Do…
• remove your shoes when entering a Chinese home or temple
• greet the eldest person in a Chinese family first, as a sign of respect
• beckon someone by waving them over to you with your palm down. Don’t point or use your finger (this gesture is used for dogs).
• present things to people with both hands, to show that what you’re offering is the fullest extent of yourself
• be effusively thankful if someone gives you a gift, then set it aside to open later, to avoid appearing greedy
• be prepared for random people approaching to you and asking to practice their English
• keep calm when dealing with officials, especially if tense situations arise. Getting angry or raising your voice will create only an ugly, face-losing situation for all.
• eat what your host offers and orders, including alcohol; it’s rude to refuse
• touch your glass below that of the eldest person in the group when toasting – the eldest (aka wise one) holds his/her glass highest
• fill your companion’s tea cup when it’s empty, especially if your companion is older than you
• eat all of the rice in your bowl – some Chinese believe it’s bad luck to leave even a single grain behind
• say how much you love watching Yao Ming play in the NBA (when he’s healthy)
• prepare yourself to see animals treated very differently than you’re used to back home
• be punctual. Being on time shows respect for others.