When travelling abroad few tourists worry about representing their fellow countrymen. But in China, officials are trying to instil an ethos of exactly that to the many numbers of citizens who travel overseas.
The National Tourism Administration has released a guide which outlines what is expected of their residents when they are in another country in a bid to encourage recently-rich Chinese people to be upstanding ambassadors and reflect their nation well across the globe.
According to The Times, the 64-page publication, The Guidebook for Civilised Tourism, was a reaction to the concerns being raised by the actions of some citizens while travelling, namely graffiti on an Egyptian temple and cutlery theft in Singapore Airlines.
However, it has been said that the handbook itself has provoked concern due to the strict rule suggestions to abide by. Advice ranges from avoiding nose picking, spitting and relieving oneself in swimming baths. Tips on toilet flushing and standing on toilet seats also feature in the guide, which has been released in time for Golden Week, a public holiday which sees many Chinese travel.
Wondering whether it’s ok to hit or chase animals? Not if you’re Chinese and you’re adhering to the publication’s rules it isn’t . Neither is taking your shirt off in public.
Director of the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, Professor Wolfgang Arlt, said: “For many Chinese travellers, it’s the first time they have travelled outside of China.” He added: “Speaking loudly, jumping queues, pushing in a crowd is considered normal in China.”
The manual offers advice specific to countries, and in Britain visitors are warned not to ask the questions that are considered normal greetings in China, such as “Have you eaten?” or “Where are you going?” In Spain, women are recommended to wear earrings to avoid seeming underdressed.
Handy illustrations also feature to help people understand further, teaching them how not to reach out for artefacts in museums or smoke in particular areas.
The guide has come along at the same time as the first law involving tourism in China, which includes problems such as tour operators forcing travellers into excursions. The Times says approximately 83 million Chinese locals travelled overseas last year, a massive jump from 10 million in 2000.
While officials in China may be hoping their handy hints catch on quickly, the 110,000 people who relieved themselves into bottles in Tiananmen Square on National Day might take some convincing.