It is common social practice to introduce the junior to the senior, or the familiar to the unfamiliar. When you start a talk with a stranger, the topics such as weather, food, or hobbies may be good choices to break the ice. To a man, a chat about current affairs, sports, stock market or his job can usually go on smoothly. Similar to Western customs, you should be cautious to ask a woman private questions. However, relaxing talks about her job or family life will never put you into danger.

Chinese consider gifts as an important part to show courtesy. It is appropriate to give gifts on occasions such as festival, birthday, wedding, or visiting a patient. If you are invited to a family party, small gifts like wine, tea, cigarettes, or candies are welcomed. Also fruit, pastries, and flowers are a safe choice. As to other things, you should pay a little attention to the cultural differences. Contrary to Westerners, odd numbers are thought to be unfortunate.

As connected with death and sorrow, black and white are also the last in the choice. Gift giving is unsuitable in public except for some souvenirs. Your good intentions or gratitude should be given priority to but not the value of the gifts. Otherwise the receiver may mistake it for a bribe.

 Business Etiquette

When negotiation is entered, the right of decision-making often depends on who are present at the meeting. In most cases, verbal communications are enough. Too many gestures may leave others an impression of arrogance. As to eye contact, when you speak, looking into others' eyes will do, for cultural differences puts a limit on it. And you'd better not take the Chinese nod for agreement; it's only a sign that they are listening attentively. Chinese prefer formal meetings, but after that is usually a dinner together to show their hospitality. However some Westerners think it a waste at public expense. One piece of advice may be 'Do as the Chinese do.' When you become acquaintance with the Chinese partner, a private lunch meeting or dinner at home is a good opportunity to know each other. When giving out name cards, hand them with both hands respectfully. In China you should not be surprised to see many business women taking up positions like director, general manager, president and etc. they play such an important role in the society as to 'prop up half of the sky.' Generally speaking career women demand no more respect than men. But they will particularly appreciate the gentlemanly manners.

Laoshe Teahouse
Add: 3 Xida Street Qianmen, Xuanwu District

Bai Cao Yuan Teahouse
Add: 22a Gaoliangqiaoxie Street, Haidian District

 Language Barrier

The assumption that the locals will all speak English can be offensive 每 if you try their language, they're much more likely to try yours! Learning just a few basic phrases really can make all the difference 每besides, it's fun! If you have any allergies 每 particularly to certain types of food 每 make sure you learn their names in the local tongue. You don't want to accidentally order a meal containing seafood if you're allergic to it!

You can also turn the language barrier to your advantage in some situations. If someone comes over to talk to you, and you don't want have a conversation 每 for whatever reason 每 try doing the following.

Make sure you don't say anything to them at first, and let them try to speak to you in your own language. Then mime that you don't understand them 每 shrug your shoulders or shake your head. Any other languages they offer to speak to you in, will invariably be one they can use 每 so if they ask if you are French, it's almost certainly because they can! At this stage you can give your 'nationality', trying to choose one whose language is unlikely to be popularly learnt. Alternatively, you can carry on pretending not to understand them, until they get bored and leave you alone.

 Language Study

There are many opportunities to study and learn Chinese while in Beijing depending on your ambition and time: private tutor, self-study, or in-class studies. Advertisements of private tutors you can find on bulletin boards, and popular expat magazines. Check for TV and radio programs if you wish to study yourself.