Ni Hao! Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of Chinese culture? Or perhaps you’re planning a visit and want to make sure you’re well-versed in local customs and traditions? Well, either way, you’re in the right place!
China‘s culture is as diverse and deep as the Great Wall is long. With thousands of years of history, this country has cultivated their own set of customs, traditions, and philosophies that continue to influence everyday life in fascinating ways.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll be going on an enlightening journey through China’s cultural landscape. We’ll explore some unique concepts, traditions, cuisine and more! I hope you can gain a deeper understanding of what makes China so wonderfully unique!
Cultural Concepts in Chinese
Guanxi (Relationships)
At its most basic level, Guanxi can be understood as a network of relationships. But in the Chinese culture, it is so much more than just networking. It’s a deeply ingrained system of social capital and reciprocity that drives personal interactions and business dealings.
The importance of Guanxi cannot be overstated when doing business in China. It could make the difference between securing a crucial business deal or not. Before they get down to business, Chinese businesspeople often spend time nurturing relationships, building trust, and, essentially, establishing Guanxi. Without strong Guanxi, it can be incredibly tough to make any headway in the Chinese business world.
On a societal level, Guanxi can also influence social status. It’s common for people to boast about their Guanxi, referencing their influential connections. Guanxi can affect everything from securing a good job to gaining admission into a prestigious school. It’s woven into the very fabric of Chinese society.
Which is why in Chinese, when someone says Xiexie (Thank you), the common reply is Mei Guanxi (No relationship). However, in this context, it’s better understood as “no problem,” just something interesting to think about.
He (Harmony)
Rooted in Confucian philosophy, “He” is considered one of the fundamental principles that guide societal order in China.
In a broad sense, “He” advocates for peace in society as a whole.
It emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relationships, reducing conflict, and promoting cooperation among people.
This is achieved by respecting hierarchy, fulfilling social roles, and demonstrating proper etiquette.
“He” is also seen in the Chinese aesthetic and in the philosophical appreciation for harmony between humans and nature.
It’s reflected in various aspects of Chinese traditional arts, like calligraphy, painting, and garden design, where a harmonious balance between different elements is a key principle. Think of Yin and Yang!
Renqing (Favor)
Renqing refers to the moral obligations exchanged between individuals in maintaining a relationship. It’s a complex notion that combines elements of emotion and social ethics.
Think of Renqing as the “human touch” that helps to cement Guanxi. When someone does a favor for you, it’s not just a transactional event but a personal gesture that carries emotional weight.
There’s an inherent understanding that these gestures will be reciprocated when needed. This isn’t always about an immediate payback, but an ongoing relationship that’s held together by these bonds of personal sentiment.
Basically, Renqing emphasizes the importance of moral obligations in Chinese social relationships.
Mianzi (Face)
Mianzi is can be roughly translated as “face,” which is a cultural concept not unique to China but quite prevalent in almost every other Asian culture such as Lao, Thai, Burmese, and Singaporean.
Face here is referring to a person’s reputation, dignity, and prestige within social contexts.
When people speak about “giving face” (gei mianzi), “losing face” (diu mianzi), or “saving face” (liu mianzi), they are referring to the respect that people show each other in social interactions. This is seen in both personal and professional settings.
For example, openly criticizing someone in front of others can cause them to lose face. On the other hand, recognizing someone’s achievements in a public setting gives them face.
In a business context, Mianzi can also play a significant role. For instance, negotiations should be approached delicately to ensure that all parties maintain face. This could include tactics such as allowing the other party to feel they have won concessions, or ensuring disagreements are settled in private to avoid public embarrassment.
Yuanfen (Fate)
Yuanfen is a beautiful and somewhat mystical, it’s often translated as “fate,” but that doesn’t fully capture its full essence.
Yuanfen describes the destined affinity between people, bringing them together in any kind of relationship.
Yuanfen is often used to explain the inexplicable – why certain people cross our paths, why some relationships are short-lived while others endure, or why some bonds are stronger than others.
It can refer to friendships, business relationships, or romantic relationships. It’s the idea that a chance meeting could lead to a meaningful connection, and that these encounters are predestined.
For example, if two people fall in love, it’s often said that they have good yuanfen, meaning their souls were destined to meet. But yuanfen doesn’t guarantee forever. If a relationship ends, it’s often said that the yuanfen between the people has run out.
What is the Religion in China?
Surprisingly, you might think that China is mostly made up of Buddhists and Taoists, but the data actually begs to differ.
