Cultural Tips for China

China's cultural differences are part of what make it such a fascinating country to visit on a gap year. To get an idea of what to expect, take a look at our cultural tips for China.

Number 1 of our cultural tips for China - dodge the phlegm
One of our less pleasant cultural tips for China. Unfortunately for travellers, spitting is as common as clearing your throat in China. The result? Unsightly blobs on pavements, in restaurants and bars, on buses and trains and probably in houses, too. Old habits die hard, and delivering lectures on how disgusting it is won't change anything - just accept it as one of the cultural differences in China and get fancy with your footwork.

Number 2 of our cultural tips for China - smoking ban? What's that, then?
The concept of not being allowed to smoke is alien to many Chinese people, even if they don't smoke. Again, there's not much you can do about. Our tip is to head for open spaces when it gets too much - and be glad of smoke-free England. If you do smoke, you'll be in your element. If you don't, be aware that cultural differences in China mean an offer of a cigarette is an offer of friendship. Try to be appreciative and apologetic if you turn it down!

Number 3 of our cultural tips for China - put on your travelling best
This cultural tip will probably get you a better response in hostels, bars, restaurants etc. Scruffy clothes won't go down well - clean, non-ripped items will.

Number 4 of our cultural tips for China - thanks might not be forthcoming
A cultural tip for making a good impression with a host family is to take a gift. (That applies whether you're staying with them, or just going round for dinner.) However, they're not big on saying thank you and don't usually open presents in front of you. It doesn't mean they're not grateful - they just prefer to show it through actions.

Number 5 of our cultural tips for China - bargain away
Market stallholders will expect to be bargained with, so try out your skills. You'll probably get better as you go on, but our cultural tip for China for your first time is to offer around a quarter of what they want, and increase your price slowly.

Number 6 of our cultural tips for China - chopstick rules
As in Japan, cultural differences in China mean that what you do with your chopsticks can cause quite a stir. Standing them upright signifies death, and you shouldn't use them to point at anyone, either. An inoffensive place for them is lying across your bowl or plate, pointing to the left.

Number 7 of our cultural tips of China - don't be alarmed by flapping carrier bags!
Markets in China are colourful places but not for the squeamish or animal-lover. The Chinese like their food fresh, and the downside of that is the live animals that are on show before they're taken round the back and killed. In the case of fish, they might not quite be dead when they're handed to you! Again, these cultural differences in China aren't going to change - they're just part of China's unique blend of beliefs and traditions.