Etiquette & Behavior in Chengdu

Etiquette & Behavior in Chengdu

Mianzi (Face)
- Mianzi meaning 'face' that is shame, status or self-respect in Chinese. It is the most terrible thing for a Chinese to 'lose face'.

- Never insult, embarrass, yell or demean a person.

Guanxi (Relationships between People)
- In the Chinese history, the fundamental attached with the society is the concept of guanxi meaning 'relationships between people'.

- A good relationship is crucial for a Chinese.

Keqi
- Keqi means considerate, polite, and well mannered, also represents humbleness and modesty.

- Chinese hardly ever put across what they think about openly and they prefer a roundabout way.

- Neither show their emotions and feelings in public.

- They hardly ever welcome people with neither a handshake, nor they embrace or kiss when greeting or saying good-bye.

- It is advisable to be fairly cautious in political discussions.

How do Chinese address foreigners?
Officially, foreigners are addressed as Waibin (foreign guests or foreign friends) but privately, they are call as Lao Wai, meaning "old foreigner" .

How should foreigners greet Chinese?
- As of for the present the China which is growing both socially and economically, people living in large cities can speak a little bit of English, a "hello" or "how do you do?" is suitable to most of them.

- However there is nothing like greeting the native people in their native language :

- nihao (hello)

- jiandao ni hen gaoxing (nice to meet you).

- Universal languages like a smile or a wave will also show up a friendly response.

- Occasionally, shake hands can be of good means to greet Chinese people. However, when you shake hands with a Chinese woman do not hold it too tightly - a light shake will be good enough.

- Embracing is not customary, excluding families and friends. Kissing, in any form is unacceptable to the Chinese.

What is Chinese people's reaction to compliments?

- Chinese are very modest and shy. When praised or complemented the habitual response is "no, no!" "No, no" is just a modest response.

How do the Chinese say "no"?
- A Chinese will never say "no" or make negative comments directly.

- Rather they would express disagreement by means of a graceful excuse or an offer.

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