Etiquette in China
Everyday customs that visitors and newcomers often find useful in China.
- Greeting A handshake or nod is normal. Names are given family name first. Use titles such as Director Wang.
- Dining Dishes are shared and the host often orders for the table. Leave a little food on the plate to show you are full.
- Gifts Offer and receive gifts with two hands. Avoid clocks as gifts, and wrapping in white. Red and gold are welcome colours.
- Talk Relationships come before business. Expect time for tea and small talk, and avoid blunt public disagreement.
- Public Take care with politically sensitive topics. Tipping is not customary in most places.
These are general customs, not rules or legal advice. They differ between regions, generations and families, and they change over time. For visas, residency and legal requirements always use the destination country's official government sources.