Cultural Do’s and Don’ts of Traveling and Doing Business in China
Do’s:
Greetings and Conversation:
Greet with a Bow or Nod, and or a Handshake:It is advised to wait to shake hands unless the Chinese offer their hand first. Handshakes are more casual greetings and are usually lighter than in Western greetings, however they are held for longer. Use a bow or nod for more formal situations (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Stand Up When You are Introduced to Someone: If you are seated, it is polite to stand to greet someone you are meeting for the first time (Cultural Atlas).
Always Greet Those Older than You First in Social Settings:(Cultural Atlas)
Understand Customs Regarding Names and How to Address Someone Properly: Chinese people generally hold a high regard for their family names, and addressing someone correctly is crucial to demonstrating respect towards them and their families. Unlike in more western cultures this often includes the use of the family name before their given name, although for some business people, this custom has begun to reverse to the more western fashion (DeMente, Chapter 4) (Cultural Atlas). It is also more proper to refer to people as Mr., Mrs., or Miss followed by their surnames (Flower, pg. 83).
Be Aware of Smaller Personal Space Customs and Less Physical Intimacy: On average, the comfort zone of Chinese people to be close to others is one to three feet closer than for Americans, or about an arm’s length apart for people they know and slightly farther for strangers. That being said, in contrast to many Western cultures, gestures that involve touching such as “hugging, arm-holding, back-slapping,”etc… are primarily reserved for close relationships such as family and good friends. It would be advisable to avoid such physical contact unless the other party initiates it (DeMente, Chapter 4) (Cultural Atlas).
Understand the Importance of an Apology in Chinese Culture: An apology carries a lot of weight in China. Furthermore, because their ethical framework is based on etiquette rather than law, they are often much more sensitive to insults and slights that cause them embarrassment or show disrespect. Additionally, not apologizing when an apology is expected is viewed very harshly. In general it is better to apologize even if you are unsure an apology is needed (DeMente, Chapter 4).
Offer Compliments when Deserved: Chinese culture encourages modesty towards praise, especially within older Chinese. They may try to downplay the praise or deny they deserve it, but continue to insist if the praise is deserving, although not so repeatedly as to become insincere (DeMente, Chapter 4) (Cultural Atlas).
In General, Expect Indirect Language and Communication: In efforts to save face and demonstrate politeness most Chinese will rarely tell you a direct “no” in response to a request because this could be construed to mean that they are unable to meet your needs. They also seek to maintain a sense of harmony among everyone, so they do not want to outright refuse an idea or something that someone is asking of them (Cultural Atlas).
Social and Home Visits:
Try Some of Every Dish Offered: This is considered polite. Because there may be many courses you should sample some of every dish to make sure you have enough room to keep trying (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Bring a Gift if Invited to a Home: If invited to someone’s home you should bring at least one gift. If they have children bringing gifts appropriate for their age and gender would also be accepted warmly (DeMente, Chapter 4) (Cultural Atlas). Small gifts such as decorations, alcohol, English books, sweets, plants (but not white colored because of their association with death) or other such items make good gifts for a host (Flower, pg. 79). In general, it is wise to do some brief research for what not to give as gifts, which can include clocks and watches, sharp objects, pears, and several others that Westerners would not generally think about (Flower, pg. 80).
Image taken from pandabuddy.net
Business Etiquette:
Be Punctual: Being on time is very important, especially for foreigners so they do not express disrespect. It is also expected to make appointments for business settings (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Be Patient in Business Operations: Westerners often prefer to act quickly, but the Chinese generally want to evaluate the situation thoroughly, including the merit of the people they are considering working with. Try to not rush this process because it may reflect poorly on you and your business’s character as a result. It is common for Chinese people to wait a day before making a decision (UT Dallas).
Understand Proper Business Card Etiquette: Never write on a business card or place it in your pocket or wallet as this can be interpreted as sitting on their face. Consider carrying a card case instead. Carrying your own business cards with your name and title in Chinese, in addition to English, is also recommended. You should present and receive business cards with both hands (one-handed is considered rude) and take plenty of time to read a business card when it is presented to you (UT Dallas) (Flower pg. 138) (International Trade Administration)(Cultural Atlas).
Allow the Most Important Member of Your Team to Lead in Important Meetings: Because the Chinese highly value rank and status, this is advised in order to present your team favorably (UT Dallas).
