Culture & Etiquette

**Basic Greetings:** - "你好" (nǐ hǎo) = Hello - "谢谢" (xiè xie) = Thank you - "再见" (zài jiàn) = Goodbye - "对不起" (duì bù qǐ) = Sorry - "没关系" (méi guān xi) = It's okay **Formal vs. Informal:** - Use 先生 (xiān sheng) for Mr. - Use 女士 (nǚ shì) for Ms. - Use 老师 (lǎo shī) for teachers/respectable people **Physical Greetings:** - Handshakes are common in business settings - A slight nod is appropriate for casual greetings - Avoid hugging or excessive physical contact - Some older locals may bow slightly **Tipping:** - Not traditional in China - At upscale restaurants, rounding up is appreciated - Not expected at hotels or for taxi drivers

**Gift Etiquette:** - Always present gifts with both hands - Don't open gifts in front of the giver (considered rude) - Avoid white or black wrapping (associated with funerals) - Red is the lucky color for gift wrapping **Good Gift Ideas:** - Fruit (avoid number 4 in quantity, it's unlucky) - Quality tea - Snacks from your home country - Small souvenirs from your region **Things to Avoid:** - White flowers (for funerals) - Clocks (sounds like "death" in Chinese) - Number 4 (unlucky) - Sharp objects (cutting relationships) - Handkerchiefs (associated with goodbye/sorrow) - Pears (sounds like "separation") **Gift Receiving:** - Accept with both hands - Say "谢谢" (xiè xie) modestly - It's polite to decline once before accepting

**Seating Arrangements:** - Host faces the door - Guest of honor sits to host's right - Don't sit before being invited - Wait for host to start eating **During the Meal:** - Use serving spoon, not your chopsticks - Don't leave chopsticks sticking up in rice - Try everything offered - It's polite to finish all food on your plate - Saying "我吃饱了" (wǒ chī bǎo le) indicates you're full **Drinking Culture:** - "干杯" (gān bēi) = Cheers (drink all) - It's polite to let others fill your glass - Toasting is an important social ritual - Refusing alcohol repeatedly is acceptable **Tip:** Let the host order, or ask for recommendations. Asking "有什么特色?" (what's the specialty?) is always appreciated.

**Photography:** - Always ask permission before photographing people - Some attractions禁止 (jìn zhǐ) photography - Avoid photographing military installations **Public Behavior:** - Queue patiently (lines are important) - Don't spit in public - Keep noise levels reasonable on public transport - Smoking is restricted in many indoor areas **Business Etiquette:** - Exchange business cards with both hands - Take time to read the card before putting it away - Building relationships (关系 guān xi) is important - Face-saving is crucial - avoid direct confrontation **Shopping:** - Bargaining is expected at markets - Start at 30-40% of asking price - Be friendly, it's part of the interaction - Don't bargain if you don't intend to buy **Cultural Taboos:** - Don't write names in red ink - Avoid stepping on newspaper (bad luck) - Don't point with one finger, use open hand - Don't sit at the head of a table uninvited