Simple Chinese cultural things that you should know

Just because your Chinese host asked you personal questions regarding your marital status and your age or about your family background and income, you should not get upset. Such queries are common in Chinese culture and you as a visitor to China should accept them gracefully and answer them honestly. It might feel strange, but by providing the correct answers with a smiling face you shall be bonding yourself with the family even more. The Chinese culture is far more advanced that European ones (no misunderstandings please, but there are times when one has to accept certain things without feeling bad about it).

When in China, remember one simple rule that will make your tasks easy. Give respect to elders. Remember, if there are a number of senior persons, age takes precedence and the one whose age is highest is considered the senior most. There are a number of simple things in Chinese culture that are easy to remember and implement and if you follow them carefully, both the elders and their juniors shall respect you. While on a business trip and visiting an office, be sure that you know the required etiquette. If you are handing out your business card, the senior most person in that office should get it first and then the person lower in seniority to him.

There are certain other norms that need to be followed when handing out the card. Hold the same with both hands and bow a bit when passing on the card to the recipient, never act carelessly. Hand over the card to the recipient so that the printed side is facing them and do not give it in such a way that they have to turn over the card to read it since this is considered rude. Making them turn around the card to read it is considered as making them work in order to read the card. Mutual trust and faith is extremely important when you are conducting business with the Chinese and the best way to achieve the same is by following their culture.

This will also help you to gain their faith and respect. Never discuss subjects like divorce or death in the family when visiting a Chinese friend or business partner. You should also not discuss anything related to politics, especially their politics. Though the following has been stressed upon many times, one should remember the extreme importance Chinese give to their seniors and as a visitor to their country you should follow the same. Unless permitted, never address your Chinese business partners by their first name. Instead of addressing them as Mr. Nam Ki Yang, it is preferable that you address them as Manager Nam Ki Yang. Since seniority prevails in China, do not be surprised to see that the seating arrangements during a meeting on while dining is arranged according to rank then importance and finally seniority. Following and observing these simple rules will make your stay in China an unforgettable experience, something that you will cherish forever