Dress Code

Different countries have different dress codes. But the same point is that you should wear suitably. As we know, the westerners are particular about clothes wearing. On different occasions, they wear different clothes. These occasions can be specified and include wedding, party, church, holyday, business, office and recreation and so on.

However, still some people hope to be special. For instance, when they are asked to wear black tie, they wear a pair of slippers; when they are invited to barbeque in the open air, they wear a swallow-tailed coat. Anyway, dress code is just dress code but not everybody use the same one.

Similarly, Chinese people pay much attention to their suit. As China is a very traditional oriental nation, it attaches much importance on etiquettes. Take dress wearing for an example. They think to respect others and esteem themselves, they should wear decent dress. So, it's infrequent to see Chinese girls in the very low dress in public. Wearing like that is a great challenge for them indeed.

As a foreign tourist who is getting around the coastal cities of China, you will seldom see bikini girls on the seashore. In many aspects, the easterners are more conservative than the westerners. Therefore, if you are a western lady, you are suggested to wear kind of conservative swimming dress. Otherwise, you will become a very eye-catching icon among the people.

During the traditional festivals like the Spring Festival, Chinese people like dressing them up to join the banquet. Mid-aged woman like to wear cheong-sam or skirt; man usually wear a suit. Indecent dress can make your dignity lost. Compared with senior people, youngsters would like to dress themselves semiformally even when they are on the banquet. Fortunately, the seniors are always very kind to forgive the juniors.

In addition, Chinese people like red color very much. At festivals or great ceremonies, they prefer to wear red clothing. Even if some people don’t like red, they also choose brightly-colored clothes. In their mind, red symbolizes luck and fortune; only bright colors can match the atmosphere of festivals. If you travel to China or visit your Chinese relatives during the Spring Festival, please prepare some brightly-colored coat in advance. This is so-called ' When in Rome, do as Romans do.'

If you are going to visit a Chinese family, please don't worry about your clothing. Although Chinese people value various etiquettes, they are not very fussy about their guests' clothes. As long as you don't wear too weird or body-revealed, it will be fine. Plain clothes are also acceptable.

When you're arranged to go on a package tour, you'd better prepare one formal dress at least, as sometimes the travel agency will arrange formal dinners, concerts or operas for you. If you look too unkempt due to your coat, you may not be allowed to enter in. For instance, if you come to Xian, China, you will have a chance to try the Dumpling Banquet and watch the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show. On these occasions, please dress yourself formally.

Travelers' Voices on Dress Code

1.

Jun. 22,2009 20:52 Reply

Mr.Tony(America) said:

I am also interested in what kinds of shoes people wear in China (presently). Flip flops are more and more popular in the west especially among women - is the same thing happening in China? I have read that to Chinese women showing your feet can be considered impolite - is this true?

Jun. 23,2009 01:32
Mr.yina(cn) replied:

Flip flop are quite popular among chinese people too, especially the yongsters.But you can only wear it in some casual occasion, for the formal occasion, it is impolite to wear flip flops.

2.

Jun. 5,2009 15:01 Reply

Ms.Melissa(United States) said:

does the dress code towards swimwear apply in hotels as well?

Jun. 5,2009 21:29
Ms.Evelyn(China) replied:

Of course, if the hotel provides swimming pool and you want to swim in it

3.

May. 31,2009 03:48 Reply

Mr.Aaron(United Kingdom ) said:

Hey there, this may seem like a completely odd question: What do the majority of Chinese people think of people with red/ginger hair? Much thanks for any response.

May. 31,2009 21:00
Mr.yina(cn) replied:

hi, i think it's kind of fashion.

4.

May. 11,2009 23:15 Reply

Ms.Lisa(singapore) said:

what shoes did they wear?

May. 12,2009 04:08
Ms.Evelyn(China) replied:

Hi. Ms.Lisa, you used 'did' in your question. Do you mean you want to know what shoes the Chinese people wore in the ancient times? I just want to know you want which period, as the fashions are different. Not a kidding. If you are interested in it very much, please write back.

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