As one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, China is rich in traditions and unique customs. Some customs might be confusing for foreigners, so to make things easier for you, we’re going to walk you through the what and why of some of China’s customs.
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Giving hongbao during Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is the happiest time of the year for nearly all children in China. No matter what region or background their families are from, they normally receive hongbao (lucky money). Hongbao usually consists of brand new bills put in a red envelop and given by the elders of the family. The hongbao represents blessings for the year to come. People tend to stop receiving hongbao when they begin to work, but in some parts of China (for example Guangdong and Hong Kong), people can receive hongbao until they get married.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall
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Take this full-day private tour with a guide to explore three of Beijing’s top attractions: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. Enjoy the convenience of private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included, as well as entrance fees to all attractions. Lunch is provided during the tour, ensuring a seamless experience. At the Great Wall, choose between a round-trip cable car ride or the adventurous chairlift and toboggan ride. Discover the historical significance of Tiananmen Square and delve into the imperial splendor of the Forbidden City. This comprehensive tour offers comfort, convenience, and an enriching exploration of Beijing’s iconic landmarks.
Celebrating two birthdays
As a result of the inconsistency of two prevalent calendars in China, this is a custom that even some Chinese people couldn’t figure out. Traditionally (especially before 1911, when the Gregorian Calendar was applied in China), Chinese people have celebrated only the Lunar Calendar birthdays. Nowadays, it is more common to observe the Gregorian calendar birthdays in China, just like most of the world does, but the elderly and people who are born in the countryside are still used to celebrating Lunar Calendar birthdays.
Eating dumplings during the Winter Solstice
Shui jian bao dumplings, Shanghai | © Busakorn Pongparnit / Getty Images
People who are new to China might feel confused on the Winter Solstice. Nearly all the big and small dumpling (jiaozi) restaurants are severely overflowing with customers. Even the Chinese friends who choose not to dine out will most likely order a dumpling delivery. That’s because, rumor has it, if you’re not eating dumplings on the Winter Solstice, your ears will be bitten off by the freezing cold wind.
Lantau Island Day Trip – Big Buddha & Tai O
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Embark on a guided city tour to explore the Big Buddha and Lantau Island district of Hong Kong in a single day. Join your knowledgeable guide to visit prominent attractions such as the Big Buddha, the picturesque Tai O fishing village, and a designated dolphin-watching area. Throughout the tour, listen to fascinating stories about Hong Kong from your local guide, gaining insights into the region’s culture and history. Enjoy a light vegetarian meal and a local snack as part of your experience. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors, offering convenient meeting points near public transportation for ease of access.
Drinking hot water
“Any hot water?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions in China’s restaurants. Chinese people are used to drinking hot water, and many prefer the water to be burning hot. This is because they believe hot water can cure ailments and prevent disease.
Downing your drink after saying “ganbei”
What follows “Ganbei” (Cheers) and glass clinking in China is people drinking up the alcohol in their glasses, instead of just taking a gentle sip. If you don’t drink up your wine, you might be regarded as impolite in China. However, those who can’t drink alcohol don’t need to worry, as there’s a Chinese custom that says, “Replace the wine with tea (Yi Cha Dai Jiu).” This makes it convenient for everyone to drink up after saying cheers.
Offering and receiving business cards both hands
Those who are on their first business trip to China might find it curious that Chinese people tend to hand business cards or name cards to others with both hands. It is actually a Chinese courtesy to show respect to others, especially in the case when the younger and the inferior are giving cards to the older and the superior.
Giving change at the check-out counter
What would you do if a cashier asked you to pay six yuan at a convenience store? People from outside of China would just pull out a tenner, but Chinese people add an extra one yuan so that they can get back a bigger and whole five-yuan bill. While non-Chinese may find the math troublesome, Chinese people know it as a long-established habit and a piece of cake. Now with the prevalence of e-payments in China, this is changing as some people do not even have cash on them anymore, let alone adding change to a transaction to get back even currency.
Wearing red underwear
Chinese people usually wear (or are forced by their mothers to wear) red underwear on Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Year of Birth), which is the current year in a cycle of 12 zodiac years. It is believed that wearing red underwear during the whole year may prevent misfortunes from befalling them in the year to come. Why so? There are 12 animals respectively representing the 12 zodiac years. Legend has it that the current animal is on duty in heaven, so it cannot take care of the people of its sign in the human world. That’s when the red underwear comes to the rescue.
Sharing an apple or an orange, but never a pear
| Photo by Bibhash (Polygon.Cafe) Banerjee on Unsplash
This is not because apples and oranges are easier to cut. The reason for this Chinese custom is similar to the last one. “Dividing a pear” in Chinese is “Fen Li” (分梨), which is a homophone to “分离,” meaning “departure” in Chinese. Indeed, some people try very hard not to separate from each other.
Having superstitions about gifting clocks
It’s important not to give a clock to a Chinese person as a gift. This is because the phrase “giving clock” in Chinese – “Song Zhong” (送钟) – is a homophone to “送终,” which means “looking after a dying person” or “burying a person.”
Planting vegetables and plants everywhere
International community gardeners will weep when they see China’s cities. No matter where you look, be it an ordinary residential compound, an apartment balcony, along a roadside, or even in a small circle of fertile land, you’ll see vegetables spontaneously growing that were planted by common citizens. Even the Chinese themselves joke that “planting trees is in their DNA.”
Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour
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Experience the best of both ancient and modern Shanghai on this seamless private guided tour that takes you from the historic Zhujiajiao Ancient Town to the vibrant heart of Shanghai. Begin your day with a leisurely exploration of Zhujiajiao by boat and foot, discovering its quaint waterways and enjoying a delicious local lunch. In the afternoon, delve into Shanghai’s dynamic cityscape with visits to the serene Yuyuan Garden, the iconic Bund waterfront, and the towering Shanghai Tower for breathtaking city views. This customizable tour allows you to tailor your experience, whether you prefer to visit cultural sites like the Shanghai Museum or explore more skyscrapers. With private transportation and insightful commentary from your guide throughout, this tour ensures a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of Shanghai’s diverse attractions.
The Best Trips and Tours in China
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Ancient history, unique culture, some of the best food on the planet and adorable panda bears…China really is a country that has something for everyone. It’s a huge nation that can be explored for years and years without visiting the same place twice, making it the perfect place for an adventure. Where you begin and end that adventure is completely up to you, but these amazing trips and tours will certainly help you decide which is the best place for you to explore.