When Leaving a Meeting, Allow the Chinese to Leave First:(UT Dallas)
Expect Formal Introductions: Introductions are important when meeting with others, particularly within business circles and involve full names and titles and may take some time to complete. It is expected that everyone greets one another regardless of the size of the group (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Bring Several Copies of all Written or Printed Documents for Meetings: (UT Dallas)
If Possible, Try and Build Your “Face”: The “face” referred to here is the reputation you build through your connections and network in China through culturally accepted forms of favors, gift giving, dinners, etc. If you are able to develop this asset, doing business within China will be much easier over time (DeMente, Chapter 6).
Expect Arrangements for Travel to be Handled by Those Who Invited You if Traveling for Business: Your hosts will likely look out for you the duration of your stay, and will often receive you upon arrival and see you off when you leave (Flower, pg. 138).
Be Aware of Negotiation and Presentation Style Differences: For instance, it is common for westerners to interject with a point that needs clarified during a presentation, while someone in China would consider it rude to speak up and may not want to admit they do not fully understand to save face (See pages Flower pg. 140-141, for more detail) (Cultural Atlas).
Image taken from impulse.de
Dining:
When Dining with Others Remember to Respect the Age Hierarchy: (Cultural Atlas)
Bring Your Bowl Close to Your Mouth when Eating: Place complementary foods into your designated rice bowl, and then bring the bowl closer to your face while you eat (Cultural Atlas).
General Information:
Understand the Importance of Family to Chinese Culture: The family is a key aspect of Chinese social and recreational life. It is a source of support and identity with some of one’s reputation and “face” being affected by which family they belong to. Loyalty to one’s family and being committed to its success over the wants of the individual is generally expected (Cultural Atlas).
Always Show Respect for Elders: Elders should always be treated with respect. It is common and often expected for them to offer their advice on decisions, especially within their own families. It is also generally expected for children to care for their parents as they age (Cultural Atlas).
Understand the Proper Necessary Visas You Might Need: Trips to Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions are considered outside of the Chinese mainland and, therefore, do not fall under the single-entry visa and the traveler will be denied re-entry back into China. Be aware of where you plan on traveling during your stay so you can make the necessary accommodations (International Trade Administration).
Be Aware that All of China Uses the Same Time: All of China uses the same time and is based around Beijing. However, note that to go along with daylight hours, western China follows a later work schedule (International Trade Administration).
Research WeChat: WeChat is a popular, multi-purpose social media application used in China. You should vaguely familiarize yourself with its capabilities if you are going to be in China over an extended time period due to its prevalent use and functions (International Trade Administration).
Understand that There is No Guaranteed Privacy: Visitors to China should be aware that you, your living space, and your technology usage are all able to be monitored and accessed at any point, with or without your permission (International Trade Administration).
Know Important Color Associations and Symbolism: Red is the traditional wedding color and also symbolizes happiness and good luck. Also, white is often avoided at weddings and in gift giving because it is associated with death and is, therefore, more prevalent for funerals (Flower, pg. 73-74) (Cultural Atlas).
Make Extra Preparation if you Have a Disability: Facilities for those with disabilities have improved, but still have a lot of improvements to be made. It is recommended for travelers with specific needs to look online to ensure they can receive the correct accommodations (International Trade Administration).
Carry Your Own Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes: When traveling outside the city it is much less likely there will be public restrooms, and even less so that these facilities will have toilet paper or water to wash your hands. Additionally, do not be surprised if there is little privacy and no doors within these facilities (Flower pg. 128).
Understand the Importance of Gift Giving: Gift giving is very important. One should consider giving gifts in more private settings to avoid embarrassment and ensure one is giving the correct types of gifts to avoid causing offense. These could include overly expensive gifts which they cannot return the favor back to you for, or gifts that add up to four because the word “four” in Chinese sounds like their word for death (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
For Either Gender, Dress in Muted or Neutral Colors:Both men and women are also permitted to wear jeans, but not in business meetings (UT Dallas).
Always present or hand items to people with both hands: This is considered polite. You should never toss someone something, or even hand it to them with one hand (Cultural Atlas).
Gender Considerations:
If a Woman, Dress Modestly: Women should avoid wearing high heels and short sleeved shirts. In general, dressing more modestly is preferred, as revealing clothing can be considered offensive (UT Dallas).
