What should you avoid doing in China?

When traveling in China, avoid sensitive political discussions, drug use (severe penalties!), public displays of affection, and disrespecting elders or authority; also be mindful of dining etiquette like not sticking chopsticks upright in rice or pointing with them, avoid touching people's heads, and understand that tipping is generally not expected, while bringing a power bank and planning for mobile payments are crucial for connectivity and convenience.

What not to do when visiting China?

• Disrespecting Cultural Sites: Be mindful of the rules at historical sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Climbing on structures, touching artifacts, or making loud noises can be disrespectful.
• Ignoring Local Etiquette: Avoid pointing with your finger, as it can be considered rude.
• Discussing Sensitiv

What are the three forbidden ts in China?

The "Three Ts" in China refer to extremely sensitive topics that are censored and generally forbidden in public discussion, especially for foreigners: Taiwan, Tibet, and the Tiananmen Square protests/massacre, representing sovereignty, human rights, and historical dissent. Discussing these subjects, or showing support for independence movements (Taiwan/Tibet) or criticism of the 1989 crackdown, can lead to severe consequences, including visa issues or arrest. 

Do and don'ts in China?

Try not to speak in euphemisms or slang, as you might be misunderstood. Avoid discussing politics and religion. If you try to speak a few Chinese words during your encounters, it will be recognized and appreciated. Be patient.

What is the 3-hour rule in China?

China's "3-hour rule" is a strict regulation for minors (under 18) limiting online video game play to only one hour per day (8 PM to 9 PM) on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, totaling three hours per week. Implemented in 2021 to combat gaming addiction, the rule requires real-name registration and state anti-addiction systems, but many youths circumvent it using adult accounts, with studies showing mixed success in reducing overall play time. 

17 things I wish I knew before visiting CHINA 🇨🇳

What are the 7 rules of Chinese etiquette?

There isn't a definitive "7 rules" list, but key Chinese etiquette principles center on respect for elders/hierarchy, saving face, and avoiding taboos, especially during meals where you should wait for the host to start, use both hands for business cards and gifts, offer to pay (but let the host insist), take off shoes at home, and never stick chopsticks upright in rice. Other crucial points involve avoiding sensitive political topics and not tipping excessively. 

What is the 0.1% rule in China?

China's "0.1% Rule" refers to new extraterritorial export controls, effective December 1, 2025, requiring foreign companies to get Chinese government licenses for certain rare earth products or technologies if they contain 0.1% or more of Chinese-origin materials or use Chinese processing technology, impacting industries like EV, defense, and AI by giving China leverage over global supply chains for critical minerals and related tech.
 

Are you allowed to smile in China?

Under the weight of this history and this institutional reality, most Chinese people have, tragically, been trained not to care about others—and even not to smile at strangers. The social environment has taught them, again and again, that kindness carries risk, and that the safest posture is emotional withdrawal.

What not to do as an American in China?

Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission. Keep a low profile. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Beijing or the nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately. Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.

What is the T 1 rule in China?

In the Chinese stock market, the “T+1” trading rule restricts investors from selling stocks they have purchased on the same day. As a result, the “T+1” trading rule imposes a temporary (1 day) liquidity constraint on stocks.

What are some weird rules in China?

Keep it Legal: China's 10 Strangest Rules and Laws

• 1) Thou shalt not stop at pedestrian crossings. ...
• 2) Thou shalt not store explosives in thy basement. ...
• 3) Thou shalt not eat another man's wife… intentionally. ...
• 4) Thou shalt not date thy colleague. ...
• 5) Thou shalt keep thy vices local.

Why can't you say Winnie the Pooh in China?

Censorship emerged after internet users began using images of Winnie-the-Pooh in satirical memes to compare the character to Xi Jinping, the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). An internet meme comparing Carrie Lam and Xi Jinping to Piglet and Winnie the Pooh, respectively.

Is $100 USD a lot in China?

Yes, $100 USD (roughly 700+ Chinese Yuan) is a decent amount of money in China, but its value depends heavily on location and lifestyle; it's significant in rural areas, potentially a monthly food budget for locals, but might only last a few days in expensive cities like Beijing or Shanghai for Western-style expenses, while offering plenty for local food and transport. 

What are some colors to avoid in China?

In Chinese culture, the luckiest colors are red, yellow and green. The unluckiest colors in China are white and black. There are also neutral colors that depend on context, such as grey and blue. Understanding the symbolism of color in Chinese culture is an important part of your language learning journey.

What is the #1 cause of death in China?

The leading cause of death in China is stroke (cerebrovascular disease), consistently ranking first for years, followed by ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as major contributors to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality, with cancers also being significant. Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are responsible for over 40% of deaths in China, highlighting the growing burden of chronic illnesses. 

Is China friendly to American tourists?

China is generally safe and welcoming to American tourists on a personal level, with friendly locals and low petty crime, but political tensions and evolving laws create risks, prompting the U.S. State Department to advise "Exercise Increased Caution" due to potential arbitrary law enforcement, including exit bans, requiring careful preparation, visa adherence, and awareness of internet restrictions (VPNs needed). 

What is not polite in China?

Don't point at people. Especially when talking or gesturing, and definitely do not point your finger at someone. It's considered hostile and extremely rude. Don't talk business too soon.

What does 🙂 mean in China?

Smiley Face 🙂

This feeling is what can catch a lot of people out in China. Sending a smiley face in the UK simply symbolises happiness. In China, sending this to someone shows you have a feeling of contempt or mistrust towards them.

What is the 4 2 1 rule in China?

The 4-2-1 rule in China describes the demographic challenge from the One-Child Policy, where one child (the "1") faces the responsibility of supporting two parents (the "2") and four grandparents (the "4"), creating immense pressure on the younger generation for elder care and financial support in an aging society. This structure highlights the heavy burden on single children to provide for a large, aging family, straining social welfare and economic sustainability as China's population rapidly ages.
 

Why is Google forbidden in China?

Google has a difficult history in China. The company pulled its search engine out of China in 2010 because of government censorship and what the company said was a cyberattack from Chinese hackers trying to gain access to human rights activists' email accounts.

What is the 996 rule in China?

“996” working hour system referred to as “996”, is a work schedule which encourages or forces employees to extend their working hours or even work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. This is a common phenomenon among Chinese tech companies and startups.

What is the five finger rule of China?

It considers Tibet to be China's right hand palm, with five fingers on its periphery: Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and North-East Frontier Agency (now known as Arunachal Pradesh) that are considered China's responsibility to "liberate".

Is it rude to be late in China?

Punctuality in any business situation is important, and even more so in Chinese business culture. Being late is considered offensive and rude, so give yourself ample time to arrive at the meeting.

What are the rules for foreigners in China?

A7: For foreign nationals, an ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of intended stay in China is needed. Holders of travel documents or temporary or emergency documents other than ordinary passports are not allowed to enter into China without a visa.

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