What should I know about Chinese business etiquette?
Published: April 29, 2026
Short Answer
Chinese business culture revolves around respect, hierarchy, and building personal relationships (guanxi). Always address people by their title and surname first, exchange business cards with two hands, and never refuse a banquet invitation — meals are where deals actually get made.
Don't stress about getting everything perfect. Most Chinese business partners know you're a foreigner and will appreciate that you're even trying. But showing you understand a few key customs will set you apart from every other Westerner who just walks in clueless.
Business professionals exchanging business cards in a modern Chinese office
Deep Dive
Business Cards (名片) — The First Impression
This is the single most important etiquette moment. When you hand over your card:
- Use both hands to present it, with the text facing the recipient
- When you receive a card, take a moment to read it — look at the person's name and title
- Never write on someone's business card in front of them
- Place it on the table during a meeting, not straight into your pocket
If you can, get one side of your card printed in Chinese. This small investment pays off big.
Hierarchy and Titles (等级和头衔)
Chinese companies are very hierarchical. The most senior person in the room leads the conversation.
- Always greet the most senior person first
- Use titles like Director (主任), Manager (经理), or Professor (教授) followed by their surname
- Don't use first names unless they explicitly invite you to
- When seating at a meeting or dinner, the seat facing the door is for the most important guest
Banquets and Business Dinners (宴请)
This is where Chinese business really happens. If you get invited to dinner, go — declining is a bad sign.
- The host orders all the food and pays the bill. Never try to split the bill
- Wait for the host to start eating or invite everyone to begin
- Toasting (干杯) is frequent. If you don't drink alcohol, say so early and politely — tea is always an acceptable substitute
- Try a bit of everything. Saying "I don't eat this" can feel dismissive of the host's choices
Gift Giving in Business (商务送礼)
Bringing a small gift from your home country is a nice touch — local specialties, good chocolate, or quality wine work well.
- Present gifts with both hands
- Don't open a gift in front of the giver unless they insist
- Avoid clocks, umbrellas, green hats, and anything in sets of four (see our gift taboos guide)
- Reciprocity matters — if someone gives you a gift, try to give one back at some point
Guanxi (关系) — Relationships Over Transactions
In the West, business is often transactional. In China, it's relational. Guanxi means building a network of trust and mutual obligation.
- Invest time in dinners, tea, and casual conversation before jumping to business
- Don't rush negotiations. Chinese partners often want to know you as a person first
- Follow up after meetings with a friendly WeChat message, not just an email
WeChat for Business (微信)
WeChat is how business communication happens in China. Email exists, but WeChat is where the real conversations happen.
- Download WeChat before your trip and set up a professional profile
- Scan QR codes to add contacts — this is the Chinese equivalent of exchanging cards
- WeChat Pay is also used for splitting small costs, but in formal business settings, the host always pays
Chinese business dinner with colleagues around a round table