Chinese tourists offered guidelines for travels

Tips on Foreign Ministry's site include no shouting, no fighting, no extortion

Bebeto Matthews / AP

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updated 3:45 p.m. ET Aug. 21, 2007

BEIJING - No shouting, no fighting, no extortion.

New guidelines for Chinese travelers abroad cover a wide range of dangerous or problematic behavior to help head off trouble.

Travelers are told to avoid drawing attention to themselves, respect local customs, and keep a wary eye on strangers.

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"Keep peaceful in public places, don't talk loud and avoid sticking out," said the guidelines, seen on the Foreign Ministry's Web site Tuesday.

"Don't get involved in other people's quarrels in public places," it added, a nod to the Chinese habit of gathering in large crowds to observe or even take part in others' arguments and fights.

The suggestions also urged Chinese tourists to respect local laws and not to attempt to cut corners or make threats.

"When your legal rights are violated, avoid making things worse and resolve the problem through upright channels, not through extortion or other illegal methods," the guidelines said.

Along with the booming economy, Chinese have become a major presence in international tourism in recent years. While most are welcomed for the cash they spend, there have been incidents of Chinese abroad causing both offense through obnoxious behavior and being preyed on by criminals or cheats.

The number of Chinese who travel outside their homeland each year is expected to nearly triple to 100 million people by 2020.

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