Gift-giving has rules
Never give clocks (sounds like 'death'), white flowers (funerals), or anything in sets of four. Red envelopes with money are standard for holidays and weddings. Give and receive with both hands.
🤝 Etiquette in China
Etiquette in China is mostly invisible until you break it. Greetings, gestures, dining manners and the social cues locals expect are worth learning before you arrive.
In China, etiquette comes down to a few things: gift-giving has rules, toasting at dinner, and business cards with both hands.
Toasting at dinner
The host toasts first. Clink glasses lower than the senior person's glass to show respect. 'Gānbēi' means bottoms up — and they mean it. Pace yourself with baijiu.
Business cards with both hands
Present and receive with both hands. Read the card carefully. Never write on it or put it in your back pocket. Place it on the table during the meeting.