From now on, China tourists would have an instructional booklet to count on when they visit Singapore.

Launched on September 22 by the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, the 50-page booklet, that’s interjected with panda cartoons, incorporates advice such as ‘not to talk loudly at hotel lobbies‘ and ‘not booing or whistling in the theatre even if the performers make mistakes.’

Even Singapore’s signature “choping” culture was featured: the booklet explains to visitors that they should find another seat if they see a tissue packet on an unoccupied table at an eating place.

It also reminds tourists to dress for the occasion when visiting religious landmarks, and to avoid bringing durians onto public transport. About time.

Airplane etiquette was also included. For example, in situations where a passenger finds another patron annoying, he’s advised to seek assistance from the cabin crew, instead of settling the matter with his own two hands (you know, you know…).

Aside from the basic notions, the booklet also contains practical advice like ‘how to contact emergency services‘ and ‘where to get prepaid SIM cards’.

Hey I don’t mind having this too!

Chinese visitors are even reminded to tip porters who ferry their bags up to their hotel room in cash, instead of mobile payments (coz China cashless le).

China tourists a big part of our economy

More than 1.5 million Chinese tourists graced Singapore in the first six months of this year, and it was the largest amount from any country, according to Mr Fang Xin Wen, the Chinese embassy’s charge d’affaires.

In fact, Chinese tourists contributed S$1 billion to Singapore’s tourism receipts in the first quarter of 2017.

So was the release of the booklet related to the increase in Chinese tourists?

Bingo.

Mr Fang had this to say. “With the increase in numbers, some issues in safety and cultural norms arise at times.”

And that’s where the booklet comes in handy: it teaches tourists what to and what not to do when they are in Singapore. “It will help Chinese citizens visiting Singapore understand the country’s laws, social norms and cultural practices,” Mr Fang said.

Golden Week

The launch of the booklet wasn’t exactly on the spur; it was timed to tally with China’s national Golden Week holiday on 1 October, when a high number of Chinese citizens travel both domestically and abroad.

It’s like we’re telling them, “Don’t go creating trouble when you’re abroad. Follow. This. Booklet. FOLLOW IT.”

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This wasn’t the first guidebook published exclusively for Chinese tourists.

The Chinese government has been attempting to brighten the image of Chinese tourists after their negative behaviour abroad made it to the front page of international newspapers.

A Guidebook for Civilised Tourism was distributed back in 2013 for all Chinese tourists travelling overseas. Those who exhibit less than presentable behaviour are even put on a blacklist, with their names shared with the police, customs officers and banks.

This is a pretty good advancement, for both Singapore and China. With the introduction of such a booklet, China tourists would have a clear idea of what to and what not to do.

Now, it’s almost certain that no China tourists will kanjiao us when we’ve placed tissue packages on our reserved seats #thisonenotbadleh

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This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

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