticks, even when rubbed, defile food. You can not stick sticks vertically into a bowl of rice, this is reminiscent of the rituals associated with the dead. When reaching for food in a common dish, the chopsticks should be clean, without rice stuck to them.

You can’t turn the fish over on a common dish, after you have eaten the upper part, you need to remove the backbone and continue. This tradition may differ from place to place, supplemented and modified.

You can not turn the spout of the teapot on anyone sitting at the table, this is a hint that the person pointed to should leave.

Drinking and clinking glasses, the Chinese get up from their seats and try to make their glass lower than that of the interlocutor when they touch it - a sign of respect.

Don't discuss business matters at the table. And although it is customary to say that issues are resolved over dinner, do not take it literally. It's basically about the fact that they look at you, evaluate and decide how to treat you.

The person who invited pays the bill. In China, there is no tradition of separate payment. If dinner is with friends, then at the end of the meal, an argument begins, who pays, the argument is accompanied by throwing money on the table, stuffing it back into the owner’s pocket, calling the waiter with a demand to take his money, etc. Be sure to take part in the performance being played, you are unlikely to win the argument, but leave a good impression.

Tipping is not accepted in China. Although in big cities, "spoiled" by foreigners, the situation is changing. If you do not tip, then only the masseuses will be offended by you.

At business meetings the first impression matters. The Chinese pay special attention to such things as: who entered the room first, how they sat down. If you are asked to sit at a table, do not sit at the head, wait until you are shown a seat. When handing over a business card, you cannot hold it with two fingers, always with both hands, face the business card to the person to whom you are handing it, and it does not matter if it is the director of the company or his driver.

IN traditional China handshakes were not accepted, but now it is common, and not only in business area. The handshake should be firm and short. But since this is a tradition alien to them, sometimes they do it strangely. Hugs are not accepted at all, even among relatives.

Communication does not always go in the direction you need, but under no circumstances should you raise your voice, tower over your opponent (they already feel uncomfortable next to tall people) and point your finger. Keep calm and restraint, you can’t be the reason for the “loss of face” of the Chinese, this is not forgiven.

If you need to call someone, do not do it with your palm up, palm only down.

Because of a large number people in China personal space is compressed to a minimum. When someone comes VERY close to you, don't try to back away, this can be seen as dislike.

In personal communication, one cannot talk about death and it is better not to discuss the politics of both the past and the present. The Chinese have their own personal view of what is happening or has happened in the country, and they are very emotional about it. Due to the specifics of the media and education, it is very difficult to talk about some topics from the point of view of logic, facts and reason (for example, the Cultural Revolution and the role of Mao in it; the attitude towards the Japanese and the massive use of Japanese goods; human rights; the situation with Tibet).

You can't name people, especially older generation, by name, only by status: “aunt”, “grandmother by father / mother”, etc.

It is indecent to sneeze in society, but this can be compensated, for example, by spitting.

Another side of communication that raises questions: gifts and phrases, the sound of which can have a negative meaning.

You can not give a watch, because the phrase songzhong 送钟 (give a watch) is consonant with songzhong 送终 - death, bury parents. Although now wrist watch became an indicator of status, this taboo began to apply more to big watches than wristwatches.

When offering a gift, be prepared to be rejected at least three times, be persistent, but at the same time, when receiving a gift, also try to persuade yourself a little. The gift cannot be opened immediately, it is done privately. When packing a gift, pay attention to the color of the package: dark colors- unfortunately, red - only for newlyweds. You cannot give something in the amount of 4 pieces, four is consonant with the word 死 death, but 8 is a lucky number.

You can not stroke people on the head and hair.

The mention of a turtle in any context is unacceptable - it is a symbol of a deceived husband. Also refrain from green headdresses, this is the same as we have a man to put horns on his head.

You can not show the soles of the feet, it is perceived very negatively. When entering the house, be sure to ask if you need to take off your shoes.

You can't wash your hair in Chinese New Year so as not to wash away luck. But if such an opportunity has already happened, never and never tell your Chinese friends about it.

Customs and traditions in China may differ and sometimes mean the opposite in different regions, but it is not forbidden to ask the locals about accepted norms behavior. In general, the Chinese are quite loyal to the mistakes of foreigners, the main thing is not to abuse it.