5 Honest Mistakes by People Visiting Chinese Countries

It’s hardly surprising that there are some cultural no-no’s to steer well clear of when visiting China. Chinese culture has been around for a long time and has some very long standing traditions that simply do not exist in western culture. Below are 5 of the most common mistakes made by people when they first visit China, I hope you find them informative and interesting.

1. Never Leave a Chopstick Upright

The easiest of all the mistakes listed here is leaving your chopsticks upright in your bowl when eating. Avoid this at all cost because chopsticks presented in the upright position means you’re offering food to the dead. So, don’t leave them upright in your food, or you’ll risk offending your hosts or friends. 

2. The Three T’s - Tibet, Taiwan and Tiananmen

For most mainlanders, Tibet, Taiwan and Tiananmen are sensitive subjects. The simple mentioning of Taiwan or Tibet isn’t offensive, but discussing them as topics often leads to uncomfortable discussion you should invariably try to avoid.

In my personal experience, it can vary from year to year. For example a few years ago there was tension with Tibet, but these days it’s not considered such a taboo topic.

3. Complimenting Their English

In a business context especially, but this is valid everywhere really. People generally dislike being complimented on their English skills, it implies that’s all there is worthy of complimenting. In general, it is important to adopt a subtle and conservative approach with any compliments you give. In general the Chinese people prefer indirectness.

4. Never Giving a Clock as a Gift

Strangely, this is taken very serious for many cultural and linguistic reasons. The Chinese believe the gift of a clock signifies time running out and ultimately death.

More compellingly though, the Chinese term for clock is zhōng and is often used to describe death.

Unlike the west, Chinese culture influences language and language influences culture and customs. It is one of the uniquely Chinese things that make the place and language so fascinating.

5. Give Anything Using One Hand

This seems like a non-issue but using both or giving with two hands goes a long way toward in demonstrating cultural awareness and shows that you’re sincere, committed or serious about whatever you’re doing. It is showing respect.

When exchanging business cards, it is essential to use both hands, with the Chinese side facing up (if your card is bilingual of course), regardless of whether they can read English. Remember to acknowledge and read the card first before putting it away, even leave it on the table until your meeting ends. And remember that not taking it with you at the end when you leave is jus about the worst you could do.

Retail store workers will often hand you your change with two hands, and believe it or not, it is still important to accept your change with both your hands as well.

Obviously, this isn't an exhaustive list. There are many strange and wonderfully quirky traits, traditions and cultures to discover during your travels. We think if you can avoid the above you’ll do just fine. 

Being humble and showing respect with your body language is just about the most important aspect. Take care, pay attention, and if you don’t already master it, then learn to read body language.