CULTURE

The Han Chinese makes up approximately 92% of the total population. Among the main non-Chinese minorities are the Zhuang, a Thai-speaking group, found principally in Guangxi; the Hui (Muslims), found chiefly in Ningxia; the Uigurs, who live mainly in Xinjiang; the Yi (Lolo), who live on the borders of Sichuan and Yunnan; the Tibetans, concentrated in Tibet and Qinghai; the Miao, widely distributed throughout the mountainous areas of S China; the Mongols, found chiefly in the Mongolian steppes; and the Koreans, who are concentrated in Manchuria. After the 1950s there was a steady migration of China's people to growing industrial areas in outlying areas and since the 1970s increased urbanisation has occurred.

RELIGION / PHILOSOPHY

The constitution provides for religious freedom, but religious practice is not encouraged.

The traditional religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Ancestor have experienced a revival. Islam is practised in the northwest and there is a small Christian minority.

CHINESE ETIQUETTE

In general

• Nod as part of your greeting.

• Keep gestures and unusual facial expressions to a minimum.

• Avoid touching. Chinese people dislike being touched by strangers.

• Acknowledge the most senior member in a group first.

• Do not spit.

• Spitting is unacceptable and you can be fined for it.

At dinner

• Do not discuss business during the meal.

• Always leave some food on your plate.

• A clean plate indicates that you were not given enough food.

• Leave some tea in your cup if you do not want a refill.

• Slurping and belching at the table are acceptable.

• Do not tip. It is considered an insult.