Chinese social etiquette and customs

In China, receiving red cards (hongbao) for lucky money is a popular tradition among youngsters during the Spring Festival. When do these young adults typically switch from taking hongbao to serving it instead?

When people start working, they usually cease getting hongbao, however in some regions of China (including Guangdong and Hong Kong), they can continue to obtain hongbao until they are married.

According to a Chinese legend, what falls on you if you don’t eat dumplings on the winter solstice?

A legend that says the wind will rip your ears off if you don’t eat dumplings on the Winter Solstice.

In Chinese culture, one is expected to speak quietly and bow slightly before elders. How can one be disrespectful to an older person during a conversation?

Never question the wisdom or judgement of the elderly. It is quite impolite to respond to them or dispute their assertions.

What number if gifts one should avoid and why?

Gifts that total four should not be given. As the word for “four” and “death” sound similar in Chinese.

As a guest in someone’s home in China, if you end up with all the rice on your plate, what might your table manners accidentally communicate?

When eating is done, leave a modest bit of food on your plate. An empty plate signifies that you need your plate to be refilled with meals because the host did not supply enough.

Chinese social etiquette and customs: It is a mystery; why do Chinese people consider you polite when slurping your soup whereas rejecting someone’s gift is considered impolite?  Although it seems too ancient, concerning societal norms, manners and etiquette of China are filled with traditions, which aim at ensuring harmony and avoiding offending anyone.  Understanding these distinctions would make an individual more comfortable in social situations as well as business transactions or while eating in the country. 

In this article, we will take a close look at some key issues regarding greetings and gift-giving, dining culture and public behaviour.