China’s Gifting etiquettes

1. Using both hands, deliver a present to the recipient.

2. To be courteous, a Chinese individual would initially deny a present two or three times before taking it.

3. Presents are not always opened right away or in front of the giver.

4. A gift’s wrapping is given careful consideration since it makes a big first impression. The finer the covering, the more ornate. Presents wrapped in gold and crimson paper symbolize good fortune, whereas wrapping in white, blue, or black suggests unfavourable feelings.

5. Don’t give pricey presents that are hard to match or return. Giving such presents will make the recipient in China look bad, which might lead to the gift being declined.

6. Gifts like candies, fruits, flowers (not white ones), or spirits are preferable.

7. Gifts that total four should not be given. The word “death” in Chinese sounds similar like the word for “four.”

8.     There are a few gifts that must be avoided like scissors, knives, white and yellow flowers etc. these flowers are used when somebody dies thus, they are considered as a taboo to be gifted.

Chinese social etiquette and customs: It is a mystery; why do Chinese people consider you polite when slurping your soup whereas rejecting someone’s gift is considered impolite?  Although it seems too ancient, concerning societal norms, manners and etiquette of China are filled with traditions, which aim at ensuring harmony and avoiding offending anyone.  Understanding these distinctions would make an individual more comfortable in social situations as well as business transactions or while eating in the country. 

In this article, we will take a close look at some key issues regarding greetings and gift-giving, dining culture and public behaviour.