If a Man, Wear Subtle or Neutral Colored Suits: (UT Dallas)
Be Aware of the Continuation of Gender Roles for Many Chinese: Although not as strictly enforced, for many it is commonly expected for the male to serve as a protector and decision maker for his family, and the woman to serve as a caretaker and be subservient to the dominant male figure. They and their children often take very defined roles within the family unit (Cultural Atlas).
Image taken from blogspot.com
Don’ts:
Greetings and Conversation:
Never Gesture with a Single Finger: Gesturing or pointing with a single finger is considered rude. Instead use a whole hand to gesture or draw attention to something (DeMente, Chapter 4) (UT Dallas).
Try to Avoid Misunderstanding a Smile: Chinese people often smile or laugh as a show of embarrassment or when in an uncomfortable situation. A traveler should be aware of this to avoid mistakenly taking all smiles and laughter as demonstrations of approval (DeMente, Chapter 4). It is also recommended to avoid smiling too often. Especially within a business or more formal setting, smiling too often can come across as insincere or untrustworthy (DeMente, Chapter 6).
Don’t Criticize the Chinese Government or Their Policies: Individuals, especially foreigners, should avoid making any comments that could potentially be understood to be critical of the Chinese government and their policies. Another topic that is generally safer to avoid discussing unless you know the individual well is religion due to its strained relationship throughout the past with the government (DeMente, Chapter 4). It is also advised to not mention Tibet, Taiwan, and Tiananmen Square. These are considered sensitive topics and should be avoided by foreigners (Flower, pg. 82) (Cultural Atlas).
Don’t Take an Answer of “Maybe” as Yes: The reply of “maybe” generally means “no”, and especially so if your request is met with explanations of how difficult or inconvenient it will be to accomplish. Rather than answering with a “no”, the vague answer of “maybe” may be used by Chinese to avoid confirming a response one way or another while also saving face. Furthermore, if you are unsure what someone’s response means, try asking the same question a few different ways to make sure you understood correctly (DeMente, Chapter 4) (Cultural Atlas).
Avoid Looking at Your Watch too Frequently: Although punctuality is important, repeatedly looking at your watch when around others can appear rude and as if you are in a rush to finish the conversation or the deal (Flower pg. 138).
Don’t Greet a Friend with a Negative Comment: This is considered rude and might include statements such as “you look sick” or “your hair is a mess” (Cultural Atlas).
Avoid Calling Someone by Names Other than Their Formal Name Until Better Acquainted: Unless they have given you explicit permission, refrain from using someone’s first name since this is generally reserved for friends. Furthermore, nicknames are only used in close friendships or romantic relationships (Cultural Atlas).
Do not Boast: It is best to try and remain humble about your achievements and skills and do not appear overly confident as this can come across as rude (Cultural Atlas).
Try and Resist Talking Merely to Fill the Silence: It may be better to speak only when you have something prevalent to say. Silence is also used in speech to indicate that the person speaking has put thought into what they are about to say and shows respect for the listener (Cultural Atlas).
Social and Home Visits:
Avoid Overextending Your Hosts’ Intended Invitation Duration: (Flower, pg. 80)
Don’t Wear Shoes Inside a Home: If invited to someone’s home assume you should not wear your shoes inside, although you can also simply follow the example of your hosts if they choose to keep their shoes on (Flower, pg. 78).
Avoid Being Overly Loud: When a guest at someone else’s home it is expected that you do not behave in an overexcited or rowdy manner, and instead try and exhibit a tasteful level of restraint (Cultural Atlas).
Do not Give the Following Gifts: Sharp things (i.e. scissors or knives), umbrellas, handkerchiefs, mirrors, green hats, and white or yellow flowers. These all are considered generally inappropriate gifts generally due to their negative associations and symbolism. As a foreigner, double-checking that your gift as acceptable before presenting it would be advised to avoid unnecessary offense (Cultural Atlas).
Image taken from blog.getsneak.com
Business Etiquette:
Do Not Be Late for Business Meetings: Punctuality is expected for foreigners, although your Chinese associates might not be on time themselves. You should give others 10 minutes to arrive, and if you are late, you should always offer a reason why (Cultural Atlas).