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No Religion or Folk Religion: Over 70% of the population practices some form of Chinese folk religions. These are not “religions” in the organized sense, but a blend of different beliefs, including ancestor veneration, Chinese mythology, and elements of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
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Buddhists: About 18% to 20% of the population identifies as Buddhist. Though many Chinese incorporate Buddhist practices into their religious life without identifying as “Buddhists” per se. The form of Buddhism practiced in China is predominantly the Mahayana tradition. You’ll often see Guan Yin or Amituofo in the temples.
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Christians: Estimates suggest that about 2% to 3% of the population identifies as Christian, split between Protestantism and Catholicism.
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Muslims: Approximately 1.6% to 2% of the population in China is Muslim, predominantly of the Sunni sect.
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Other Religions: Other religions, including Hinduism, Judaism, and new religious movements such as Falun Gong, make up a very small portion of the population.
What are the Traditions in China?
Tea Culture
Steeped in tradition, the ceremonial preparation and enjoyment of tea, or “cha”, goes beyond mere drinking. It’s an art, a philosophy, and a way of life that encapsulates peak Chinese aesthetics.
China is the birthplace of tea, with a history of tea cultivation stretching back over 4000 years. Each of China’s major tea-producing regions — Yunnan, Fujian, Anhui, Zhejiang, and more — has its distinctive variety of tea and brewing techniques!
The traditional Chinese tea ceremony, known as “gongfu cha,” involves carefully warming the tea vessels, measuring the tea leaves, observing the steeping process, and finally, appreciating the aroma and taste of the tea. Every movement is precise and deliberate, turning the act of tea-making into a meditative experience.
Tea is often served to guests as a sign of hospitality. It’s also common to see people carrying their portable tea sets or just a thermos of hot water to brew tea wherever they go!
Tea houses hold a special place in Chinese culture. They are social hubs where people gather to chat, read, play board games, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
Accupuncture
Acupuncture is like a great symphony conducted on your body. Think of it as a way to fine-tune your health, getting all your energies to play in perfect harmony. It’s an ancient practice that has been healing and harmonizing bodies for over 2,000 years in China!
So how does it work? Well, in Chinese traditional medicine, there’s a belief that your body has a system of energy channels, known as meridians. Now, sometimes an energy blockage can occur which can cause an imbalance, and that’s when health problems can start.
Acupuncture, with its thin needles helps in restoring the smooth flow of energy and bring your body back into balance.
Acupuncture is a holistic approach, considering the whole person rather than just symptoms. It’s like looking at the entire forest rather than just a single tree. The acupuncturist will often consider your lifestyle, diet, emotions, and more to pinpoint the root cause of your health issues.
Don’t worry, though. While the idea of needles might make you a bit squeamish, acupuncture is generally not painful. It’s often described as a tingling, and personally, I find it deeply relaxing though I have mine here in Japan.
You can read more about the benefits of Accupuncture in my in-depth article on it here.
Kung Fu
Originating from ancient China, kung fu has evolved over centuries, branching out into a dizzying array of styles and schools. Each one has its unique techniques, weapons, and training methods, making the world of Chinese martial arts a treasure trove of variety.
Take for example, the graceful movements of Tai Chi, as smooth as flowing water, or the explosive power of Shaolin Kung Fu, as fierce as a roaring dragon! You might be amazed by the acrobatic leaps of Wushu. There’s even the exotic Wing Chun style (for the fans of Ip Man, you know what I’m talking about), whose quick, close-quarters combat inspired the legendary Bruce Lee!
But what’s truly fascinating about Chinese martial arts is that it’s not just about fighting. It’s deeply intertwined with Chinese philosophy and spirituality.
Concepts of balance, harmony, and energy flow, drawn from Taoism and Buddhism, are as important as the physical techniques. Kung fu is about self-improvement, cultivating the mind and body, and achieving harmony with oneself and the universe.
Qi Gong
Remember the “Qi” from earlier? Yep, this is the same one.
Qi Gong is an essential element of traditional Chinese wellness practices.
I would describe Qi Gong as a combination of Reiki and Yoga if that makes sense. It’s a gentle, low-impact exercise that blends rhythmic breathing with flowing movements and mindful concentration. The name itself translates to “energy work”.
Qi Gong is like a tune-up for your energy levels. It’s based on the idea that we all have a life force (Qi), flowing through us.
When our Qi is flowing smoothly and is in balance, we’re in good health.
But when it’s out of sync, that’s when problems can pop up. Just like acupuncture, Qi Gong is all about smoothing out those energy kinks and keeping your Qi in tip-top shape.
Qi Gong exercises involve slow, controlled movements, kind of like a graceful dance. These movements are paired with deep, mindful breathing and meditation. The goal is to guide your Qi to flow smoothly throughout your body, while also promoting relaxation and mental clarity. It’s a pretty neat package deal!
Feng Shui
Feng Shui, literally translating to “wind-water,” is like a gentle breeze guiding the flow of energy known as “Qi”, in our surroundings.
