Handshake or nod? How to address people? Business card exchange etiquette. Chinese people rarely hug or cheek-kiss. Using title + surname is the safest form of address in professional settings.
Chinese greetings are generally more formal and less physically demonstrative than in many Western countries. Handshakes are common in business settings, but hugs and cheek kisses are rare. How you address someone — using their title and surname — matters enormously. Business card exchange has its own ritual. Getting greetings right sets the tone for every interaction that follows.
Greeting customs matter most in business settings, when meeting elders, at formal events, and when being introduced to someone important. In casual settings with younger Chinese people, informal greetings are fine — many are familiar with Western norms.
What to give and what to avoid. Color taboos (white/black = funerals), number superstitions (4 = death), and the art of refusing three times before accepting.
When to give red envelopes, how much to put in, and number taboos. Amount guides for weddings, Spring Festival, and birthdays. 8 is lucky, 4 is death — these details matter enormously.
Understanding 'face' (mianzi) is the key to Chinese interpersonal relationships. Never criticize publicly, never refuse directly, always give people an exit path. Protecting someone's face matters more than proving you're right.
If you're unsure about a specific cultural situation, reach out for practical advice tailored to your trip.