To show respect, it is very important to greet the oldest person in the group first. Make sure to not use the person's first name unless requested by them. They should be addressed with their surname, followed by 'lady', 'sir' or by their job title.
If you are meeting someone in a business context, shake hands and smile. If it is someone older than you with some sort of rank, you may do a very slight bow from the shoulders (as opposed to a full-fledged bow from the waist) as a sign of respect. Do accept business cards with two hands. It's a sign of respect.
Respecting elders is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. When addressing elders, Chinese etiquette involves using the word “nin”, which is the polite version of the word “you” in Mandarin. The elders almost always come first in Chinese society. You greet them first in a meeting, and they get seated first at dinner.
Basic Etiquette
The correct decorum during interactions in China always entails showing deference to those who are older. It is expected that one bows their head slightly and speaks softly when conversing with someone elderly. The advice or opinion of the elderly should never be contested.
Chinese people prefer modesty and keeping a low profile both in regard to their own achievements and status as well as their interactions with others. Traditionally, in the course of polite conversation, Chinese people will downplay their own positions and achievements while emphasizing those of others.
The Chinese traditional cultural values of harmony, benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, honesty, loyalty, and filial piety are embodied in China's diplomacy through the concept of harmony, the most important Chinese traditional value.
The 12 values, written in 24 Chinese characters, are the national values of "prosperity", "democracy", "civility" and "harmony"; the social values of "freedom", "equality", "justice" and the "rule of law"; and the individual values of "patriotism", "dedication", "integrity" and "friendship".
With a rich history of more than 5,000 years, China enjoys many traditional festivals that you may encounter on a trip to China such as the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival) to the Dragon Festival and Mid-autumn Day, each with its own significance and features.
Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are considered the “three pillars” of ancient Chinese society. As philosophies and religions, they not only influenced spirituality, but also government, science, the arts, and social structure.
In Chinese hospitality, the host is obliged to keep their guests fully occupied. Generally, visitors are shown many sites, offered different kinds of meals. Chinese follow the tradition of seeing off their guests. Guests are not only accompanied to the street, but they are accompanied up to their transport, too.
The Chinese character “尊”(respect) derives from the picture of someone holding up a wine vessel, which indicates offering something nice to someone older or of higher social status.
One of the first things any student of Chinese learns to say is “谢谢 (xièxiè)”, i.e. Thank You. This phrase is useful because it can be used to express your gratitude (or 感恩 (gǎn'ēn)) in pretty much any situation. For those wanting to be a little more formal you can say “谢谢你 (xièxiè nǐ)”.
In Asia, paying respect to elders is expected among younger people, a gesture such as bowing expresses the utmost respect. The elaborate and refined Japanese tea ceremony is also meant to demonstrate respect through grace and good etiquette.
Making eye contact in China is a sure-fire way to make enemies, not friends. The Chinese people view eye contact as a necessary tool, but not in the same way that other cultures do. In China, people make eye contact when they are angry. It is meant to challenge the other person and is a sign of disrespect.
The usage of “老(lǎo)” and “小(xiǎo)” depends on the age of the person being addressed. You can use 老(lǎo)+ surname to address those who are older than you to show respect. 小(xiǎo)+ surname is used to call those who are younger than you.
Examples of cultural values include respect for elders, family values, individualism, and egalitarianism. Cultural values are passed on from one generation to another, which ensures continuity of traditions within a group of people. They may also be passed on through media.
The Chinese believe that by filling their lives with lucky objects and images, they increase their prosperity and happiness, making their existence more joyful and fulfilling. For centuries, symbols and written script have graced their impressive architecture, language, artwork, and everyday objects.
The most praised Four Great Traditions in Chinese cuisine are Chuan, Lu, Yue, and Huaiyang, representing cuisines of West, North, South, and East China, respectively.
Chinese New Year is also called Spring Festival. It is the most important festival to Chinese people. Many activities are held to celebrate the festival, such as dragon dances, setting off firecrackers, making dumplings, etc.
The most important is Chinese New Year, then Mid-Autumn Festival. China, with its "55 Ethnic Minorities", also has many ethnic festivals.
In the traditional Chinese family, the man is responsible for maintaining, providing for, and protecting his family. He is also given all the decision-making power when it comes to his wife and other family members. He is responsible for supporting his children's education until they are married.
Zhong, or loyalty, means the quality of staying firm in your friendship or support for someone or something.
The basic principles of Confucian thought are obedience to and respect for superiors and parents, duty to family, loyalty to friends, humility, sincerity and courtesy. What is the Chinese attitude towards family according to Confucianism? The family is the pre-eminent institution in China.
Do not touch, hug, lock arms, back slap or make any body contact. Clicking fingers or whistling is considered very rude. Never put your feet on a desk or a chair. Never gesture or pass an object with your feet.