Civilized Etiquette for Citizens

Author: Compiled by the Editorial Committee of this Book
Publisher:
Publishing Date: April 1, 2005
Features: This book is written by authoritative experts, providing a comprehensive introduction to various civilized etiquette knowledge frequently used and encountered by the general public from a fresh perspective. It is richly illustrated, detailed, and contains numerous entries, making it an indispensable pocket etiquette reference guide and a "silent" etiquette teacher for urban life. 2005 was the launch year of the "Implementation Plan for Beijing's Humanistic Olympics Action Plan," and it was also a pivotal year for Beijing to comprehensively prepare for the Olympics and promote the spirit of the "Humanistic Olympics." At the invitation of Beijing Publishing House, we compiled the "Citizens' Code of Civilized Etiquette" to fulfill the task of promoting the "Humanistic Olympics" by the Propaganda Department of the Beijing Municipal Committee. It is both an honor and a challenge to complete this task. China is a nation of etiquette, and Beijing is the capital of China. Building a city image that matches its status has profound historical significance and urgent practical significance. Etiquette is a conventional norm, and opinions vary. For controversial issues, such as whether "left is superior" or "right is superior" in ceremonial order, or whether women should lead when entering elevators or ascending stairs, we have strived to find the correct answers from experts at home and abroad, the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign embassies, and other sources to provide them to the public. Truth is always specific and relative, and etiquette must also follow the dialectical approach—analyzing specific situations in detail. The main principles should be respect and harmony, with the bigger picture guiding the smaller details. It is neither to be underestimated nor dogmatically followed; neither should details be ignored nor minor issues exaggerated. One must be tactful and know when to draw the line. Etiquette is not high technology; a good image only requires everyone to start with themselves and from the present moment.