COMMON CUSTOMS OF CHINA

The Chinese are a lot more relaxed about some of their customs than other Asian cultures. However, in order to avoid some embarrassing moment, one should acquainted with some customs now and then. Read on for advice on specific customs.
 

 

Gift Giving

It's traditional to bring a gift when invited to someone's home. Usually fresh flowers or fruits are the best bet (the number eight is considered lucky, so eight apples or eight oranges would be a good idea) or, of course, anything from home. The more expensive the gift, the more respectful, but don't go over the top or you'll embarrass your hosts, who may feel the need to bankrupt themselves to return your generosity. Don't be surprised when, if your gift is wrapped, it is placed somewhere prominent all evening and not unwrapped until guests leave (the hosts might look greedy and ungrateful if the gift were opened too hastily and in front of you). It is also courteous to bring something back from traveling—a token gift is just fine. But be sure to be fair with your gift-giving: don't give something nicer to the secretary in the office than to the dean of the college, and don't give gifts to one group of students and not another—they'll find out, you can bet on it. Often, it's better to give something that can be shared, like food.
 

 

Business Cards

It's a good idea to have these made up for yourself as soon as you have an address; it's cheap and easy to do almost everywhere in China. Get a friend to give you a Chinese name, and get your name and address printed in Chinese on one side, English on the other (double-check the English spellings—there are almost errors always!). Get a lot made, as everyone will want one. Use both hands to give and accept business cards to show respect.
 

 

Face

As in most Asian countries, face is a very important and complex feature of daily life. In China, you will encounter this idea of "saving face" as well as having to "give face," on multiple levels. Maybe in the classroom the student in the back row who knows the answer to your question won't answer because she doesn't want her classmates to feel stupid. Maybe when you asked that old man how to get to the museum he just pointed to the left because he was too embarrassed to admit that he had no idea where it really was. Maybe the official at the Public Security Bureau won't extend your visa because you lost your temper in front of him and his colleagues, and if he granted your request now it would look as if he'd given in to your threats. Be aware of face and its importance to the Chinese. Try to give face as often as possible—it will be appreciated.
 

 

Banquets

If you're in China you're bound to be invited to a banquet sooner or later , whether it is a welcome banquet, a goodbye banquet, a banquet to celebrate a holiday, or for any semi-plausible excuse. It will probably start at 6pm and you shouldn't be late. Dressing is casual as always in China, but one could try to look nice and don't wear shorts. Dishes will arrive in turn, starting with the lighter dishes and ending with the heavy, starchy dishes (rice, noodles, or steamed buns) near 8pm. In between there will be much toasting and downing of beer or, rice wine (otherwise known as jet fuel). Around eight, the banquet will end and everyone staggers home—there is no after-dinner chit-chat.
 

 

Sensitive Subjects

As in any other country, if, while conversing with a local, he or she suddenly clams up, changes the subject, or feigns incomprehension, you can bet you've stumbled onto a forbidden topic. Don't push the matter or you may cause trouble for your Chinese friend as well as for yourself. It's best not to initiate discussions of religion or politics in particular.