China is the world’s most populous country situated in East Asia. The country has a lot to offer in terms of a rich history, dazzling landscapes, and a myriad of unusual customs. Chinese traditions are diverse and also have the tendency to blow your mind!
Here are ten of the most eminent Chinese traditions:
1. Never stick chopsticks into your food
Eating your food with chopsticks can be a bit tricky if you’re visiting China for the first time. However, if you try to make the mistake of jabbing them into that succulent dumpling or bowl of rice, you should run. This act is reminiscent of incense placement at a funeral – and is essentially an omen of death.
2. Long fingernails are the norm
Men in China willingly grow all or one of their fingernails long as a symbol of wealth. This depicts that they don’t have to toil all day doing manual labor; therefore, they don’t break a nail.
3. Refusal is a part of the acceptance
Chinese people are big on bestowing gifts. However, it is also customary to refuse the first gift offer – sometimes even the second and third offer. This doesn’t mean you should be disheartened. In Chinese culture, refusal is simply a polite step on the road to acceptance. The same sort of thing happens with compliments – to accept too readily is seen as a sign of vanity.
4. Spitting is a thing
Squeamishness about bodily functions just hasn’t caught on in China. Spitting, thought of as unbelievably rude in the Western world, is considered a normal part of life in some parts of China.
5. You may be asked for your photo
Some people will know what it feels like to be an A-List celebrity in China. In this country, it is not uncommon for Chinese groups and families to ask Western tourists to pose for photos.
6. Face-kinis are a trend
Western people covet a tan with its connotations of exotic holidays and a healthy, sun-kissed outdoorsy lifestyle. However, a pale complexion is much preferred in the East. In China, face-kinis, a mask that can be worn on the beach and coastal regions, is a whole thing to protect your skin from the harsh sun.
7. Tooth-picks are a table staple
One Chinese custom is to remove troublesome bits of food stuck in your teeth at the table after a meal. While it’s essential to clean your teeth, covering your toothpick activity with your other hand is equally necessary to keep up appearances.
8. Eating strange things
This one is subjective, but even the most fearless foodie will find that the Chinese can stretch their boundaries. From fish eyes to cow stomachs, from chicken feet to hundred-year-old eggs, the Chinese have it all on the menu.
9. Talking at the top of their lungs
The Chinese language depends highly on tone to convey meaning. Therefore, you can expect to hear plenty of conversations conducted at maximum volume on your trip to China.
10. Face is everything
Respect, reputation, and dignity are of the utmost importance in China. If you want to have a good time in China, avoid any overt display of emotion and remain calm and polite. Even if you are annoyed or frustrated with something on your travels, staying cool is your best bet at having fun.
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