FAQ / Customs

How Different are Chinese Customs from Western Ones
There are vast differences between Chinese and Western customs.
Take eating for example. Whether at home or in a restaurant, Chinese will lay the emphasis on the food. Food leftover is a sign that the host is generous and has gained "face" in front of guests. in the West, however, a banquet is more for the atmosphere than for food. "Seeing the bottom" of plates is an ideal ending to a meal. That is to say, Chinese are more concerned about eating, while Westerns care more about socializing.
Another noticeable difference can be seen in the way gifts are exchanged. Most Chinese care more about the quality than the packaging of the gift. They will insist on declining the gift. Furthermore, they will wait until the guests have left to open the gift. Westerners, on the other hand, care a lot about the packaging and usually open the gift and admire it in the presence of the guest.

How do Chinese Celebrate the Birth of Babies
Because of the vast territory and the diverse composition of the Chinese nation, folklore varies from region to region. As early as in the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, it was recorded that "customs varied within a distance of 50 kilometers". Over the long course of history, the 56 ethnic groups living in China have each developed their own customs in residence, food, clothing and decorations, marriage, family, festivals, religions, morals, rites and ceremonies and taboos.

How do Chinese Name Babies
Naming newborn babies is a great event. in the past, people believed that the name of a baby had magical power on the destiny of the baby. Therefore, the grandparents would brainstorm for an auspicious name. A boy's name will contain meanings such as masculine, strong, noble, honest and refined. A girl's name is given meanings such as pretty, lovely and fragrant.

How should Foreigners Greet Chinese
Most ordinary Chinese residents in tourist cities open to foreigners can speak a little bit of English. Therefore, a "Hello" or "How do you do?" is acceptable to most of them. Of course, a smile or a wave will also elicit a friendly response. At any rate, a smile is a universal language that needs no translation.
Chinese are getting used to typical western greetings such as nihao (hello) or jiandaoni hengaoxing (very nice to meet you). As for forms of meeting, handshakes are popular in the cities.
Chinese normally do not embrace each other. Kissing, whether on the cheeks or on hands, is usually unacceptable to the Chinese.

What are the Red and White Festivals
In the past, wedding, funerals, and anniversaries were all called "red and white festivals". A funeral was considered a "festival" because death was considered a relief from suffering. Therefore, it was a blessing for the dead and a solace for the living.

What major Festivals do the Chinese Celebrate
In addition to the Spring Festival, Chinese people also celebrate the following festivals:
------Lantern Festival: This falls on the 15th of the first lunar month, an occasion for eating yuanxiao, or sweet dumplings made of glutinous rice flour, hanging lanterns, visiting lantern shows, performing the Dragon Lantern and Drum Dances.
------Pure Brightness Festival: This day falls around April 5 of the western calendar, and it is named after the fifth solar term of the Chinese calendar. Activities include excursions and tomb- sweeping.
------Dragon Boat Festiva: Falling on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, this festival was set aside in memory of the great poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself over 2,000 years ago after the emperor refused to heed his remonstration. The main activity is Dragon Boat racing. in the countryside, people also carry incense pouches, get roped up, drink realgar wine and eat Zongzi (a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves).
------Double-Ninth Festival: This festival is named because it falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. The main feature is chrysanthemum-admiring the flower and drinking chrysanthemum wine. A special cake is also served. in addition, many people go on excursions to lose themselves in nature.

What Major Rites and Ceremonies do Chinese Observe
Chinese commemorate what they call the four major rites and ceremonies of a lifetime: birth, coming of age, wedding and funeral. Anniversaries for birthdays, wedding days and departure days also observed.
Each of these four major rites follows a fixed pattern and the wedding ceremony, in particular, consists of preparatory rites and the formal ceremony proper. Altogether, the wedding ceremony includes the following steps: proposal; discussion of proposal; visiting each other; betrothal; delivery of betrothal gifts; setting the wedding date; fetching the bride; bowing to heaven and earth, parents of both sides and to each other; the wedding banquet; going into the bridal chamber; fun-making party at the bridal chamber; and returning of the bride to her parents.

What Mascots do the Chinese Believe
Traditional Chinese folk legends hold dragon, phoenix, tortoise and kylin (Chinese unicorn) to be the "four mascots". The pattern of the flying dragon and dancing phoenix, in particular, is believed to be a symbol of good luck

What's Special about Chinese Folklore
Because of the vast territory and the diverse composition of the Chinese nation, folklore varies from region to region. As early as in the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, it was recorded that "customs varied within a distance of 50 kilometers". Over the long course of history, the 56 ethnic groups living in China have each developed their own customs in residence, food, clothing and decorations, marriage, family, festivals, religions, morals, rites and ceremonies and taboos.