It’s an ancient science that dates back more than 3,000 years. But don’t mistake it for a mysterious mystic ritual, it’s more like practical wisdom handed down through generations.
The goal of Feng Shui is to align the energies in our living spaces in a way that harmonizes with our own energy. A well-arranged space according to Feng Shui principles can bring good fortune, health, and happiness.
You’ve probably seen those cool little Feng Shui trinkets like the lucky cat. But Feng Shui goes way beyond those. It involves the placement of furniture, the direction your home faces, even the colors you use in your decor.
For instance, if you’re having trouble sleeping, Feng Shui might suggest moving your bed or changing the color of your bedroom walls. Want to boost your career? There might be a Feng Shui remedy for that too!
What’s really awesome about Feng Shui is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. It recognizes that we’re all unique, with different energies and life paths. So, your ideal Feng Shui setup might be totally different from your neighbor’s.
You can read more about the ancient art of Feng Shui here.
Chinese Traditional Dance
Classical Chinese dance has a history of thousands of years, deeply rooted in the imperial courts. The Court dance is just like poetry in motion, it’s a graceful dance form that combines intricate hand movements, expressive facial gestures, and elegant body postures to narrate beautiful stories and express emotions.
There’s also the energetic Dragon Dance and Lion Dance, both usually performed during the Chinese New Year celebrations with one or more people underneath. I had friends who used to do this and they would stand on top of poles on one leg while carrying the “lion,” it was absolutely insane and required a lot of physical skill to do.
Chinese Traditional Music
Chinese traditional music often mirrors the harmony and balance found in nature.
There’s the Guzheng, a plucked zither with a history dating back more than 2,500 years, and its sweet, melodious tones can convey a wide range of emotions. Then there’s the Erhu, a two-stringed fiddle that can deliver deeply expressive melodies, evoking everything from joy to sorrow.
On the other hand, there’s Chinese opera music too, which is a captivating blend of song, dialogue, and drama. The most famous among them is Peking Opera, with its high-pitched vocal style and the use of traditional instruments like drums and gongs.
What to Eat in China
Oh, you’re in for a delicious ride! Real Chinese cuisine is a symphony of flavors that goes far beyond the standard fare we often encounter outside of China. So, let’s whet your appetite with some of the must-try dishes you shouldn’t miss when you’re in China:
Peking Duck: Let’s start with a classic. The national dish of China hails from Beijing and is known worldwide for its crispy skin and tender meat, often served with pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce. It’s a meal that’s as much about the ritual of preparation and serving as it is about taste.
Dim Sum: Bite-sized goodness equals Dim Sum! This Cantonese specialty comprises various types of steamed buns, dumplings, rice noodle rolls, and pastries, often served in bamboo steamers.
Hot Pot: A simmering pot of broth in the middle of the table, with various raw ingredients like slices of meat, seafood, vegetables, and tofu waiting to be cooked in it. Everyone dips and cooks their own ingredients. It’s communal, it’s fun, and it’s oh-so-tasty.
Kung Pao Chicken: This Sichuan classic is a flavorful mix of chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, all stir-fried in a spicy sauce. It’s a must-try for spice lovers!
Noodles: Whether it’s the hand-pulled noodles of Lanzhou, the spicy dan dan noodles of Sichuan, or the fried noodles of Cantonese cuisine, noodles are an essential part of Chinese culinary identity.
What is Chinese Language like?
The Chinese language, or as it’s known in China, “Hanyu”. It’s one of the oldest continuously used writing systems in the world and the most widely spoken first language.
Firstly, let’s clarify something. When people say “Chinese,” they usually mean “Mandarin,” which is the official language of China, known as “Putonghua”. However, it’s not the only language in China. There are several other languages or dialects like Cantonese (spoken in Hong Kong), Shanghainese, and Hokkien (spoken a lot in Taiwan), to name a few. You can also check out the Cantonese vs Mandarin culture.
Chinese is a tonal language. This means that the meaning of a word can change based on the pitch contour in which it is pronounced. Mandarin has four tones, while Cantonese has up to six!
The Chinese writing system consists of thousands of characters called “hanzi”. Each character represents a syllable and carries meaning.
An interesting aspect of Chinese characters is that they are logograms, meaning each symbol represents a word. Kanji, one of the three writing systems of Japan is pretty much just Hanzi.
In the 1950s, the Chinese government introduced “simplified” characters to promote literacy. However, “traditional” characters are still used in places like Taiwan and Hong Kong.
As for grammar, Chinese might surprise you! It doesn’t have verb tenses, plurals, or articles. Word order is crucial for understanding sentences, as it often indicates relationships between words.
