Chinese Etiquette Guide

Greetings, dining, gift-giving & photo etiquette

🤝 Greeting Etiquette

  • A slight nod or handshake is appropriate
  • Address people by title + surname (e.g., Manager Wang)
  • Business cards: present with both hands, receive with both hands
  • Don't hug or kiss as greeting (too intimate)

🍽 Dining Etiquette

  • Wait for the host to start eating
  • Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral ritual)
  • Try everything offered - it's polite
  • Leave a little food on your plate (shows you're full)
  • Toast: say "Ganbei" (干杯) and clink glasses below elders'
  • Don't flip fish over (symbolizes bad luck for fishermen)

🎁 Gift-Giving Taboos

❌ Never Give:

  • Clocks (sounds like "death" in Chinese)
  • Umbrellas (sounds like "separation")
  • Sharp objects (cuts relationship)
  • White/black wrapping (funeral colors)

✅ Good Gifts:

  • Tea, fruit, local specialties from your country
  • Red/gold wrapping (lucky colors)
  • Even numbers (except 4)

📸 Photo Etiquette

  • Ask permission before photographing people
  • No photos in military areas or government buildings
  • Temples: some interior areas prohibit photography
  • Don't use selfie sticks in crowded areas