An Introduction to Chinese Business Etiquette

China has a very formal business culture and understanding some common courtesy, as well as professional courtesy, will help to create and build relationships - and we all know that relationships in business is key.

Chinese business culture is vastly different to that of the UK. In China, the basic tenets of business are based around respect and a formal relationship between businesses. Business etiquette in China places paramount importance on respect for age and status, and deep rapport between contacts is imperative. 

For example, business cards are routinely exchanged upon introduction in China and read respectfully with both hands, so it would be good practice to have your business details written in Chinese characters on one side of your card.

Business relations in China are steeped in tradition, and it is uncommon for Chinese businesses to work with companies they are not familiar with, therefore working through an intermediary is vital. The Culture Exchange understands these traditions, allowing you will go into business showing cultural awareness and sensitivity to foreign practices.

Our unique links with Chinese businesses means we are in contact with a number of companies looking to develop relationships with the UK.

Contact us to find out more about our custom familiarisation training and how we can introduce your business to the Chinese market.

Business environment in general

• Business is much faster paced than UK.
• Chinese people live their jobs and often work every waking hour in their work – even in an office environment.
• Chinese take their work/profession very seriously.
• Meetings are often arranged at last minute and with seemingly little planning, however it is the opportunistic culture that makes the market so dynamic.
• Be prepared to think on your feet, react and travel with little notice to meet with Chinese business people or organisation.

Meeting Etiquette

• In a meeting you sit opposite your equal ranked person (seniority to the project). Our group on one side of the table and the host on the other side. 
• Greetings are generally speaking quite formal affairs. The oldest person is usually always greeted first.
• Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners.
• Many Chinese will look towards the ground when greeting someone.
• Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they want to move to a first-name basis, they will advise you which name to use.
• Offer your Business card with two hands. Receive with two hands also, and look subtly interested in the detail of the card, (the text).  This shows respect to the person’s position in the company or organisation.
• The Chinese have a terrific sense of humour. They can laugh at themselves most readily if they have a comfortable relationship with the other person. Be ready to laugh at yourself given the proper circumstances. English are also renowned for a similar understanding of this sense of humour.
• It is common to have a formal meeting and then go out to eat and drink. If his happens it is a good sign for the business relationship. When we plan meetings, expect within your understanding of the meeting time to go out for food afterwards which can easily double the time one would normally allocate for a meeting in the UK.