What are the basic table manners in China?

The basic table manners of China people are as follows:

First, the etiquette of sitting. Please take the guests to their seats first, and then ask the elderly to sit next to the guests in turn, and enter from the left side of the chair when seated. Don't move chopsticks after sitting, let alone make any noise, let alone get up and walk. If there is anything to say hello to the host (the person facing the door is seated, usually arranged according to the identity of the other party).

Second, when eating, please ask the old man to move chopsticks first. Eat less food every time, eat less food far away from you, eat quietly, and drink soup quietly. Sip the soup with a spoon. It is not advisable to drink a bowl to your mouth. Drink the soup if it is too hot or too cold, and don't blow it at the same time.

Some people like to chew crispy food hard and make a crisp sound when eating, which is not in line with etiquette requirements, especially when eating with others, try to prevent this phenomenon.

3. Don't burp and make other noises when eating. If there are involuntary noises such as sneezing and bowel sounds, you should apologize by saying "I'm sorry", "I'm sorry" and "Please forgive me".

4. If you want to serve food to guests or elders, you'd better use chopsticks, or you can send the food to them far away from the guests or elders. According to our Chinese custom, dishes are served one by one. If there are leaders, old people and guests at the same table, whenever a new dish is served, please ask them to move chopsticks first, or take turns asking them to move chopsticks first to show their attention.

5. When eating fish heads, fishbones, bones, etc. Don't spit everywhere and don't throw it on the ground. Slowly take it to your plate by hand, or put it next to your dining table, or put it on the paper prepared in advance.

Sixth, we should take time to chat with people around us in time to reconcile the atmosphere. Don't just eat with your head down, regardless of others, don't wolf down a big meal, and don't be greedy.

Seven, it is best not to pick your teeth at the dinner table. If you want to pick your teeth, cover your mouth with a napkin or hand.

Seating order

Generally speaking, the seating order is "respect the east from the left" and "respect the east facing the gate". If it is a round table, the host and guests face the gate. In terms of the distance from the host and guest, the closer the host and guest are, the more respected they are. At the same distance, the left side is more respected than the right side.

If you are the host, you should arrive early, then wait at the door and show the seats to the guests. If you are invited, you should be seated according to the host's arrangement.