HINTS FOR VISITORS
"Much courtesy displeases nobody." (Proverb)
References to China
Visitors should refer to "China" or "the People's Republic of China".
Terms such as "Red China", "Communist China" or "Mainland China" should be avoided. It is important to get the name of the country correct. "Republic of China" is the title used by the Chinese Nationalists on Taiwan and should be avoided.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is the national airline of the People's Republic of China. It should not be confused with China Airlines (CAL), Taiwan's airline.
Time-Keeping
The Chinese are extremely punctual. Visitors should make sure that they are on time for appointments. Chinese visitors are likely to arrive exactly on time or even somewhat early.
Social Behaviour
Visitors are usually clapped on arrival at schools, and other institutions. It is customary for the visitors to clap back.
The Chinese generally only drink with food, and then in moderation. At banquets, beer, wine and Chinese spirits such as Maotai will be served, as well as soft drinks. Although toasts are frequently drunk with a shout of "Ganbei", which literally means empty glass, it is not necessary or expected that visitors will drain their glass on each and every occasion. It is sometimes the practice for the host at a banquet to go from table to table clinking glasses with the guests.
It is polite to accept the topping up of one's plate or glass, and leave what is not wanted, than to decline what is offered. It is rude for guests to touch their chopsticks (or knife and fork) before the host.
Titles
It is now rare in China to use the equivalent of Mr, Mrs or Miss. Chinese will frequently use titles such as Professor or Secretary. When speaking English, Chinese people will of course follow Western practices. Married women in China usually keep their own surname; they are then addressed as "Madame" in English. If they use their husband's name, then Mrs is sometimes used.
Gifts
Gift exchange is not as well established in China as in some other East Asian countries. Gifts in general should not be too expensive.
Literature about the visiting organisation is perfectly suitable, as are standard glossy works on Britain, dictionaries, calculators, and technical literature. It is the custom to hand gifts to recipients with both hands. This is also a useful practice for other objects that are handed over, such as visiting cards.
Tipping is not customary in China, though in certain tourist hotels it is beginning to creep in. Instead of a monetary tip, a small present such as a ball-point pen or a keyring is often acceptable. When shopping, it is not the custom to bargain in state-owned shops. Sometimes, however, bargaining is now found in the "free market".
Photography
Photographs may be taken freely, with the exception of military units. It is polite, however, to ask your hosts' permission first.
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