Essential Chinese Dining Etiquette Every Traveler Should Know

1. Table Manners
Chopstick Etiquette

• Never stick your chopsticks upright into your rice bowl — in China, this resembles offerings to the deceased and is considered very unlucky.
• Avoid pointing at people, tapping bowls, or waving chopsticks around.

Respect for Elders

• Let elders or hosts start eating first.
• Actions like toasting or serving dishes should show respect to older guests or your host.

Seating Arrangements

• At Chinese banquets, there is usually a “seat of honor” (facing the door or the center of the wall). The most respected or eldest guest should sit there.

2. Food Culture
Don’t Waste Food

• Only take what you can eat. Leaving too much food is considered impolite.

No Picking or Mixing

• Use communal serving utensils for shared dishes instead of your personal chopsticks.
• Many traditional dishes carry symbolic meanings, especially during festivals. For example, eating fish at Lunar New Year symbolizes abundance — avoid rearranging traditional pairings.

3. Religious and Personal Dietary Restrictions
Muslims

• Avoid pork and foods containing lard, and do not drink alcohol.

Buddhists

• Some devout Buddhists follow a strict vegetarian diet and avoid spicy vegetables like garlic or onions.

Ethnic Minorities

• Tibetan people, for example, respect cows and yaks and do not casually slaughter or eat these animals.

4. Drinking Etiquette

• When toasting, keep your glass slightly lower than your host or elder to show respect.
• Hosts or elders usually propose the first toast; guests should not drink before them.

5. Other Small Details

• Avoid loud chewing or making noises while eating (except in some regions when eating noodles).
• Avoid discussing unpleasant or taboo topics at the table, such as sickness or death.