14 Things We’ve Learnt about China Along the Way…

We like to think we know a thing or two about China; we’ve been helping TEFLers travel there for more years than we care to remember! So if you’re heading over there anytime soon, pull up a seat and have a read through our mini-guide to get swotted up.

• The pace of life in China is slower and things can often take longer to happen. There is absolutely no point in resisting this, so relax and enjoy the experience as much as you can.

• Don’t be tempted to take photos of any official person or place e.g. guards, police officers etc. It won't end in smiles!

• When entering a house from off the street, it is important to remove your shoes and either; put house shoes (e.g. slippers) on, or just wear your socks. This is due to the fact that the Chinese consider the ground that you walk on as dirty and therefore, it is offensive to have shoes on inside people’s houses or on their furniture.

• China is a communist country. Be wary that the government has tight control over the running of the country and discussing politics in public may not be the best idea...

• Whilst the Chinese don’t expect you to be a master at chopsticks they prefer you give it a go. When eating meat with bones, the bones are never put back on your dining plate but instead on a separate plate or on the table or sometimes even the floor! It is also expected and good manners to fight for the bill at the end of a meal.

• When giving an object to someone – big or small - it is considered proper and polite to use both hands when presenting the object. It is also expected that when being offered an object you accept in the same manner - with two hands.

• In China some people tend to smile when they are nervous, embarrassed or worried so it does not always portray happiness!

(Although we're pretty sure this chap is happy!)

• China is a fairly modest country in terms of dress and it is inappropriate to wear revealing clothing at school, because teachers are held in respect. This also means piercings; unusual hair-styles etc. are not expected to be worn by teachers.

•    It is not common to call people by their first names and often, when being introduced, an individual will say their family name first. e.g. Lucy Smith would introduce herself as Smith Lucy and will be referred to as Miss Smith unless she is family or a close friend to which a first name basis is appropriate.

• It’s a case of good news for smokers and bad news for non-smokers, sorry. People smoke everywhere in China! Particularly in the case of male to male meetings and relationships, where it is considered polite to offer a cigarette when meeting somebody!

• Just like in football matches, public spitting is very common. Hearing the sound of somebody clearing their throat from way deep down and then spitting is unfortunately a daily occurrence! Increasingly in the big tourist attractions the authorities are trying to change this, for example in Tiananmen Square. The best advice we can give is to just accept and ignore this!

• There are no real clothing restrictions in China, however, when visiting temples, dress appropriately and respectfully - not showing too much skin.

• Carry toilet paper with you, as a lot of public toilets are squat toilets and often do not provide it!

• It is normal for the Chinese to refuse the acceptance of food, drink or gifts many times before accepting, even if hungry, thirsty or in want of the gift! Therefore, always remember to re-offer and never take the first ‘no’ as a golden no. The Chinese never want to come across as greedy or selfish and this is one of the ways they express this.

Hope you found this helpful! Do you have any other Chinese gems to add to the list?

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