COOKING COURSES

Some Western  tour operators  offer 'culinary tours'  of China  which give visitors the opportunity to  try their hand at Chinese cooking.

Some even offer a certificate of completion at the end of the course. A good agency to try is the Inspirasians Cooking School, based in Hong Kong, which offers four- to seven-day cooking classes in Guangdong province. Its website www.inspirasians.com gives detailed information on courses offered.

EATIN G DO' S & DON'T S

Don't wave you r chopsticks around or poin t the m at people. This is considered rude.

Don' t dru m you r chopsticks on th e sides of your bow l - only beggars do this.

Never commit the terrible faux pas of sticking your chopsticks int o your rice. Two chopsticks stuck vertically int o a rice bow l resembles incense sticks in a bow l of ashes and is considered an ome n of death .

Don't discuss business or unpleasant topics at dinner.

Don't let th e spout of a teapot face toward s anyone. Make sure it is directed outwar d fro m th e table or to wher e nobody is sitting.

Never fli p a fish over to get to the flesh underneath . If you do so, the next boat yo u pass will capsize.