A Chinese Etiquette Revolution

 The Marquis Tseng was one of China’s earliest government ministers to London, Paris and Saint Petersburg. His was an important diplomatic role which preceded and accompanied the Sino-French War (August 1884–April 1885). – Beijing was often referred to as “Peking” in English and “Pekin” in Japanese. Beijing has been known by other names throughout its history including Youzhou, Zhongdu, Dadu, Shuntian, Peiping, and Yanjing.

Social Revolution in China

A social revolution in Peking is, according to The Chinese Times, being effected by the Marquis and Marchioness Tseng, both of whom visit freely at all the foreign legations, and receive the visits of foreigners at their private house. Persons new to China see nothing remarkable in these social courtesies, but those who know the Pekin etiquette appreciate the boldness of the Marquis in thus challenging the very citadel of petrified conservatism. As he is too shrewd a man to run his head deliberately against a stone wall, it may be inferred from his actions, that he has the secret countenance of high personages.— Boston Transcript, 1887

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia