China has some unusual yet significant etiquettes regarding the treatment of guests. If you find yourself feeling apprehensive about how to treat a Chinese guest or about being a guest at a friend’s home in China, here are some helpful tips to navigate the experience like a local.
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Less tea, more wine
It is considered courteous for the host to serve tea in cups filled to about 70 per cent, food in bowls filled to about 80 per cent, and wine served to the brim.
This custom stems from ancient practices when tea was typically served hot. Not filling the cup completely is a thoughtful gesture intended to prevent the guest from spilling hot tea and potentially injuring themselves.
Moreover, a host refrains from giving a full bowl of rice to avoid making the guest appear excessively hungry or greedy. In contrast, as wine is generally more expensive than tea, a full cup of wine is served as a gesture of hospitality.
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