Cultural Guide

Chinese Culture
Chinese Manners
Chinese Manners Handshakes when meeting or saying "Goodbye" are common in the larger cities. Avoid backslapping or hugging. Kissing upon greeting or taking your leave is never permissible. It is common social practice to introduce the junior to the senior, or the familiar to the unfamiliar. When you start a talk with a stranger, topics such as weather, food, or hobbies may be good choices to break the ice. To a man, a chat about current affairs, sports, stock market or his job can usually go over smoothly. Similar to Western customs, you should be cautious to ask a woman private questions. However, relaxing talks about her job or family life will never put you into danger. Chinese consider gifts as an important part to show courtesy. It is appropriate to give gifts on occasions such as festival, birthday, wedding, or visiting a patient. If you are invited to a family party, small gifts like wine, tea, cigarettes, or candies are welcomed. Also fruit, pastries, and flowers are a safe choice. As to other things, you should pay a little attention to the cultural differences. Contrary to Westerners, odd numbers are thought to be unfortunate. So wedding gifts and birthday gifts for the aged are always sent in pairs for the old saying goes that blessings come in pairs. Though four is an even number, it reads like death in Chinese thus is avoided. So is pear for being a homophone of separation. And a gift of a clock sounds like attending another's funeral so it is a taboo, too. As connected with death and sorrow, black and white are also the last in the choice of color. Gift giving is unsuitable in public except for some souvenirs. Your good intentions or gratitude should be given priority to, but not the value of the gifts. Otherwise the receiver may mistake it for a bribe.

Business Etiquette
Eating is one of the great joys of life in Suzhou. If you are in the city on business, your Chinese associates will invariably invite you to dinner. If several people are invited, the dinner may take the form of a formal banquet. Guests will be seated at a round table with a revolving tray in the middle. The host will face the door and place the guest of honour to his or her right with the person of secondary importance on the left. The banquet begins with an opening toast from the host. It is proper to reciprocate the toast after a few dishes have been served. Other participants will offer toasts as well during the course of the meal.

When negotiation is entered, the right of decision-making often depends on who is present at the meeting. In most cases, verbal communication is enough. Too many gestures may leave others an impression of arrogance. As to eye contact, looking into others' eyes when you speak will do, for cultural differences put a limit on it. And don't take the Chinese nod for agreement; it's only a sign that of intent listening. Chinese prefer formal meetings, but after that there is usually a dinner together to show hospitality. One piece of advice may be 'Do as the Chinese do.' When you become acquainted with a Chinese partner, a private lunch meeting or dinner at home is a good opportunity to get to know each other better. When giving out namecards, hand them with both hands respectfully.