Giving gifts can be a great way to show your appreciation. However, in some culture one gift might be considered as a lucky symbol while in other countries this gift might be seen as offensive. China takes a special place …
Etiquette
Smoking in China: The Social Significance of cigarettes
A few weeks ago I have already written about China’s drinking culture. After being out for dinner with a bunch of old Chinese men yesterday, it reminded me again how much I hate people around me smoking.
For every …
Bottoms up! – Chinese drinking etiquette
For thousands of years wine has been used in rituals to worship gods and pay respects to ancestors in China. Today, this custom has weakened, but Chinese drinking culture is very much alive, being a sign of respect, fellowship and …
Chinese table manners: 8 Do’s and 8 Don’ts
There have been many articles on Chinese table manners. China’s eating culture can be as confusing as is its drinking culture.
Having good table manners in China can help you to avoid embarrassment. There are certain rules of of …
Guest Post: Mitigate culture shock in China; have a look at our “infographic”!
Whether you are a regular traveller to the country or a first-timer visiting China, almost for sure you will at some point experience culture shock. No matter which part of China you are visiting, maybe Harbin or Sichuan, or cities …
Zuozhuo 坐桌 or how to have a feast in Niuji village
Recently I posted a few pictures and videos on my facebook, complaining about the weekly/daily banquets held by my neigbors.
Today, I was invited to another one. So, out of the occasion I thought it is time to share …
The Day I changed my Chinese Parents-in-law
Change can be reciprocal. In my case, I have changed a lot since I first entered China.
Sometimes I am amazed on how much I have adapted over the past years. I have been willingly following the Chinese expression 入乡随俗 …
10 Habits I picked up after living in rural China
There have been many posts by expats talking about habits they picked up, things that have changed since they lived in China. Most of them though are living in an expat community, or in an international university, and in a …
Niuji Village welcomes the Year of the Horse 新年快乐
The thing with Chinese New Year in rural China: it is the same every single year; at least since I started celebrating together with my Chinese parents-in-law. There have been very detailed and colorful descriptions in general about Chinese New …
Change for the better or a sad loss? – Birthday traditions in China
When we are younger a birthday is always something we can’t wait for. Presents, all our friends gathered and food our mother would usually not let us eat on a daily basis. Than we get older. And birthdays start to …
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