Friendly, warm and pretty informal, Chinese people are usually easy to deal with. Sometimes though, cultural differences can give rise to difficulties. Keep in mind these taboos of which foreigners may be unaware:

·If you need to use a toothpick after eating, cover your month with your other hand. Chinese people think it's gross and impolite to reveal this activity to others.

·Don't tap your chopsticks on your bowl; not only is it an impolite sign of impatience, beggars do this in the street to attract attention.

·Don't plant your chopsticks into your rice bowl pointing straight upward, unless you want your fellow diners to think you wish them dead. Why? Because pairs of incense sticks are placed like this next to graves.

·Try not to let the spout of the teapot face anyone. It's considered impolite to do this, so remember to point it toward an empty spot, or toward yourself.

·Don't offer to share your pear. "分梨" (share pear) sounds the same as "分离" (parting), a sad occurrence to be avoided as much as possible.

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