What are some specific social etiquette norms in China?

🙏🏼 China’s got some pretty cool customs and manners which you should know about! Here’s a few tips to help you fit in with the locals:

🤝 When you’re meeting Chinese people for the first time, it’s cool to greet them with a handshake. But don’t squeeze too hard – a firm handshake is seen as kinda aggressive 😨. In business meetings, a smile and a nod are good to go along with the handshake.

🧕 When you’re addressing others, use their surname with “xiānshēng” (先生) / “nǚshī” (女士) – like a Mr. or Mrs., y’know. And give respect to the elders first – it’s a thing here to show appreciation to the older folks 🧍‍♂️.

🍜 Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice – that’s a no-no, it’s like saying someone died. And don’t use your own chopsticks to pick up food from the shared dishes. Use the big spoons or special food tongs for that 🤲🏼.

🍽 At a dinner, it’s rad to try a bit of everything. It’s a way to show the host you think their food is awesome. And leave a lil bit on your plate – it’s a way to say the meal was plenty!

🎁 When you’re giving gifts, it’s a must to use two hands to offer and receive them. Don’t open the gift right away unless the giver insists. And avoid anything associated with the number 4 – it’s not cool, cuz it sounds like “death”. White flowers are a no-go too, they’re for funerals mostly.

😊 Being punctual is important – being late’s not a good look. And don’t point at people when you talk, it’s not cool.

🤐 Avoid sensitive topics like politics or criticism of the country – you don’t wanna get into any unnecessary trouble. And when you’re at a temple or religious place, follow the crowd – most of the time they move clockwise 🕍.

These tips’ll help you blend in and make some new friends! China’s got a pretty cool culture, so it’s worth getting to know these little traditions 😎!