Rules of Etiquette at the Table in China

Table manners occupies a very important position in the lives of Chinese people. They believe that having a meal is not only a means to satisfy basic physiological needs, but also an important opportunity for communication. Informal dinners with friends and family can certainly be more casual, but for formal banquets, it is especially important to obey basic rules of etiquette at the table. Whether you are the host or just a guest, you must know the basic table manners to show your respect . Below we have a number of etiquette rules to abide by at the Chinese dining table: 1. The Chinese people believe that “the seat of the left and to the east is the honorable one” and “the seat facing the gate is the honorable one.” The seat facing the gate is the seat of honour, and that the seat to the left of the seat of honour is more honourable than that of the right; if there is no seat facing the gate, the right seat facing the east is the seat of honour. No one is allowed to start the meal until everyone has arrived, even if someone is late. In addition, in formal banquets, being late is deemed as a very impolite act. 2. Chopsticks are a tool for eating, not for playing—using chopsticks to beat tableware or to point at others is very impolite. Inserting chopsticks into the rice is a taboo in most areas, which is considered ominous, like a joss stick at the funeral. Try to refrain from using your chopsticks to constantly pick at all of the dishes in an effort to find your favorite dish. The most polite way is to use the public chopsticks for dishes and return them to the original place after use. When taking food, you should avoid touching other things on the table as much as possible, such as teapots, wine containers, etc. 3. When dining, the host should ask the guests or the elders to start the meal first, after which other people may eat. It’s impolite to take a lot of dishes at once, and it’s impolite to turn the turntable many times. It’s best not to stand up and pick up the dishes and also try not to make loud noises when eating or drinking soup. 4. When eating food with bones, you shouldn’t spit bones on the table or on the ground arbitrarily. Not only is it not polite, but it can also be considered unhygienic. The bones should be placed on a special plate or wrapped in napkins. 5. Don’t just gorge yourself. Take some time to talk with others in order to motivate the atmosphere. If you really don’t know what to say, then simply drop the cutlery, sit upright, smile and listen. 6. It is best not to pick your teeth at the table. If you want to pick your teeth, you must use a napkin or use your hand to block your mouth. Refrain from burping or giving off any other uncourteous sounds while eating. 7. If the feast is not over yet, but you have finished eating, do not leave at random, wait for the host or guests to leave. 8. When you finally leave the table, you must express your gratitude to your host, or invite the host to visit your home at a later date. In this vast country, each of the different regions have their own different table manners. What is the unique table manner in your hometown?