A grand entrance at a restaurant in China

Although China is modernizing rapidly, and urban areas are giving are changing the face of Chinese culture, an important thing to remember about Chinese culture is that the group, family and society are very important parts of a Chinese person's life. A Chinese citizen is seen as part of the fabric, rather than an individual. Unlike the United States, individualism is given much less clout in Chinese society and culture. In general, authority figures are listened to without question, following traditional Confucian values. Humility and formality are much more important than the casual American society. That being said, here is a simple list of dos and don'ts.

ALWAYS
- Be polite and formal with a Chinese person.
- Use titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., Professor, Dr., etc.
- Keep someone's honor intact. The concept of face in China means you never embarrass or put someone on the spot.
- Be reserved when talking to someone. Huge gestures, especially angry, will make you look bad.

Dining
Chinese dining is a wonderful example of how the Chinese relate to others. In the West, everyone gets their own entree. But in China, everyone gets their own plate and shares dishes. This is wonderful for Westerners to sample many different delicious dishes at once. You will be given chopsticks, but some restaurants will offer forks. The Chinese are only too happy to help learn how to use chopsticks.

- Do eat most of your food, as it shows that you enjoy the food. With this in mind, take only as much as you can eat.
- Don't leave your chopsticks in your bowl, even between bites.
- Do try everything, even if it looks too exotic for your taste.
- Don't put your hands in or near your mouth.

When visiting a Chinese home, you should bring a gift with you.

Gift-giving
Gift-giving in China is more common than in the United States. Gifts are more than material possessions, they are tokens of appreciation and gives the receiver something to remember the giver by. So, when you go to China, you will be showered with gifts!

- Do insist on giving the gift, even when it is refused. Refusing the gift a few times is polite. Do the same in return.
- Don't give straw sandals, chrysanthemums, clocks, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, white flowers, anything in sets of four, any gift wrapped in white, blue or black. These are associated with funerals.
- Do present the gift with both hands.
- Don't go to someone's house without bringing a gift. This thanks them for inviting you to their home.