When you come to China for the first time, whether travelling or for work, it can feel like opening a cultural grab bag. Giant skyscrapers, super-fast subways, food delivery drones whizzing through the air... You'll be amazed by the high-tech atmosphere, but you'll also stare mesmerised at a pair of chopsticks as if they were alien technology.
Don't worry, this guide is your humble cup of hot water: simple, underrated, but potentially life-saving.
The most important thing first: the greeting. If you are planning to hug someone warmly, it is better to hold back. Most Chinese people don't like physical contact. A firm handshake is completely sufficient. And if someone asks you: "吃了吗?(chī le ma) Have you eaten yet?", they are not inviting you to lunch, just saying hello. A simple "Yes, thank you" is enough. You don't have to order the menu.
When you receive something, whether it's a business card, a gift or a cup of tea, use both hands. This small gesture shows great respect and immediately earns you points in terms of culture. When you receive something, whether it's a business card, a gift or a cup of tea, take it with both hands. This small gesture shows great respect and immediately earns you culture points.
Gift-giving is a real art. Watches are taboo (the word for "watch" sounds like "end" or "death"). Umbrellas and pears? Also bad luck, because their names sound like "separation". Take tea, tasty snacks or something useful instead. Wrap everything in red (super lucky) and avoid giving away four of anything because 4 sounds like "death". And if they politely decline a few times? Just keep it friendly. They're just being modest, not ungrateful.
Last but not least: learn to read between the lines. Chinese people often don't say "no" directly. Instead, you'll hear "maybe", "let me have a look" or "that might be difficult". This is their way of being polite. They're not trying to trick you, they're just communicating differently. If you can throw in a few Chinese words like 你好 "nǐ hǎo" (hello), 谢谢 "xièxiè" (thank you) or 好吃 "hǎo chī" (yummy), people will beam as if you've given them a surprise pastry bag.
In short, the Chinese are warm, attentive and sometimes a little shy when it comes to showing it. But if you approach them with patience, a smile and respect, you will realise that the people are the best thing about this trip.
