Chopsticks

Chopsticks Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Chopsticks are commonly used with their associated cuisine. Chopsticks can also now be found in some areas of Tibet and Nepal that are close to Han Chinese populations, due to cross-cultural influences. Chopsticks are commonly used in Xinjiang by Uyghurs and other nationalities to eat laghman. In much of Southeast Asia chopsticks are usually used when eating noodles. Chopsticks are commonly made of wood, bamboo, metal, bone, ivory, and in modern times, plastic as well. The pair of sticks is maneuvered in one hand C between the thumb and fingers C and used to pick up pieces of food

History

Development of chopstick has experienced a long history. Early in Xia Dynasty (21st-1600 BC), the shape of chopstick was still in development. It was recorded in Liji (The Book of Rites) that chopsticks were used in the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC -1100 BC). It was mentioned in Shiji (the Chinese history book) by Sima Qian (about 145 BC) that Zhou, the last king of the Shang Dynasty (around 1100 BC), used ivory chopsticks. Experts believe the history of wood or bamboo chopsticks can be dated to about 1,000 years earlier than ivory chopsticks. Bronze chopsticks were invented in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100 BC - 771 BC). Lacquer chopsticks from the Western Han (206 BC - 24 AD) were discovered in Mawangdui, China. Chopsticks have been the utensil of choice throughout all of China since the Han dynasty (approximately 200 BC to 200 AD). Gold and silver chopsticks became popular in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). It was believed that silver chopsticks could detect poisons in food.

The enduring popularity of chopsticks since the ancient time may actually be linked to Chinese cooking methods. At that time, our ancestors liked to steam or boil food. It was difficult for them to use spoons to dip vegetables in the soup. So they cleverly invented "Zhu" to nip food, thus it has become the most convenient tableware in their lives.

Cultural Phenomenon

Chopsticks actually represent a cultural phenomenon.

Given its prominence in Asian culture, it is not surprising that chopsticks have transcended the boundaries of food. The substitution of knives for chopsticks at the table reflected the ascendancy of the scholar over the warrior as a cultural hero. According to Confucius, knives were equated with acts of aggression and should not be used to dine. Consisting of a pair of slender sticks, chopsticks are held between the thumb and fingers of the right hand. Eventually, they became the eating utensils of choice as neighboring Asian countries adopted its use and modified it according to cultural preference. Chopsticks from Japan, for example, are usually more tapered than those from China -- which are blunt and longer. In Korea, chopsticks are usually made of stainless steel. A practical invention, chopsticks are still used today and have spread to all points of the globe.

Classification

Chopsticks can be classified into five groups based on the materials used to make them: wood, metal, bone, stone and compound chopsticks. Bamboo and wood chopsticks are the most popular ones used in Chinese homes.

How to Use Chopsticks

• First, you should hold the upper part and do not cross the chopsticks.

• Second, hold the chopsticks with your thumb, index finger, middle finger and third finger. One stick is against your third finger and the other leans on your middle finger.

• Third, when you pick the food, use your index finger and middle finger to control the chopsticks. Practice a lot and then you will find it is an easy job.

Custom and Taboos

Good

• In Chinese culture, it is normal to hold the rice bowl up to one's mouth and use chopsticks to push rice directly into the mouth. If rice is served on a plate, as is more common in the West, it is acceptable and more practical to eat it with a spoon or spork.

• The blunt end is sometimes used to transfer food from a common dish to a diner's plate or bowl.

• It is acceptable to transfer food to closely related people (e.g. grandparents, parents, spouse, children, or significant others) if they are having difficulty picking up the food. Also it is a sign of respect to pass food to the elderly first before the dinner starts.

Bad

• It is impolite to spear food with a chopstick and/or play with the chopsticks.

• It is rude to use the chopstick to dig for food in the common dish.

• Chopsticks should not be left sticking on the rice because it symbolizes "feeding" the dead and death in general.

Chopsticks Highlights

Chopsticks Highlights Related

Eight Great Traditions

China covers a large territory and has many nationalities, hence a variety of Chinese food with different but fantastic and mouthwatering flavor. Since China's local dishes have their own typical characteristics, generally, Chinese food can be roughly divided into eight regional cuisines, which has been widely accepted around.

Chopsticks FAQ & Travelers's Tips

1. Is it convenient to pay by Credit Card when shopping?
2. Can I pay by cash?
3. Can I bargain when I want to buy some goods?
4. Do I need to compare the prices of several stores when I want to buy one item?
5. How to avoid cheating?
6. Is it safe shopping in China nowadays?
7. What is archway? What is archway used for?
8. What do I need to pay special attention to before I pay for the goods?
9. Is it a must for me to inspect my goods specially?
10. What must I do before I leave the Shopping Mall?
11. Who can I turn to for help when disputes occur?
12. Is it possible to get a refund if I am unsatisfied with what I bought?
13. How to choose what to buy when shopping?
14. What are your first choices when shopping?
15. Weather the tax of anything you buy overseas can be refunded?
16. How can I take the antiques that I bought in China?