Useful Chinese Phrases for Travel
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Mandarin
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English
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Ni hao
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Hello
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Xiexie
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Thank you
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Mei guanxi
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You're welcome
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Shi
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Yes
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Bu shi
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No
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Qing
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Please
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Duibuqi
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Sorry
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Wo bu dong
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I don't understand
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Wo de zhongwen shuo de bu hao
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I can't speak Chinese well
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Ni hui shuo yingyu ma
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Do you speak English?
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Wo mimule
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I'm lost
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Zhegu duoshao qian
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How much is this?
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Cesuo zai nali
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Where is the toilet?
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Traditional Festivals in China
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday in China. It’s a time of renewal, family reunion, and celebration that ushers in the new lunar year. Its importance to Chinese culture is equivalent to that of Christmas in many Western countries.
Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, so the date changes each year, but it typically falls between January 21 and February 20. The celebration extends over 15 days, making it the longest public holiday in China.
Preparations for Chinese New Year start well in advance of the actual day. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away any ill fortune and make way for incoming good luck. This is known as “sweeping the dust.” People also decorate their homes with red lanterns to create a festive atmosphere.
The eve of the New Year is perhaps the most important part of the holiday. Family members from near and far come together for a reunion dinner, known as “nian ye fan.” This meal is often lavish and includes foods that are symbolic of good luck, such as fish, dumplings, and long noodles.
At midnight, fireworks and firecrackers light up the sky – a tradition believed to drive away evil spirits.
The following days are filled with a series of cultural activities. People visit relatives and friends to exchange wishes of good luck in the coming year, a practice known as “bai nian”.
Children and unmarried individuals often receive red envelopes, called “hongbao,” filled with money for luck and prosperity.
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival or the Yuanxiao Festival in Chinese, marks the final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, it’s named for the thousands of lanterns that are lit during the night to symbolize the brightness of spring.
During the Lantern Festival, people venture out into the streets to enjoy the colorful lantern displays.
Lanterns of various shapes and sizes, often depicting animals, flowers, or zodiac signs, are hung in temples and carried to an evening parade. Some lanterns are even designed as puzzles, with riddles attached for passersby to solve.
Dragon Boat Festival
Known as Duanwu Festival which takes place on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, usually falling in June.
The Dragon Boat Festival has roots in the ancient belief of warding off evil spirits and diseases during the hot summer months.
However, most people associate it with the tragic story of Qu Yuan, a beloved poet and statesman from the Warring States period.
When Qu Yuan’s kingdom was conquered, he drowned himself in the Miluo River out of grief. Locals raced in their boats to find his body and threw packets of rice into the water to keep the fish from eating his body, a ritual that is thought to have inspired the primary customs of the festival.
The Dragon Boat Festival is best known for its exciting and namesake dragon boat races. These are long, canoe-like boats painted and decorated to resemble dragons.
Teams of rowers paddle fiercely to the beat of drums in a thrilling race. These competitions are not only spectacular to watch, but they also foster community spirit.
Equally important to this festival is the tradition of making and eating zongzi, which are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Zongzi are typically filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meats, beans, and nuts, and then steamed. They are made in memory of Qu Yuan’s sacrifice and the attempt of the locals to protect his body.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Zhongqiu Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it’s a time for family reunion, much like Thanksgiving in the United States.
The festival usually falls in late September or early October when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.
The Mid-Autumn Festival has ancient roots in moon worshiping rituals. The round shape of the moon symbolizes completeness and reunion in Chinese culture, which explains why family gathering is such a significant aspect of the festival.
Mooncakes are the signature food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These are round pastries with a variety of fillings, such as sweet bean paste, lotus seed paste, or salted egg yolks. Here’s an interesting origin story of the Mooncake!
Traditional stories and myths about the moon, like the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality, are told during this time.
Customs in China
Chinese personal space boundaries can be different from Western ones. Don’t be surprised by closer physical proximity in conversations or crowded public spaces.
In many markets and small shops, bargaining is not only acceptable but expected.
Traditionally, tipping is not expected in China and can even be seen as insulting or can confuse workers.
Avoid discussing sensitive subjects such as politics, Taiwan, Tibet, human rights, or the Cultural Revolution.
Traditional Chinese squat toilets are prevalent in China, particularly in public restrooms. Also, toilet paper is not always provided, so it’s recommended to carry your own tissues and hand sanitizer.
Chinese culture places high regard for the elderly. Offering seats to the elderly in public transport or allowing them to go first in lines is considered good manners.
Some traditional Chinese superstitions still hold sway, like the belief that the number 4 is unlucky (because it sounds like the word for death), while the number 8 is very lucky (it sounds like wealth).
Plan Your Trip | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
