在外國人的眼中，中國人的禮節有時是很令人費解的。讓我們來看看外國人眼中的中國禮節：
chinese courtesies have always been formal to follow strict rules, although sometimes chinese people seem to be impolite according to western norms in public places. to well understand chinese, some concepts should not be ignored:
儘管在西式標準的公共場合下，中國人有時似乎顯得不夠禮貌。但中國式的禮貌，卻有它自己的嚴格規則。要更好的了解中國，下面的這些概念你就不該忽視：
面子/mianzi (face)
the idea of shame, usually expressed as 'face' could be loosely defined as the 'status' or 'self-respect' in chinese and by no means alien to foreigners. it is the worst thing for a chinese to lose face. never insult, embarrass, shame, yell at or otherwise demean a person. since all these actions would risk putting a chinese in a situation that he might lose face. neither try to prove someone wrong nor shout at him in public. in order to get a successful effect without letting a chinese lose face, any criticism should be delivered privately, discreetly and tactfully, or else, just opposite to what you wish.
羞恥這個概念，通常被表達為“面子”。在中文中大致的含義是“地位”或者“自尊”，這和外國人的觀念並不相同。在中國，最糟糕的事莫過於失了面子。所以，千萬不要對一個人進行侮辱、羞辱或者對其大吼，讓其尷尬等。因為這樣會讓一個中國人感覺到失了面子。千萬不要證明某人錯了，或者在公共場合對其吼叫。為了能有效的傳達意見而不讓中國人丟了面子，任何的批評都應該私下傳遞，而且方式要巧妙而謹慎。否則，你將事與願違。
關係/guanxi (relationships between people)
throughout much of chinese history, the fundamental glue that has held society together is the concept of guanxi, relationships between people. it is very important for the chinese to have good relationships. they often regard good social relations as a symbol of personal ability and influence. someone who has no connections would be despised and is only half-chinese.
縱貫中國的歷史，一個維繫社會的基本粘合劑就是關係這個概念，也就是人與人之間的關聯。對中國人來說，有良好的關係是十分重要的。他們往往將擁有良好的社會關係看成是一個人能力和影響力的象徵。一個毫無關係的人將會被輕視，而且最多只能算半箇中國人。
客氣/keqi
keqi not only means considerate, polite, and well mannered, but also represents humbleness and modesty. it is impolite to be arrogant and brag about oneself or one's inner circle. the expression is most often used in the negative, as in buyao keqi, meaning "you shouldn't be so kind and polite to me," or "you're welcome."
客氣並不只是包含考慮周詳、禮貌文雅和舉止端詳，還表現在謙遜和謹慎。對自己或者自己的圈內人表達的傲慢或者自誇都是不禮貌的。表達的時候，通常要以否定的形式，比如“不要客氣”，意思是說“你不必對我這么關心、禮貌”或“不用謝”。
besides, chinese seldom express what they think directly and they prefer a roundabout way. neither show their emotions and feelings in public. they rarely greet people with a handshake, though it is very popular among foreigners, say nothing of embracing or kissing when greeting or saying good-bye. consequently, it is better not to behave too carefree in public, even though you are well-intentioned. also, it is advisable to be fairly cautious in political discussions. do not particularly push yourself forward, or else you are unwelcome.
此外，中國人很少直接表達自己的想法，而喜歡用側敲旁擊的方式。從不在公共場合表現自己的情緒或者感覺。儘管在西方握手的見面禮非常普遍，但在中國這樣做的人還不是很多，更不用說見面和道別時的擁抱和親吻了。因此，即使你是出於好意，在公共場合也不要表現的太自由自在。同樣，在政治話題上保持相對慎重也是明智的。不要太特立獨行，否則你將會是不受歡迎的。
to sum up, do in rome as rome does, but you need not worry about these cultural barriers since most chinese are hospitable and amiable and will not mind your nonproficiency.
總之，入鄉隨俗，但你也不必對這些文化障礙擔心，因為大多數中國人都是好客和和藹的，他們不會介意你的不熟悉。