This being the case, it is often useful to view business ventures as relationships first, and as a venture second

With a good network of contacts in China , almost anything can be accomplished-- Guanxi is how things get done.

Face is important in any culture, but extremely so in China

Losing face, saving face and giving face is very important and should be taken into consideration at all times. Loosing your temper, confronting someone, putting someone on the spot, arrogant behavior, or failing to accord proper respect can cause a loss of face

To understand how business decisions are made, sometimes knowing family relationships is more important than knowing the organizational structure of the company

Interaction between business partners is more important than written documents

Expect to make frequent trips to China . Showing up once a year does not show commitment to the relationship.

Non-business activities show that the focus is on the relationship and not simply on a piece of paper

Non-business activities show that the focus is on the relationship and not simply on a piece of paper

Learn to think in terms of 'both' or 'and' rather than 'either/or'

Business discussions are best left until a certain amount of familiarity has been established with your counterpart.

Take the time to slow down and try to understand the Chinese way of doing things.

Hard-driving, get-right-to-the-point tactics usually backfire

'No problem' does not necessarily mean an easy road

Learn that sometimes 'yes' means 'no', or 'I'm listening'

Business Card Protocol
Business cards are presented with both hands making sure that the card faces the recipient so that he or she can read it

Make a show of carefully examining business cards.

Present the Chinese side face up if you have such cards

Never merely place the card in your pocket. Place it in front of you on the table if you are seated.

Be sure to have a good stock on hand when you travel.

Titles are usually not given verbally. People are expected to get this information from the name card.

Using English Effectively
Enunciate and pronounce words clearly

Accents and speech patterns affect clarity, even for native speakers (remember that your audience may have learned British English, rather than American English, and that their instructor was most likely not a native speaker)

Use visual aids if you are making a presentation

Speak slowly

Avoid jokes, slang and colloquialisms

Gift Giving
Although it may seem straight forward, giving gifts is an art form

Do not expect that a gift will be opened immediately; however, sometimes that may not be the case

Do not expect that the gift will be accepted right away. You may have to offer it a few times before it is accepted

Even if your company color is green, or you travel to China over St. Patrick's Day and want to introduce people to the holiday, never give a Chinese gentleman a green hat. It is associated with adultery.

Because the number four in Chinese is a homonym for the word 'death' avoid giving things to people in groups of four.

Red is a color of good fortune. But never give someone something written in red ink as it implies the end of a relationship.

Avoid white as it is associated with funerals

Do not give clocks. Clocks are associated with death.

Do not give knives, scissors, letter openers, etc. It implies the severing of a relationship

Drinking
Make sure you pour tea for others before filling your own cup

If you are the guest, wait to be seated as hierarchy is involved

Eating usually begins once the host offers the first drink.

Business is usually not discussed during the meal

Dining Etiquette
Avoid dropping chopsticks as it is considered bad luck.

Use the serving chopsticks or turn your chopsticks around when use them to server others

Never place your chopsticks in a bowl of rice as pictured above.

If you are asked to dinner, it will be expected that you reciprocate. Be sure not to outdo your host.