One of the greatest things about visiting China is experiencing the culture. However, Chinese culture is unique and significantly differs from Western countries. Due to this huge difference, visitors sometimes do certain things that create awkward or offensive situations. Cultural missteps can make your trip not as enjoyable. Luckily, there is much travel advice online about what to do and what not to do when visiting China. Chinese TikTok (Douyin) users shared insightful tourist mistakes you should avoid. While these things are harmless in Western countries, they carry deep cultural significance in China.
1. Don’t Tip Service Workers
Tipping is encouraged in Western countries, and if you do not tip your server, you will be considered a bad customer. However, tipping is not the norm in China, and it can be seen as an insult. Service workers, from taxi drivers to bellboys, are not expecting a tip. Tipping your Chinese waiter could imply that they need extra money, or tipping the hotel staff could imply they are beneath you financially. In Western countries, tipping encourages quality service, but TikTok user Polly Ding warned that tipping might make your Chinese service worker embarrassed and uncomfortable.
2. Don’t Wear A Green Hat
While your fashion choice might not be a big deal in other places, there is one accessory that you should avoid wearing in China. When packing for your trip to China, leave your green hat at home if you have one. TikTok user @sherrypie666 warned that green hats carry strong negative connotations in China. Wearing a green hat signifies that your spouse or partner is cheating on you. This is known as “戴绿帽子” (dài lǜ màozi), which is a Chinese phrase that translates to “wearing a green hat.” If you are caught wearing one in public, you may garner strange looks from the locals, or they might laugh at you.
3. Don’t Stick Chopsticks Vertically in a Bowl of Rice
Tasting the Chinese cuisine can be an exciting experience. However, the simplest action can create an awkward moment at the table. Knowing where to place your chopsticks when having a bowl of rice is important. You should never stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. This action symbolizes death and bad luck because it resembles incense sticks placed in offerings to the deceased. Another action you should avoid at the table is tapping your bowl with chopsticks. TikTok user @chinesewithhannah warned that doing this is disrespectful. The TikToker also warned that pointing at someone with chopsticks is also rude. When you want to break from eating, place your chopsticks flat across your bowl.
4. Don’t Hug Strangers
Some countries consider hugs warm and friendly, even when you are just meeting the individuals. However, hugs are not the norm in China, especially if you are meeting the person for the first time. Professor Yang Chunmei from Qufu Normal University explained that traditional Chinese etiquette does not include hugs. The Chinese practice other friendly gestures like a simple nod or a handshake. TikTok user @selina180321 warned that travellers should avoid attempting to hug anyone they meet. Additionally, avoid public displays of affection (PDA) like kissing, even on the cheek. This could make locals, especially the older generations, uncomfortable.
5. Don’t Gift Locals Clocks
Gifts are always great gestures of appreciation in Chinese culture, but some items could make your receiver feel awful. TikTok user @linglongchinese discouraged travellers from giving clocks as gifts. Clocks are one of the worst gifts because they carry negative connotations. The phrase “送钟” (sòng zhōng), meaning “giving a clock,” sounds similar to taking care of someone’s funeral in Mandarin. It is therefore associated with death and bad luck. Avoid gifting clocks at all costs and gift someone a nice wristwatch instead. Other items that are associated with death are scented candles and cut flowers. Wonderful gifts would be delicious tea, special foods, or decorative souvenirs.
