The Chinese culture It is diametrically opposed to the western one, so if you are thinking of visiting that great country, you will have to prepare yourself to face people with customs and uses that are probably very different from yours. Far from being an impediment, that will give your trip a special charm.
And it is that one of the greatest pleasures of traveling is, without a doubt, meeting other people, other cultures and also other customs that do not resemble ours. That, in China, you have insured.
Beware of physical contact
To begin with, you should bear in mind that the Chinese are people very reserved, who find it difficult to disclose details of their private life. That sometimes collides with our Mediterranean and open character. However, this introverted nuance that the Chinese have does not mean that they are not hospitable. Rather, they find it difficult to show their feelings.
They never kiss on the cheek to greet each other, not even between women, so don't you dare do it when you are introduced to someone. A slight tilt of the head is the most correct thing. They do not like to touch, and they do not do it between strangers.
If they ever offer you a gift, they will with both hands. And you should pick it up the same, with both hands, even if it is very small. Otherwise, you will offend the other person. Nor should you open the gift in front of the person who gave it to you. Wait until you are alone.
With chopsticks ... you don't play
At mealtime, differences between cultures are further accentuated. If you decide to eat with chopsticks, like them, never the keys in the food, because it is a tremendous lack of courtesy. Do not examine the contents of the plate with them. Eat safely, putting your head close to the chopsticks, and not the other way around (they do it that way). When you are done, put the chopsticks next to the plate, on the tablecloth.
Chinese Culture: Customs & Traditions (April 2024)
- customs and habits
- 1,230
