Behavior

- Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.

- Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.

- Do not point when speaking.

- To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm.

- It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.

- Avoid acts that involve the mouth.

- Gift giving is a very delicate issue in China.

- It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the business world.

- It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.

- The most acceptable gift is a banquet.

- Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts.

- The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given: clocks, straw sandals, a stork or crane, handkerchiefs, anything white, blue or black

- Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest.

- Do not discuss business at meals.

- Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.

- As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered.

- Sample meals only, there may be several courses.

- Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death.

- Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck.

- Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry.

- Women do not usually drink at meals.

- Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.