Fuddland

Signs dotted around one of the restored, protected areas in Chēngdu (成都) describe the following “Rules Pertaining to Civilized Tour”:

In order to build a civilized and harmonious tour environment and to improve the moral standards of both tourists and citizens, please abide the following rules.

1. Please keep the environment clean. Don’t spit. Don’t spit the chewing gum. No littering. No smoking except in the designated area.
2. Please follow the public order. Keep silent. Don’t jump the queue. Please keep gateways clear. Please don not talk loudly in public places.
3. Please protect the egological environment. Don’t step on the grassland. Don’t pick flowers or fruit. Don’t chase or beat animal. Don’t give animal any food without permit when you are in the zoo.
4. Protect the historical relics and sites. Don’t paint or carve on the historical relics. Don’t climb up the historical relics. No photos without permit.
5. Value the public facilities. Don’t dirty or destroy any installment in the hotel. Don’t destroy the public facilities. Do not be out for small advantages. Save water and electricity. Don’t waste food.
6. Respect other people’s rights. Don’t force foreign tourists to take photos. Don’t force other people to buy or sell something. Do not occupy public facilities for a long time. Respect people in the service sector. Respect religious customs of other nationalities.
7. To be polite. Wear clean and proper clothes. Do not wear clothes exposing the neck or shoulders in public places. Take care of the elderly, children, the sick and the handicapped. Do not utter dirty words.
8. Advocate a happy and healthy way of life. Resist superstition. Avoid pornography, gambling and drug.

My personal favourite is, “Don’t be out for small advantages.” If you’re out for an advantage, you might as well make sure it’s a big one.

#1

Knit Nurse | 2007 / 02 / 01 – 15:28

I hope you weren’t forced to take any photos and managed to get around without exposing your neck or feeling superstitious.

#2

David | 2007 / 02 / 01 – 17:40

Re #1: Yes, I was wearing my lucky poncho and woolly scarf [but no trousers]. ;)

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