Life of Guangzhou - Toasting and Using Chopsticks

Tip 1: You will be using chopsticks for most meals in Chinese restaurants here in Guangzhou, so practice before coming. You will find Western utensils available in most restaurants (fork, spoon and knife).

Tip 2: Should you choose to toast or receive a toast from a Chinese, remember to hold your glass lower than theirs when clinking glasses together. It shows respect.

Tip 3: Never eat any food that has fallen off the plate onto the table or tablecloth, neither of which is very clean. Try to place your chopsticks on the holders that are provided or on your rice bowl. You can also use your chopsticks to signal you that are done with that dish by placing them on the table and not on the rice bowl or holders. It is a taboo to have your chopsticks pricked up in rice as they look like incense-sticks for the passed-away.

Tip 4: In Chinese tea culture, when people pour tea into your tea cup, you should tap your fingers in return for their kindness. One finger represented their bowed head and the other two represented their prostrate arms.