Other Tips:

Exchanging Business Cards:
Use both hands to both present and receive name cards. In presenting, grasp the card by the corners, and present the card so that it your name is facing your Chinese counterpart. Do not toss the card onto a table. Similarly, receive your Chinese counterpart’s card with both hands. If it is […]

Other Tips:

Gifts:

Guests are expected to give a gift to their Chinese host. It is helpful to bring an extra supply of wrapped gifts lest you be caught short-handed. A visiting group can give one large gift to the host organization or smaller mementos to individuals. Avoid gifts of excessive value or that are too […]

Other Tips:

Last Name First:

In China, the family name (surname) appears first, and the first name (given name), last. So for Jiang Zemin, Jiang is the family name, Zemin is the given name. For a Chinese businessperson or official who frequently interacts with foreigners, names may be spoken/written in the Western format. If you are […]

Banquets:

Using Chopsticks:

Chinese appreciate foreigners’ efforts to eat with chopsticks. If using chopsticks proves impossible and no forks are available, you can use the porcelain spoon.

Eating:

Formal banquets often include a dozen or more dishes. While declining to taste a dish is not considered a cardinal offense, it is polite to try each dish […]

Banquets:

Chinese Place Settings:

The place setting typically includes a rice or soup bowl, small plate for main courses, a small dish for condiments/sauces, a dessert dish, a porcelain spoon, a pair of chopsticks, and chopstick rest. Forks and knives are becoming common place settings, and can be used without causing offense or losing face. Glasses […]