The travel service Tutu.ru has decided to help Chinese visitors get settled in Russia and has prepared a special guide.
These eight tips will help Chinese tourists fit into our society, understand the Russian mentality, and avoid awkward situations. A Russian may be surprised or shocked by the behavior of foreign guests, although the Chinese in no way want to offend anyone and behave unusually in Russia solely due to their ignorance of Russian traditions and culture.
This guide was developed using the experience of guides working in China and Russia (with Chinese groups), as well as Russian expats in China. It was created to assist not only Chinese tourists but also Russian restaurateurs and hoteliers. It can be downloaded free of charge for any use: for example, you can hang it in your hotel or store, or add it to a brochure or book. The guide is available here.
Helpful tips and descriptions will help you understand the reasons behind certain actions or inactions on the part of a Chinese guest. For example, it is common in China to speak loudly and touch others, expose your stomach in a restaurant, and slurp and burp while eating.
Considering that Russia has become one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists (according to the Chinese travel agency Ctrip), such a reminder could really help both Chinese and Russians avoid embarrassment and unpleasant situations.
Below are some recommendations from the memo:
“It’s cold in Russia, so we always keep our clothes buttoned up tight.”
In a restaurant, for example, it's considered inappropriate to bare your midriff. Yes, it's very convenient when it's hot outside, but here it's cold most of the year, so there's an ancient tradition of eating with your clothes tightly buttoned. On the other hand, in Russia, it's not customary to wear a jacket around the house or sit in a cafe wearing one.
After 11:00 pm it is quiet time.
In Russia, sound, restful sleep is highly valued because it leads to longevity. Please try to keep things quiet after 11:00 PM. For example, it's not customary to talk in the hallways because it can keep others awake.
Try not to touch anyone
For example, it's very unusual for Russians to touch each other in a crowd, even on the subway or at a market. If you want to get somewhere and someone is blocking your way, it's best to say you need to get through rather than touching them.
Source: trn-news.ru
