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Like many other Asian cultures, the Chinese have a lengthy code of etiquette that is important to understand if one wishes to have meaningful interactions with the most populous people in the world.

Gifts

When first meeting a business contact or peer it is considered appropriate to present a gift that expresses a characteristic of your home country. In choosing what sort of gift to bring along, a few important considerations must be made. For example, the Chinese are sensitive to color. Red and yellow in particular are thought to be “lucky” while white, black, and blue are associated with death. Likewise, clocks, cut flowers, handkerchiefs, straw sandals, white objects, or the number four should never be part of a gift, as they are closely related with the end of life. Scissors or any other sharp object symbolizes the severing of a relationship, and should also be avoided. The presentation of a gift should be done with both hands and in private. While the recipient may refuse the gift one, two, or even three times, it is expected that the giver will persist. To be polite, they will often wait until after the departure of the gift-giver to open it.

Greetings and Introductions

The Chinese do not like to do business with strangers. When meeting someone new, they prefer to use intermediaries known by both parties to make the formal introductions. The actual greeting itself could be anything from a handshake to a nod. The Chinese are taught not to show excessive emotion, and also to look towards the ground when greeting someone. Greetings are formal and the oldest person should always be greeted first. When being introduced, stand up and remain standing throughout the introduction.

Chinese Names

To address someone in Chinese, begin with their last name followed by their given name. This is reversed when addressing someone in English. For example, Li Wang in Chinese would be Mr. Wang Li using the Western style. In a business setting, address someone by his or her professional title and then by their last name. For example, Li Xiansheng for Mr. Li, or Li Jingli for Manager Liu. Do not call a person only by their last name.

One important distinction in Chinese culture is the fact that women's names cannot be distinguished from men's names because women use their maiden names even after marriage. They might indicate marital status by using Mrs., Ms., Miss, or Madam, but Mrs. Wang might be married to Mr. Liu.

Chinese businesspeople who do frequent business abroad may adopt western first names, such as John Li.

Personal Questions and Compliments

The Chinese are not shy about asking personal questions. This is not done to be rude, but to seek common ground. Conversely, the Chinese find American familiarity (pat on the back, arm around the shoulder, etc.) off-putting.

When accepting a compliment, the Chinese rarely say “thank you”. Instead, they will be indirect in acknowledging any praise by saying something like “you flatter me” or “it was nothing”. Accepting or giving direct praise is considered poor etiquette.

Mianzi (Face)

Mianzi (or “face”), is a reflection of a person's status in the eyes of his or her compatriots. Having this quality means you are viewed by others as one in harmony with society. This particular facet of Chinese culture is not openly discussed, and foreigners are not expected to be overly conscious of Mianzi.

Gestures and Social distance

For the Chinese, personal comfort zones are much smaller than those in the west. In public places, travelers can expect to be jostled around due to the reluctance of the Chinese to form lines or queues. Despite this fact, they do not like to be touched, especially by strangers.

There are some western gestures that should not be performed in China. For example, pointing the index finger, using the index finger to call someone, finger snapping, showing the soles of shoes, and whistling in public should be avoided.

Dining and Social Etiquette

When dining with the Chinese, a few considerations must be taken. It is necessary to leave something on your plate, for a clean plate indicates that you are still hungry, and that the host should bring additional food and drink.

The consumption of alcohol is an important part of Chinese dining and social events. A common expression made during a toast is “Gan bei”, which means “bottoms up”. However, inebriation is not as accepted in Chinese culture as it is in Japan or Korea.

It is considered an honor to be invited to someone’s home. The Chinese generally prefer to entertain in public places, and so an invitation to the home is a great honor. If it must be turned down, it is necessary to explain the scheduling conflict.

While dining, guests should try everything that is offered to them, but should never eat the last piece from a serving tray. If there are any bones in the dish being served, place them on table or in the bowl specifically used for that purpose. If this is not immediately clear, simply observe the habits of the other diners. Guests should not be offended if Chinese diners make slurping or belching sounds. This is not considered to be taboo and  indicates that they are enjoying their meal.

Tipping is considered rude by older workers, but younger workers are becoming more attune to accepting such displays of gratitude.