Unlike in the West where everyone has their own plate of food, in China the dishes are placed on the table for everyone to share. When treated by a Chinese host, be prepared for a ton of food. The Chinese are very proud of their cuisine and will do their best to show their hospitality.

Sometimes the host will serve up some dishes using his or her own chopsticks for guests to show his or her hospitality. This is a sign of politeness. The appropriate thing to do is to accept the whatever-it-is and compliment the chef. If you feel uncomfortable with such a custom, you should thank the host and leave the food on your plate.

The following are some guidelines for proper table habits to make your stay in China more enjoyable:

1. Never place your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl; lay them horizontally on top of your dish instead. When a person dies, his or her shrine contains a bowl of sand or rice with two sticks of incense sitting upright in it. If you put your chopsticks in the rice bowl in such a way, it resembles the shrine and is the equivalent of wishing death upon someone at the table.

2. Make sure the spout of the teapot is not facing anybody. It is impolite to set the teapot down with the spout facing a dinner companion. The spout should always be directed where nobody is seated, usually pointing outward from the table.

3. Don't tap your bowl with your chopsticks. Only beggars tap on their bowls, or customers when service is slow in a restaurant. Tapping your bowl at someone's home is an insult to the host or cook.

4. Never try to turn a fish over and de-bone it yourself. The host or waiter will usually separate the fish skeleton from the lower half of its body for you. According to superstition, bad luck will ensue and a fishing boat will capsize if a guest de-bones his or her own fish. This is especially true of southerners in Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian, traditionally known as fishing provinces.

One of the main differences between Chinese and Western dining is the cutlery. Naturally, in China chopsticks are used instead of a knife and fork, although this difference is a superficial one. Most restaurants keep knives and forks on hand for people who find chopsticks too cumbersome. The real difference, as already mentioned, is that Chinese dishes are shared by everyone at the table. For newcomers to China the host will do his best to give them a taste of many different types of dishes.

The meal usually begins with a set of at least four cold dishes, followed by the main courses which consist hot meat and vegetable dishes. Soup is then served (unless in Guangdong-style restaurants), followed by staple foods, ranging from rice, to noodles, to dumplings. If you prefer to have your rice with other dishes, you should say so ahead of time since most Chinese people have the staples at the end of the meal, or not at all.

People in China generally order too much food since a shortage of dishes would be embarrassing. When you have had enough, just say so. Otherwise you will always overeat.

A banquet is a big event for the Chinese. If you are invited to a banquet, take it is as a gesture of friendship. It also shows the importance your hosts attach to you.

The first thing to remember is to be punctual. After the greetings, you will be led into the lounge for a chat.

You will be seated to the right side of the host if you are the guest of honor. If you are an ordinary guest, you can find your own seat (all of the tables will contain nametags).

At the beginning of the banquet, the host will make a brief speech to welcome the guest. As the guest of honor, you are expected to reciprocate, expressing your appreciation and extending warm wishes of friendship, cooperation and prosperity.

Chinese table manners for attending a banquet are as follows:

1. Don't "jump the gun" -- always eat after the host

2. When the host proposes a "gan bei", or "bottoms up," beware if you can't handle your alcohol. Extra care should be taken when liquor is served. One way of dodging such a situation is to say "sui yi" to the host, which means: "Cheers…but I will drink only a little."

3. Don't forget to toast your host, wishing him or her good health, friendship, etc

At the end of the banquet, your host may utter typical Chinese modesties, such as "Please forgive us for the inconsiderate entertainment," or "Sorry for the mediocre food." Don't take it seriously. Just go ahead and express your appreciation.

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