China's tourism authorities on Tuesday urged citizens to act in a civilized way when travelling overseas after a Chinese teenager daubed graffiti in an Egyptian temple, triggering uproar online.

Guidelines published by National Tourism Bureau urged civilized behavior in eight aspects, including not scribbling on historic relics.

It also urges tourists not to litter, trample on lawns or flowers and not to make noise or speak loudly in public places or swear.

Earlier this month, seven Chinese characters reading "Ding Jinhao paid a visit here" were found carved on the 3,000-year-old cultural relic in Luxor, southern Egypt.

Graffiti on the defaced Egyptian artifact says "Ding Jinhao paid a visit here". [Photo provided to China Daily]

Ding Jinhao's act was exposed online after another Chinese tourist who visited the same temple posted a photo of the graffito on his micro blog late on Friday, which sparked a heated discussion and Ding was exposed to a firestorm online.

The parents of the boy have apologized through a local newspaper to both Egyptians and Chinese nationals for their son's actions.

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