Chinese Tourists in the Eyes of European Tour Guides

　　The growing number of recent media reports of inappropriate behaviors displayed by outbound Chinese tourists has sparked widespread discussion of the manners of Chinese tourists abroad.

 

　　First, let's take a look at some European tour guides' impression of Chinese tourists and their behavior when visiting in Europe.

 

　　CRI's Ding Lulu has more.

 

　　Photographs of Chinese tourists dipping their feet into the fountain water in front of the Louvre Museum have recently triggered¹ debate among netizens.

 

　　Some people consider this as vulgar² behavior, while others argue that some media are too critical of Chinese people and have overstated the impolite nature of their behavior.

 

　　Jean Louis is a member of staff at the Paris Tourist Office.

 

　　"It is quite common to see tourists putting their feet into the fountain at the Louvre, just because of the summer heat. Many French people like to play in the water of the fountains. Such behavior is usually tolerated unless tourists damage fountain equipment. I think most Chinese tourists in France have good manners and respect local customs."

 

　　Italy also boasts a profound³ history and culture, and is home to many famous museums. Each year it never fails to attract a large number of tourists to the country.

 

　　It has been noted⁴ that the behavior of most Chinese tourists has greatly improved there. They seldom spit or speak in loud voices in public.

 

　　It has also been observed that the uncivilized behaviors displayed by some Chinese tourists are due to lack of understanding of western culture and the artistic⁵ charm⁶ of the exhibits.

 

　　Magne, director of Musei Capitolini in Italy, the oldest museum in the world, puts forward his suggestions.

 

　　"I suggest that visitors do some homework before coming to the museum. For example, there are many brochures on our museum, and almost all museums have multilingual websites. By doing this, visitors can gain a better knowledge of the exhibits and museum rules before coming here."

 

　　Meng Xinjie is the product manager at Caesar International Travel Service in China.

 

　　"I have two suggestions for visitors to museums and galleries. One is to speak in low voices so as to avoid disturbing others. The other is that tourists behave in a constrained⁷ manner. In places such as the Louvre Museum, many ancient artifacts, sculptures and paintings are open to public, but visitors are not supposed to touch them. I hope that all Chinese tourists can pay attention to that."

 

　　Meng adds that in recent years the manners of Chinese tourists have greatly improved. However, compared to tourists from other countries, there is still room for improvement.

 

　　For CRI, I'm Ding Lulu.

1 triggered   

触发的

参考例句：

• An indiscreet remark triggered off a long and costly strike. 一次轻率的讲话导致长时间、代价高昂的罢工。
• The incident triggered an armed clash. 这起事件触发了一场武装冲突。

2 vulgar   

adj.粗野的，下流的，庸俗的，粗俗的

参考例句：

• His language is a bit vulgar at times.他说话有时有点粗俗。
• His vulgar manners shocked everyone.他粗俗的举止使大家大为吃惊。

3 profound   

adj.深奥的，造诣深的；深度的，极度的

参考例句：

• I give you my profound thanks for saving my life.我对您的救命之恩深表谢意。
• He has a profound knowledge of mathematics.他数学知识渊博。

4 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

5 artistic   

adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的

参考例句：

• The picture on this screen is a good artistic work.这屏风上的画是件很好的艺术品。
• These artistic handicrafts are very popular with foreign friends.外国朋友很喜欢这些美术工艺品。

6 charm   

vt.使着迷，使陶醉；n.招人喜欢之处，魅力

参考例句：

• With all imperfections the short play has a real charm.尽管有不少缺欠，这出小戏仍颇具魅力。
• He could resist her charm no longer.他再也抗拒不住她的魅力。

7 constrained   

adj.束缚的,节制的

参考例句：

• The evidence was so compelling that he felt constrained to accept it. 证据是那样的令人折服，他觉得不得不接受。
• I feel constrained to write and ask for your forgiveness. 我不得不写信请你原谅。