The rules are part of efforts to improve the nation's image tarnished by some Chinese travelers who, among other infractions, have jumped queues, ignored warning signs and even polished their shoes with bed linen.

In a list of tourists' bad habits published by China's tourism authorities last month, spitting and littering came first. The list was based on an online survey that got more than 30,000 responses from all over the world.

Chinese tourists' reputation abroad has gotten so bad that in the United States and some European countries, authorities have put up signs, in Chinese, that say "No spitting," "No littering," "Please line up," and "Flush after using the toilet."

In the guidelines published yesterday, Chinese people are urged not to spit or litter public places.

Tourists should not talk in loud voices or jump queues at public venues.

According to the online survey, line jumping and chatting noisily have become synonymous with Chinese tourists abroad.

Smoking in non-smoking areas is also discouraged in the guidelines.

People are also urged not to walk side by side on sidewalks and block other pedestrians.

Chinese tourists are advised against making bed sheets, towels and other property dirty when staying in hotel rooms. Media reports have said that some Chinese tourists polish their shoes with bed sheets or towels.

Proper dress is also promoted by the guidelines.

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