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Chinese Etiquette Guide

policy2026/04/10
I. Daily Social Etiquette


1. Greetings upon Meeting


Common Chinese greetings include:


  • “Hello”


  • “Nice to meet you”


  • Handshake


  • Nodding with a smile


In business settings, handshakes are typically the norm.


Precautions


  • Avoid overly enthusiastic physical contact during first meetings;


  • It is not advisable to initiate hugs or cheek kisses;


  • When meeting elders or superiors, wait for them to extend their hand first.


2. Forms of Address


Chinese society places great importance on etiquette related to status and age.


  • In formal situations, it is recommended to use “surname + position/Mr./Ms.”;


  • Calling someone by their first name may appear too informal in business contexts;


  • Always maintain polite forms of address when speaking to elders.


3. Business Card Etiquette


Exchanging business cards is common in professional interactions.


Proper Practices


Present your card with both hands;


After receiving a card, read it briefly before handling;


Do not immediately place it into your pocket.


Precautions


  • It is best to have business cards printed in both Chinese and English;


  • Avoid writing on others’ business cards without permission.


II. Public Place Etiquette


1. Queuing and Order


Queueing is emphasized in public transportation, shopping malls, airports, and other venues in China.


Official civility guidelines state:

“Queue in an orderly manner; do not step over yellow lines.”


Precautions


  • Board subways and high-speed trains in an orderly queue;


  • In some cities, escalators follow the rule of “stand on the right”;


  • Cutting in line is generally considered impolite.


2. Public Transportation Etiquette


When riding the subway, bus, or high-speed rail, one should


  • Remain quiet;


  • Offer seats to the elderly, pregnant women, and children;


  • Wear headphones while listening to music or watching videos.


Precautions


  • Loud talking in public spaces can easily cause discomfort;


  • Keep phone call volume low in high-speed rail carriages;


  • Smoking is prohibited in non-smoking areas.


3. Environment and Hygiene


Most Chinese cities have strict requirements for public hygiene.


Official civility guidelines emphasize:


“Practice good hygiene and protect the environment.”


Precautions


  • Do not litter indiscriminately;


  • Follow local waste-sorting regulations;


  • Treading on lawns or damaging cultural relics is forbidden in parks and scenic areas.


III. Table Manners


Dining culture is an important part of social interaction in China.


1. Characteristics of Chinese Cuisine


Traditional Chinese gatherings often feature shared dishes.


Typical scenarios include:


  • Multiple people seated at one table;


  • Dishes placed in the center of the table;


  • Use of communal chopsticks or a rotating tray.


Precautions


  • Do not order only foods you personally enjoy;


  • During meals, it is customary to serve food to others or offer drinks as a gesture of respect;


  • It is more polite to wait for elders or the host to begin eating first.


2. Chopstick Etiquette


Avoid the following behaviors:


  • Sticking chopsticks upright into rice;


  • Tapping bowls with chopsticks;


  • Pointing at people with chopsticks.


These actions are traditionally considered impolite.


3. Toasting Culture


Toasting is common during business or formal gatherings.


Basic Etiquette


  • Lightly clink glasses as a sign of respect;


  • Juniors or subordinates should hold their glass slightly lower than their superior’s;


  • If unable to drink alcohol, politely explain this fact.


Precautions


  • In most cases in China, drinking is never forced;


  • Tea or beverages can be used as substitutes.


IV. Business and Workplace Etiquette


1. Punctuality


Time management is highly valued in Chinese business activities.


Official civility guidelines state:


“Be punctual when traveling or conducting business.”


Recommendations


  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early for business meetings;


  • Notify in advance if you will be late.


2. Communication Styles


Business communication in China tends to be relatively indirect.


Common expressions include:


  • “Let’s think about it again”;


  • “It might not be very convenient”;


  • “We can collaborate another time”;


These phrases do not always clearly indicate rejection or agreement.


Precautions


  • Avoid direct confrontation in public settings;


  • Respect others’ dignity and emotions;


  • Provide criticism or suggestions privately whenever possible.


3. Respecting Hierarchical Relationships


Some Chinese companies place significant emphasis on positions and seniority.


Recommendations


  • Engage first with supervisors or senior colleagues during meetings;


  • Do not interrupt others’ speeches;


  • Pay attention to seating arrangements during business dinners.


V. Religious and Cultural Respect


China is a multi-ethnic, multicultural nation.


Precautions


  • Respect rules at religious sites;


  • Do not photograph others without permission;


  • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics;


  • Respect local customs and traditions.


In temples and religious venues, it is customary to


  • Maintain silence;


  • Dress appropriately;


  • Refrain from touching religious objects.


VI. Photography and Scenic Area Etiquette


Tourist attractions usually have clear regulations.


Precautions


  • Do not enter “no-entry” zones;


  • Do not climb historical buildings;


  • Do not carve names on cultural relics;


  • Observe photography restrictions.


Promoting civilized tourism and adhering to scenic area rules has been included in official civility initiatives.