Greeting Etiquette

Understanding the proper way to greet someone in China can set the tone for your interactions. Chinese culture places a significant emphasis on respect and the subtleties of social hierarchy.

Do: Offer a gentle handshake. When meeting someone for the first time or in a formal setting, a light handshake accompanied by a slight nod or bow is appropriate. This gesture shows respect without assuming too much familiarity.

Don’t: Embrace or kiss on the cheek. Unlike some Western cultures, personal space is valued in Chinese society, and such acts can make locals uncomfortable or seem invasive.

Do: Address people with their titles and surnames. Until you are invited to do so, avoid using first names. This respect for hierarchy and formality is deeply ingrained in the Chinese social fabric.

Don’t: Wave or shout to get someone’s attention. Such actions are considered rude and disruptive. Instead, a slight wave of the hand or a polite verbal greeting can suffice.

Dining Etiquette

Sharing a meal is a common part of social and business life in China, and knowing table manners is crucial.

Do: Wait to be told where to sit. Often, there is a seating arrangement based on seniority and respect. Taking your seat before being directed can be seen as overstepping social boundaries.

Don’t: Start eating before the host does. This is considered impolite and disrespectful. Always wait for the host to begin the meal to show respect.

Do: Try every dish. Refusing to try something can be interpreted as disrespectful to the host’s efforts. Even a small portion can show appreciation and respect for the preparation and choice of dishes.

Don’t: Stick chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice. This resembles incense burning at a shrine and is associated with death. Always lay them flat on your dish or a chopstick rest.

Business Etiquette

In China, business culture is formal and steeped in tradition, highlighting respect and mutual honor.

Do: Bring multiple copies of all documents. Providing documents in both English and Chinese can help facilitate understanding and show respect for the local business culture.

Don’t: Refuse a business card. When offered a business card, accept it with both hands and take a moment to read it before putting it away respectfully. Discarding or disrespecting a business card is seen as a direct insult.

Do: Be punctual. Time is valued highly in Chinese business culture, and being late is seen as a sign of disrespect.

Don’t: Be overly aggressive in negotiations. Chinese business practices favor a more subtle and indirect approach. Being too direct can be seen as rude and might jeopardize business relationships.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift-giving is a common practice in China and is laden with traditions and meanings.

Do: Present and receive gifts with both hands. This is a sign of respect and consideration, which are highly valued in Chinese culture.

Don’t: Give clocks, handkerchiefs, or chrysanthemums as gifts. These items are associated with funerals and death and are considered bad luck.

Do: Wrap gifts in red or gold. These colors represent luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. Avoid wrapping gifts in white, blue, or black, as these are traditional mourning colors.

Don’t: Expect your gift to be opened immediately. It’s customary in China to open gifts privately rather than in front of the giver. This practice avoids any appearance of greed or judgment about the gift’s value.

Understanding Public Behavior Norms

Public behavior in China is regulated by unwritten rules of conduct that ensure harmony and respect within the community.

Do: Be observant and follow the crowd. Whether queuing or navigating the streets, observing and adapting to the behavior of those around you can help you blend in and respect local practices.

Don’t: Display affection publicly. Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are not widely accepted in Chinese culture. It’s best to maintain a more reserved demeanor in public spaces.

Do: Be cautious with gestures. Some common Western gestures, like pointing with an index finger, can be considered rude. Instead, use an open hand.

Don’t: Engage in confrontations. Raising your voice or becoming visibly upset in public can cause embarrassment and is frowned upon. Maintaining a calm demeanor helps preserve harmony and face, an essential aspect of Chinese social interaction.

By adhering to these cultural do’s and don’ts, expats in China can navigate social and business situations more effectively, fostering mutual respect and understanding in this rich and varied cultural landscape.