China's etiquette sensitivity is moderate — locals are generally forgiving of foreigners, but a few specific customs are worth knowing. Most important: Use both hands when giving or receiving business cards or gifts, and avoid dwelling on political topics like Taiwan, Tibet, or Hong Kong.
Want the full guide? Get a PDF with tips for China — free.
Use both hands when giving or receiving business cards or gifts, and avoid dwelling on political topics like Taiwan, Tibet, or Hong Kong.
China's etiquette sensitivity is moderate — locals are generally forgiving of foreigners, but a few specific customs are worth knowing
Gift-giving matters — avoid clocks (they symbolize death) and sets of four (the number sounds like "death" in Mandarin). It's polite to leave a little food on your plate to show your host you've been served enough.
Locals are generally understanding of foreign visitors — a little awareness helps, but nobody expects perfection.