Cultural Customs in China

Social Etiquette & Behavior

Greetings & Introductions

• Handshakes are common in business settings and with foreigners
• Nodding or slight bow is a traditional greeting, though less common in cities
• Address people formally by title and surname unless invited to use first name
• Business cards should be presented and received with both hands
• Study business cards before putting them away - don't pocket immediately

Personal Space & Physical Contact

• Chinese people may stand closer than Westerners are used to
• Public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) are uncommon
• Don't touch people's heads, especially children's
• Pointing with one finger is considered rude - use an open hand
• Expect crowded spaces in popular areas - avoid pushing in queues

Face (面子 - Miànzi) - A Core Concept

"Face" refers to one's reputation, dignity, and social standing. It's a fundamental concept in Chinese culture.

• Never publicly embarrass or criticize someone
• Avoid direct confrontation - use indirect communication
• Accept compliments graciously but also show modesty
• Give others "face" by showing respect and praise
• Apologize if you cause someone to lose face

Dining Etiquette

Table Manners

• Wait to be seated - the host will usually indicate where to sit
• Honored guests sit facing the door or in the most prominent position
• Don't start eating until the host begins or invites everyone to eat
• Try everything offered - refusing food can be seen as rude
• Order appropriately - "Clear your plate" (光盘行动) is advocated to avoid waste; finishing food is acceptable and respectful
• Bones and shells can be placed on the table or in a separate dish

Chopstick Etiquette

• Never stick chopsticks upright in rice - this resembles incense at funerals
• Don't point with chopsticks
• Don't spear food with chopsticks
• Don't pass food chopstick to chopstick - place it in the person's bowl
• Rest chopsticks on the holder or bowl rim when not eating
• Use serving chopsticks (公筷) when provided for shared dishes

Drinking Culture

• Toasting (干杯 - Gānbēi) literally means "dry cup" - drink it all if you can
• Wait for host to toast before drinking
• Hold glass with both hands when someone pours for you
• Pour for others before refilling your own glass
• It's okay to decline alcohol - say "I can't drink alcohol" (我不能喝酒) politely
• Tea tapping - tap two fingers lightly on the table to say "thank you" when someone pours tea

Restaurant Customs

• Loud dining environments are normal in some casual restaurants
• Calling waiters - use call buttons on tables, raise your hand gently, or say "服务员" (fúwùyuán) politely
• Bill paying - Chinese often compete to pay the bill (showing generosity)
• Tipping is not expected in most restaurants
• Sharing dishes is standard - order family-style for the table
• Hot water is widely available; cold water and beverages are also common in modern restaurants

Gift-Giving Customs

When to Give Gifts

• When visiting someone's home
• During Chinese holidays (especially Spring Festival)
• As thanks for significant help or hospitality
• Business meetings (small, appropriate gifts)

Appropriate Gifts

• Local specialties from your country
• Quality tea or coffee
• Fruit baskets (avoid white flowers and chrysanthemums - used at funerals)
• Imported chocolates or sweets
• Lucky numbers for gift quantities (avoid 4, which sounds like "death")
• Something representing your culture

Gifts to Avoid

• Clocks - symbolize death (送钟 sounds like "attending a funeral")
• Anything in sets of 4 - number 4 sounds like "death"
• Sharp objects (knives, scissors) - symbolize severing relationships
• Handkerchiefs - associated with sadness
• White or black wrapping - funeral colors
• Shoes - imply walking away from someone
• Umbrellas - sound like "separation"

Gift-Giving Etiquette

• Present with both hands as a sign of respect
• Wrap nicely - red or gold wrapping is auspicious
• Some may decline once or twice out of modesty; persistent but polite offering is acceptable
• Don't open gifts immediately in front of the giver unless asked
• Give and receive with humility

Business Etiquette

Meeting Etiquette

• Punctuality is important - arrive on time or slightly early
• Dress conservatively - suits for business meetings
• Exchange business cards at the beginning of meetings
• Greet the senior person first
• Don't use first names unless invited to do so

Communication Style

• Indirect communication is preferred
• "Maybe" often means "no"
• Silence is acceptable - take time to think
• Build relationships (关系 - Guānxi) before business
• Patience is key - decisions may take time

Photography Etiquette

• Don't photograph military sites or personnel
• Ask permission before photographing people, especially elderly or ethnic minorities
• No photos in museums unless explicitly allowed
• Respect privacy - don't photograph in changing rooms, bathrooms, or private homes
• Some temples prohibit photography - look for signs

Numbers & Superstitions

Lucky Numbers

• 8 (八 - Bā) - Most auspicious, sounds like "prosperity"
• 6 (六 - Liù) - Sounds like "smooth" or "flowing"
• 9 (九 - Jiǔ) - Sounds like "long-lasting"
• 2 (二 - Èr) - Good things come in pairs

Unlucky Numbers

• 4 (四 - Sì) - Sounds like "death" - avoided in floor numbers, phone numbers, prices
• Many buildings skip the 4th floor (and 14th, 24th, etc.)

Colors & Symbolism

• Red - Lucky, happiness, prosperity, celebration
• Gold/Yellow - Wealth, royalty, power
• White - Mourning, death (avoid for gifts and celebrations)
• Black - Also associated with mourning
• Green - Can imply infidelity (especially green hats)

Visiting Homes

• Remove shoes when entering homes (follow host's lead)
• Bring a small gift for the host
• Compliment the host's home but not excessively
• Finish your tea/drink - leaving some is acceptable
• Don't expect a tour - Chinese homes are considered private spaces
• Offer to help but don't be surprised if declined

Temple & Sacred Site Etiquette

• Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees
• Remove hats when entering main halls or core worship areas
• Walk clockwise around temples and stupas
• Don't touch religious artifacts unless permitted
• Speak quietly and be respectful
• Ask before photographing
• Don't point feet at Buddha statues
• Offerings are optional but appreciated

Shopping Customs

Bargaining

• Markets and street vendors - Bargaining is common
• Start at 50-70% of the asking price, adjust based on negotiation
• Be friendly - bargaining should be lighthearted
• Fixed price stores - No bargaining in malls or chain stores
• Walk away strategy - May bring lower prices, but don't pressure aggressively

Payment Etiquette

• Mobile payment is prevalent - WeChat Pay/Alipay require Chinese phone number and bank account; foreigners can use international cards (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard) in most malls, restaurants and hotels
• Carry cash for small vendors or remote areas that may not accept cards
• Hand money respectfully with both hands if using cash
• Count change - it's normal and expected

Common Situations & How to Handle Them

Important Festivals & Customs

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival - 春节)

• Most important holiday (usually late January to mid-February)
• Families reunite - massive travel period
• Red decorations everywhere
• Giving red envelopes with money
• Many businesses close for 3-7 days; major tourist attractions remain open

Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节)

• Family gathering to admire the moon
• Eating mooncakes
• Usually in September or October

Dragon Boat Festival (端午节)

• Dragon boat races
• Eating zongzi (rice dumplings)
• Usually in June

Key Takeaways