Originally Posted by IncyWincy
In Chinese culture, it is downright unacceptably rude to bring the bill before a request is made. It means the restaurant is throwing out the customer - just like saying "there's the door".
While considered rude, this was all too common about 10-15 years ago, when the economy was still red hot and there was an arrogance especially when it came to service. I remember attending a wedding banquet once in Hong Kong, and once 10:30pm came, the restaurant used a cow or school bell to signal the end of the banquet. As guests were leaving, the groom's father was promptly handed the bill. He hadn't even finished saying good bye to half the guests!