Chinese Traditions

Whether you’re traveling to China for business, education or sightseeing, it’s helpful to know some of the customs of the land. You do not want to offend bosses, colleagues or hosts, and you want to understand what is expected in terms of behaviour. Here are some customs you may be exposed to during your visit.

One important custom is that the Chinese do not call people by their first name unless they are very close. It is considered rude to come across as familiar with someone you haven’t grown up with. At work people are addressed by their titles, and in other situations they are referred to by “Mr.,” “Mrs.” or “Miss.”

The Chinese avoid public displays of affection between people of opposite genders, although mild displays of affection between friends of the same gender are usually acceptable. A young couple would be considered rude and offensive if they hugged or kissed in public – though this is slowly changing – while two best friends of the same gender might hold hands without causing any offense.

In China a great emphasis is placed upon showing proper respect to older people. Young people are expected to stand when an older person enters a room, open doors for them and let them speak first. In crowded situations, you should give up your seat to an older person, and never interrupt them.

The Chinese often give gifts in social and business situations, but there are certain rules about what sorts of gifts are appropriate. Do not give white or black gifts or wrap gifts in those colours, since black and white are funeral colours. Green and blue are also considered inappropriate, but red, pink and yellow are fine. Do not give a clock, since that reminds people of death. Baskets of fruits or bottles of liquor are great, but avoid giving odd numbers of them. If you are giving groups of objects, eight is considered a lucky number.

Alcoholic beverages may be served at a meal for the purpose of toasting. Do not drink any of it until the most prestigious person has made a toast, then down the drink. Among more formal and traditional Chinese, a person of lower status should keep his glass at a lower level than the glass of a higher-ranking person.

In southern and south-eastern China, many people take an early afternoon rest break or extended lunch, similar to the siesta of Latin America and the Mediterranean region. This usually lasts from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. Do not expect to be able to do business during this time if you are in those regions of China, and be prepared for under-staffing at public offices.

Business cards are more than just a way of providing contact information in China. Any person of importance is expected to carry them as a form of introduction. Always give or receive a business card with both hands as a sign of respect, and examine a card offered to you for a moment before putting it away. It’s a good idea to have the card printed in your own language on one side and Chinese on the other, in gold ink if possible. Do not write on the other person’s card unless they ask you to do so.

This guest post was provided by Erentals.co.uk.