1. Is it convenient to pay by Credit Card when shopping?

   Most city shops in china accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases. Please check with your credit card issuer for further details.




2. Can I pay by cash?

   Yes. RMB is accepted in local stores. Money exchange businesses are available on the streets. But it is not convenient to carry with a large amount of crash.




3. Can I bargain when I want to buy some goods?

   For those who want to go shopping for souvenirs to take home, they can look around, apart from large department stores and shopping malls, in some of the open markets such as the Xiushui Street (Silk Street) and Panjiayuan Antique Market in Beijing. Unlike large department stores where the prices are fixed, these places are where you can and you must bargain. Your local tour guides or hosts are the best help when you go to these places. They will prove be helpful in finding the real stuff and beating the prices down!




4. Do I need to compare the prices of several stores when I want to buy one item?

   Don't purchase something at the first place you find it, no matter how good the deal sounds. Go to several stores and ask for their price on the same goods. If you tell them you found the goods for a better price at another store, they are usually willing to negotiate the price with you. After looking at the same goods at different shops, you will have a better idea of what is available and the right price for the goods. This will allow you to bargain better and get the best value for your money.




5. How to avoid cheating?

   Avoid Bait and Switch Tactics. Some merchants display ambiguous prices or request a deposit on goods only to claim later that only an inferior or more expensive goods is available. In order to avoid these bait and switch tactics, be sure to shop at outlets where goods price is clearly displayed. You should also compare prices to get a better idea of the goods's price and features before purchasing it. You should also verify and understand exactly what you are buying and what the price covers. You also can get help from the local tour guides.




6. Is it safe shopping in China nowadays?

   Shopping in most cities of China nowadays should be a pleasant and rewarding experience. To ensure that visitors return home satisfied, China Tourism Board evaluates shops and restaurants using the Quality Tourism Services Scheme. Goods sold at accredited establishments are guaranteed to be genuine and of high quality.




7. Can you give some examples about the notices when I do shopping in some cities of China?

   Make sure you know what you want in terms of models, features, price and accessories, especially when you buy some costly goods. When you buy Chinese medicine and dried seafood, please check the goods's unit price and the method used to measure the weight of the goods. If you have any queries about prices please contact the Consumer Council, wholesaler or agent, or visit the manufacturer's showroom for further goods information.




8. What do I need to pay special attention to before I pay for the goods?

   Please make sure that the goods are in your hand before cash on the table. Many shops cater to the fact that tourists do not know what they are doing. When you are purchasing goods, make sure you ask for the case that the goods came with, and check the boxes to make sure the goods you are buying are indeed the same thing.




9. Is it a must for me to inspect my goods specially?

   Yes. Check the goods before paying and make sure you have all the accessories that should be included. Check the goods you have bought again before you leave the store.




10. What must I do before I leave the Shopping Mall?

    Check Your Receipts. You should always get a sales receipt (street stalls sometimes do not provide them). Check to ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed on the sales receipt. Make sure the goods details listed match the goods you have bought.

11. Who can I turn to for help when disputes occur?

    If you have any problems, you can call the local Tourism Authority or the Consumer Association for help. The travelers also can lodge a complaint to the local Consumer Association or the Court.




12. Is it possible to get a refund if I am unsatisfied with what I bought?

    The large department stores or shopping malls in China promise a refund if tourists are not satisfied with the goods within two weeks. If you buy some goods from some of the open markets, you will not have chance to refund.




13. How to choose what to buy when shopping?

    When shopping, travelers should buy stuff that are of local characteristics as souvenirs. They are authentic, under reasonable price and worthy of being bought by consumers. For example, the Longjing Tea in Hangzhou, coconuts in Hainan, local styled clothes in Yunnan, Khatag in Tibet, are all souvenirs to keep for yourself or gifts for friends and relatives.




14. What are your first choices when shopping?

    Stuff that are small and light are your first choice when doing shopping, because it is convenient to bring with. If consignment is needed, it is also necessary to know whether your goods are allowed to be consigned. Some goods are vert fragile; if they would be broken during the consignment, they would be even more unnecessary to buy.




15. Weather the tax of anything you buy overseas can be refunded?

    Only the tax of certain products can be refunded, which are products that are marked with "TaxRefund," "TaxFree," or "EuroFreeTax." Products that need refund must be bought 1 to 3 months before they leave China (the time limit is set according to each nation's laws). Products as follows can not enjoy a refund: alcohol and tobacco (because they can be found in refund stores), goods without taxes (such as fresh goods like raw meat), and goods that have already been used abroad. Products that are not carried with the passengers also can not enjoy a refund.




16. How can I take the antiques that I bought in China?

    When buying antiques, travelers need to buy antiques that have the permission from the State Cultural Relics Bureau (under the Ministry of Culture) so they can bring them abroad.