Customs

How to greet Chinese people?

Most ordinary Chinese residents in tourist cities open to foreigners can speak a little bit of English. Therefore, a 'Hello' or 'How do you do?' is acceptable to most of them. Of course, a smile or a wave will also elicit a friendly response. Anyway, a smile is a universal language that needs no translation.

Chinese normally do not embrace each other. Kissing, whether on the cheeks or on hands, is usually unacceptable to the Chinese.

What kind of table manner do Chinese have?

The main difference on the Chinese dinner table is chopsticks instead of knife and fork, but that's only superficial. Besides, in decent restaurants, you can always ask for a pair of knife and fork, if you find the chopsticks not helpful enough.

Maybe, the real difference is that in your country, you have your own plate of food, while in China the dishes are placed on the table and everyone shares. If you are being treated to a formal dinner and particularly if the host thinks you're in our country for the first time, he will do the best to give you a taste of many different types of Chinese dishes.

Perhaps one of the things that surprises a Western visitor most is that some of the Chinese hosts like to put food into the plates of their guests. In formal dinners, there are always 'public' chopsticks and spoons for this purpose, but some hosts may use their own chopsticks. This is a sign of genuine friendship and politeness. It is always polite to eat the food. If you do not want to eat it, just leave the food in the plate.

People in China tend to over-order food, for they will find it embarrassing if all the food is consumed. When you have had enough, just tell the host, or you will always overeat!

What should I pay attention to when giving gifts to Chinese?

• In general, gifts are given at Chinese New Year, weddings, births and more recently (because of marketing), birthdays.
• The Chinese like food and a nice food basket will make a great gift.
• Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate the severing of the relationship.
• Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals as they are associated with funerals and death.
• Do not give flowers, as many Chinese associate these with funerals.
• Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper.
• Four is an unlucky number so do not give four of anything. Eight is the luckiest number, so giving eight of something brings luck to the recipient.
• Always present gifts with two hands.
• Gifts are not opened when received.
• Gifts may be refused three times before they are accepted.

What Mascots do the Chinese believe?

Traditional Chinese folk legends hold dragon, phoenix, tortoise and kylin (Chinese unicorn) to be the "four mascots". The pattern of the flying dragon and dancing phoenix, in particular, is believed to be a symbol of good luck.

What is a red packet for Chinese New Year?

A Red Packet (Red Envelope) is simply a red envelope with money in it, often decorated with lucky symbols, which symbolizes luck and wealth. It is called Hong Bao in Chinese.

Occasions for Red Packets

Traditionally red packets are handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. They are also popular gifts for weddings and birthdays. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular.

How Much to Give

For New Year
It depends on the situation. If you give red packets to kids for the New Year, age will be an important factor. Usually the older the kids are, the more money they will get. For a kid of five years old, one or two dollars will be fine. It will be better to have enough money in the red packet for a 15-years old to buy something himself.

For Wedding
If you go to a wedding, the money in the red packet should be about right for a nice gift. Naturally you will be glad to put a little more money in it if you have a very close relation with the couple. But it should be based on your financial situation and don't overdo it. It is similar for birthdays. The red packets usually contain less money since birthdays are not as important as weddings. People often just bring gifts for birthdays. You can also bring gifts for weddings.

For Emloyees
Giving red packets to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the red packet and hand it out in an office.

What is "Mianzi" in the opinion of the Chinese?

Mianzi, commonly referred to as 'face', is a reflection of a person's level of status in the eyes of his or her peers.

Having 'face' means you are viewed by your peers, superiors, and subordinates as one in harmony with the prevailing disposition of society. It is a subtlety that is not openly discussed in Chinese society, but exists as a conversational skill nonetheless.

As a foreigner, it is not necessary to take Mianzi too seriously when engaged in discussions that may be confusing. Mianzi can best be understood as the avoidance of embarrassment in front of others. Otherwise, it can be considered to be impolite.

What should i pay attention to if i visit a Chinese family?

In China, a gift is also necessary when visiting a family. But it is not complex. Usually, flowers, common fruits and food are okay. As for alcohol, you had better check whether the person enjoys it or if they have such a hobby.

During lunch time, hosts will ask you to have more food or alcohol. If you do not want to disappoint them, you can have a little more according to your situation. If you are truly full, you had better refuse directly, otherwise, the hospitable hosts will continue to refill your bowl.