Do not Skip Chinese Formalities in Business Meetings: Meetings may take some time because of these formalities, but be patient. Things that should occur include allowing time for everyone to be greeted properly and for brief small talk to occur. The host may even give an introductory speech to greet the group and remind them of the meeting’s purpose. When it is your turn to speak, you should emphasize the prestige of your company and give detailed information on its history, the purpose of any negotiation, and any other prevalent information (Cultural Atlas).
Do not Forget the Chinese Expectation of Reciprocity: Once you have gained them as a positive business relationship, Chinese businesses generally expect favors done by one side to be returned by the other (Cultural Atlas).
Never Reject a Business Proposal Immediately: Due to the Chinese preference for indirect communication, it is better to move into critiquing slowly so as not to appear blunt and rude (Cultural Atlas).
Never Write in Red Ink: This has negative connotations and can imply you are someone’s blood enemy (Cultural Atlas).
Dining:
In General, Don’t Tip the Same as in the West: Chinese do not normally tip, but for foreigners a 10% tip is standard. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip but will accept them, and it is usual to tip the bellboy at larger hotels. In general, tipping is often considered insulting, though, and can potentially cause conflict with those not getting tipped in some instances (Flower, pg. 102) (UT Dallas).
Do Not Make the Following Dining Mistakes: Do not discuss business at meals. D0 not eat or drink before your host does. Do not eat all of your meal, because this implies you were hungry and your host did not provide enough food. Do not drop your chopsticks as this is considered bad luck, and never place them sticking straight out of your bowl as this can symbolize death. Also, when not using your chopsticks, set them on the table. Be aware that women also do not usually drink at meals (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Do Not Eat too Much Rice Without Eating the Other Main Dishes: This could imply to the cook or host that you did not like the other dishes (Cultural Atlas).
Never Place Food Scraps Back in Your Rice Bowl: Items such as shells, seeds, or bones should instead be placed in a designated dish or to the side (Cultural Atlas).
If You Would Like a Second Helping, Decline the Initial Offer: After you have declined your host’s initial offer, you can then accept. This is likely a way to allow them to demonstrate their hospitality to you (Cultural Atlas).
General Information:
Avoid Using “Black” Taxis:For the most part, the taxi services are easy to use and safe, especially if you have your destination written in Chinese. You can hail them on the street safely as well. There are also ride-hailing services such as Didi that can be used. Avoid using “black” or unregistered taxis, however, due to some reports of travelers being assaulted or robbed (International Trade Administration).
Never Give Gifts to Government Officials: Although it is increasingly acceptable to exchange gifts in the business world, it is illegal to give gifts to government officials. (UT Dallas).
Avoid Being Overly Affectionate in Public: Especially among older Chinese or more conservative groups, the displays of public affection that are common in Western cultures are not viewed positively in China. Although it is becoming more common with younger generations, this should still be taken into consideration so as not to ignore the feelings of those preferring more modesty (DeMente, Chapter 4) (Cultural Atlas). By extension, people should avoid touching and personal contact in public in general. It is particularly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public (UT Dallas).
Try Not to Travel During National Holiday Periods, If Possible: During these times many Chinese citizens have time off and travel in mass to return home to see family and friends for the holidays. This causes considerable traffic and can make it difficult to meet with people for business (Flower, pg. 120).
Try Not to Take Offense to Others Looking at You: Due to the large population of China and Chinese citizens, they look at foreigners with curiosity. Many see Westerners as an opportunity to practice their English and other language skills, and, in general, they may simply be intrigued by the differences in appearance demonstrated (Flower, pg. 120).
Never Smoke in Public: Smoking in public is banned in China, so if you are a smoker, be aware of this limitation during your visit (Flower pg. 127).
Don’t Take Photos of Guards or Other Potentially “Strategic” Locations and Objects: Avoid photographing guards in front of government buildings or areas such as docks, airports, or along country border posts. Chinese people also dislike when journalists wrongly enter under a traveler’s visa or portray themselves as tourists, so it is better to avoid behavior that might suggest this deception. Taking photos of yourself with, and of, monuments or other traditional locations is generally considered acceptable as long as it is done respectfully (Flower, pg. 130).
Never Show the Bottom of Your Feet to Others: You should also avoid using your feet to move objects or placing your feet on furniture (Cultural Atlas).
Gender Considerations:
If a Women, Do Not Be Overly Loud in Speaking: Men are commonly louder speakers than women in China, with women being expected to speak more quietly to demonstrate good manners (Cultural Atlas).
