Posted on 08/12/2013 7:44:37 AM PDT by JoeProBono
BEIJING, - China's national tourism agency issued a set of guidelines for Chinese tourists whose behavior overseas has become a source of concern.
The marching orders consist of reminders not to litter, speak too loudly in public or commit acts of vandalism like the recent incident in Egypt where a "Ding Jinhao Was Here" suddenly appeared carved into a 3,000 year-old relic.
No less than a vice premier said publicly that "improving the civilized quality of the citizens" was a good way of improving China's international image.
The reception for the new guidelines, however, wasn't universally warm inside China. ABC News said at least one Chinese travel blogger wrote that while being on one's best behavior was fine, the Egyptian museum where Ding Jinhao made himself known should have had better security measures in place.
“Yes, we do allow personal space! That’s what I was trying to convey to my son as far as cultural differences. Perhaps America needs to publish a etiquette guide for foreign tourists visiting America, as well. “
Forget about teaching Chinese about western perceptions of personal space. I lived in Shanghai for two years and at upon arriving took the personal space issue on as a personal crusade but gave up after the first year or so. If standing in a line any opening appears greater than about three inches someone will attempt to squeeze in. When they would try this on me I would put a shoulder into them and knock them back out of line. Then, invariably I would get a feigned look of astonishment like “hey what’s the deal?” To give an example of Chinese thinking, there’s a running joke in China among American expats that goes like this; when approaching an intersection the last person to not look has the right of way. Actually this ain’t no joke....
LOL - yes, that looks like NY City - and, from what I’m reading here, it’s even worse in China!
Who knew people were more polite in Jersey? Guess Manhattanites are used to being jammed together. I love NYC but never experienced elevator intimacy. Yuk, I’d freak out, as I almost did on the Eiffel Tower, where I was beginning to feel like an endangered species.
They should one to Amy’s Baking Company
It's all relative I guess! One thing I didn't understand on the Eiffel Tower - why was everyone rushing and pushing to get on the down elevator? I've never been, but why not just wait for the next elevator and enjoy the view a little longer? Or would the next elevator be just as crowded?
Ah, gay Paree...the only day I could get to the Eiffel Tower was chilly and windy, and only one elevator was in working order. We went up as far as we could, took in the view, then wanted to get back to a nice little cafe. So did everyone else.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.