Chinese Etiquette

When you travel to China, you probably conercn what is Do, what is NOT DO. Here is the Chinese Etiquette that might help you understand Chinese culture better.

The Importance of "Face"
When you travel to China, you have to learn Face. Face plays a key role in the Chinese daily life. The concept of 'face' (脸)roughly translates as 'honour', 'good reputation' or 'respect'. Thereare four types of 'face':
1) Diu-mian-zi: this is when one's actionsor deeds have been exposed to people.
2) Gei-mian-zi: involves thegiving of face to others through showing respect.
3) Liu-mian-zi:this is developed by avoiding mistakes and showing wisdom in action.
4) Jiang-mian-zi:this is when face is increased through others, i.e. someone complementing youto an associate.
It is critical you avoid losing face or causing the loss offace at all times.

Collectivism vs. Individualism
In general, the Chinese are a collective society with a need for groupaffiliation, whether to their family, school, work group, or country. Inorder to maintain a sense of harmony, they will act with decorum at all timesand will not do anything to cause someone else public embarrassment. They arewilling to subjugate their own feelings for the good of the group. This isoften observed by the use of silence in very structured meetings. If someonedisagrees with what another person says, rather than disagree publicly, theperson will remain quiet. This gives face to the other person, while speakingup would make both parties lose face.

Non-Verbal Communication
The Chinese' Non-verbal communication speaks volumes. Since the Chinesestrive for harmony and are group dependent, they rely on facial expression,tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone feels. Frowning whilesomeone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of disagreement. Therefore, mostChinese maintain an impassive expression when speaking. It is considereddisrespectful to stare into another person's eyes. In crowded situations theChinese avoid eye contact to give themselves privacy.

Meeting Etiquette
Greetings are formal and the oldest person is alwaysgreeted first. Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners.
Many Chinese will look towards the ground when greeting someone. 
It is veryimportant to address the person by an honorific title and their surname. Ifthey want to move to a first-name basis, they will advise you which name touse. The Chinese have a terrific sense of humour. They can laugh at themselvesmost readily if they have a comfortable relationship with the other person. Beready to laugh at yourself given the proper circumstances.

Gift Giving Etiquette
In general, gifts are given at Chinese New Year, weddings, births andmore recently (because of marketing), birthdays. The Chinese like food anda nice food basket will make a great gift. Do not give scissors, knives orother cutting utensils as they indicate the severing of the relationship. 
Donot give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals, as they are associated withfunerals and death. Do not give flowers, as many Chinese associate these withfunerals. Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper. Four is anunlucky number so do not give four of anything. Eight is the luckiest number,so giving eight of something brings luck to the recipient. Always present giftswith two hands. Gifts are not opened when received. 
Gifts may be refused beforethey are accepted.

Dining Etiquette
The Chinese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in theirhomes, especially when entertaining foreigners. If you are invited totheir house, consider it a great honour. If you must turn down such an honour,it is considered polite to explain the conflict in your schedule so that youractions are not taken as a slight. You are suggested to arrive on time. 
Youhave to remove your shoes before entering the house. Please bring a small giftto the hostess. Make good comments to demonstrate that you are enjoying thefood! 


Table manners: Learn to use chopsticks. Wait to be told where to sit. Theguest of honour will be given a seat facing the door. The host beginseating first. You should try everything that is offered to you. 
Never eat thelast piece from the serving tray. 
Be observant to other peoples' needs. Chopsticksshould be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites and when youdrink or stop to speak. The host offers the first toast. Do not put bonesin your bowl. Place them on the table or in a special bowl for that purpose. 
Holdthe rice bowl close to your mouth while eating. Do not be offended if aChinese person makes slurping or belching sounds; it merely indicates that theyare enjoying their food. There are no strict rules about finishing all thefood in your bowl. When you use tooth-pick, the proper way is to use the otherhand to over your mouth so that others will not see your behavior.

Tipping Etiquette:
Tipping is becoming more commonplace, especially with younger workers althougholder workers still consider it an insult. Tipping coins and small notes areconsidered an insult.

Meeting Etiquette:
Appointments are necessary and, if possible, should be made between one-to-twomonths in advance, preferably in writing. If you do not have a contactwithin the company, you can use an intermediary to arrange a formalintroduction. Once the introduction has been made, you should provide thecompany with information about your company and what you want to accomplish atthe meeting. 
 You should arrive at meetings on time or slightly early.The Chinese view punctuality as a virtue. Arriving late is an insult and couldnegatively affect your relationship
.

Business Cards
Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction. 
Have oneside of your business card translated into Chinese using simplified Chinesecharacters that are printed in gold ink since gold is an auspicious colour. Yourbusiness card should include your title. If your company is the oldest orlargest in your country, that fact should be on your card as well. Hold thecard in both hands when offering it, Chinese side facing the recipient. Examinea business card before putting it on the table next to you or in a businesscard case. 
Never write on someone's card unless so directed.