The Etiquette Lady Resource Page.

Etiquette Tips and Manners in China:

Always be respectful and never make fun of customs or manners that may be different from your own.
The Chinese consider the use of Kleenex and handkerchiefs unsanitary. Please use them discreetly and dispose of them properly.
When presenting a business card, always have the face of the card facing the person you are presenting it to. Use both hands/ thumb and index finger to present the card. It will be received with both hands as well.
When receiving a business card, receive it with both hands/both thumbs and index fingers. Read the card, study it, and respect it. Then place it in your chest pocket or business card holder. Never write on it or put it in your wallet or back pocket and sit on it.
The Chinese are very superstitious. The number four means death. The number eight is very auspicious; hence the Beijing Olympics open on 8-8-08!
Many Chinese smoke. It is a part of their culture. Never ask them to put it out. You’ll need to move if it offends you.
Public restroom facilities may not meet our American standards. Always be prepared and take along plenty of sanitary hand wipes and toilet paper, even in some of the finest restaurants. The new Beijing Airport Terminal is excellent and immaculate. Plenty of restrooms. The Olympic grounds are well equipped as well.
When thanking someone it is proper to bow slightly from the waist. This shows respect. But don’t bow too low, because the person you are addressing must bow lower than you did!
When I traveled to China last March I was repeatedly stopped and asked if photographs could be taken of me and photos taken with groups or individuals. I am somewhat tall (5’8”), American and “blond”! This is a rarity, especially to the people from the farms and outer regions. I was honored!
Never drink the water! Even hotel rooms provide bottled water and water purification steamers to use when making coffee, tea or brushing your teeth.

Dining in China

Most restaurants will have available “American Style” Chinese food. If you don’t like something that is served to you, never make a face or negative comment. Always try to put a little of everything on your plate even if you don’t intend to eat it.
Try and master the art of eating with chop sticks. If you can’t quite make them work, simply ask for a fork. But the Chinese will appreciate your efforts to try and learn.
When eating rice, hold the bowl near your mouth and push your rice into your mouth with your chopsticks or fork.
When you are finished eating, always leave some food on your plate to show that you are full. It is an insult to clean your plate.
Once a meal is over, Chinese people do not linger. Be prepared to leave immediately after your meal is finished.

DID YOU KNOW?

Executives and front-line professionals reflect directly on the bottom line of your business or company.
Companies are recognizing that etiquette and protocol knowledge is a form of business intelligence.
This has created an unprecedented demand for expert guidance and training for the professionals that represent your company.
In fact, these skills are so important in the workplace, a survey by two University of Massachusetts economists found that 86 percent of employers consider them to be among their most important hiring criteria