Traditionally the Chinese people do not like to show a high opinion of their own merits. Instead they are always modest about their achievements, or prefer a low-key statement to a display of their advantages. When you praised a Chinese person, he may humbly tell you how deficient he is. Therefore the Chiense reply "nǎ lǐ , nǎ lǐ " [hái ké yǐ ] (well, it is nothing) to any complimentary remarks may not be interpreted as a denial of the truth. However grateful they are they may not verbalize their thanks, or they will be considered to be insufferable people.
       Nowadays some people, especially young and educated Chinese, like to follow the English way and thank admirers for their compliments.