China issues etiquette book for tourists headed abroad

upi ^ | Aug. 11, 2013

[JoeProBono]

[snoringbear]

“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....

[tophat9000]

I was just in China and the personal space thing is just so true..the just do not have that concept..just diffrent culture. But there was another thing I was surprised to hear the Chinese saying what sounded like the Nword over and over ..three or four times in a row in there conversation. in Mandarin Chinese the worded for "you" or "that" is pronounced exactly like the famous N-word..they use it all the time..

[free-in-nyc]

LOL - yes, that looks like NY City - and, from what I’m reading here, it’s even worse in China!

[Veto!]

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.

[GeronL]

They should one to Amy’s Baking Company

[free-in-nyc]

Who knew people were more polite in Jersey?

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?

[Veto!]

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.