What not to do in China

In comparison to other nations, China has several unique characteristics. It's a great place to visit, but it also has its own unique quirks and subtleties that you won't find anyplace else.

Also, as a visitor in China, there are a few things you should avoid doing at all costs.

So, if you want to have a stress-free trip to China, avoid these pitfalls.

Never drink water from a faucet.

Tap water is not safe to drink, even if you're staying at a top hotel.

If you drink the tap water in China, you might become quite ill. China's sanitation system is completely different from what you're accustomed to.

Getting ill in China entails a trip to the hospital (there are no doctor's clinics in China) and time away from your already jam-packed itinerary.

Buy bottled water instead of boiling the water in your hotel room and letting it cool down.

As a result, you'll have to grow accustomed to it at some point. You have no choice but to!

Don't provide a gratuity.

Why would you tip if the locals don't do so?

Only if you're on a private trip and wish to tip the driver and tour guide are you exempt from this rule of thumb.

Tipping taxi drivers, waiters, or anybody else is a waste of time and money. In China, it's not acceptable.

At a market, never accept the first price offered.

The nation is full with lively marketplaces where you may buy clothing, household products, presents, and Chinese souvenirs.

Request the item's price and then make a counter-offer of around 50 percent to 60 percent of the original price. Avoid accepting the first price you're offered.

If you don't speak any Mandarin, don't worry; all stallholders have a calculator on hand, or you may use your phone.

Don't expect to have any privacy.

Because China is home to over a billion people, you can expect to be herded and trampled on everywhere you go.

When people line up behind me, I can feel their breath on the back of my neck, and that irritates me to no end.

Throughout my time in China, I've never been able to get accustomed to this.

Stay away from people.

You enjoyed your trip and would like to express your gratitude to your guide by giving him a bear hug? It's not a good idea.

It's hard for the Chinese to be hugged. They really despise it.

It is possible that there could be some outliers, such as a couple, but I highly doubt that you will be one of them!

Don't take it personally.

You'll be gazed at if you have anything special about you in the eyes of the Chinese. A great deal.

As a result, if you're really tall, obese, or have red hair, you may find yourself feeling a bit awkward in China.

Try not to take it personally. Unlike you, the Chinese may have never come across a person like you.

When I was younger, I had a female acquaintance who was taller than most Western women.

In the Qingdao Airport's waiting room, she was discreetly photographed by a Chinese male. Using a newspaper to cover the phone, he shot a series of shady pictures.

It's understandable that my buddy was hurt by this, and she was right to be.

As soon as we learned what he was up to, we made haste to get away from him. When we reflect on the situation, we realize we should have spoken something sooner.