Saying ping and xing may make you ying

Many countries have taboos and lucky words that stem from superstitious beliefs. So does China, writes Wang Shuda

Some people in the West dislike the number 13, considering it a harbinger of bad luck. Many high-rise buildings typically do not have a 13th floor. And if the 13th of any month falls on a Friday, that is considered doubly ominous.

Likewise, the Chinese dislike the number 4, which sounds similar to the Chinese word for death.