Customs & Etiquette
Cultural norms that will help you connect with locals and avoid awkward moments.
Giving & Receiving
Use both hands for cards, gifts, and anything significant.
Do
- Use both hands for cards, gifts, receipts
- Look at a business card before putting it away
- Present gifts with both hands
- Accept things with right hand, left supporting
Don't
- Give clocks (送钟 = "attending a funeral")
- Give sharp objects (cutting ties)
- Give white flowers (funerals)
- Give in sets of 4 (sounds like "death")
Drinking Culture (干杯)
Ganbei etiquette and how to politely decline baijiu.
干杯! (Gānbēi!)
"Dry glass" — Bottoms up!
| Drink | Chinese | Alcohol % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baijiu | 白酒 | 40-60% | National spirit. Very strong. OK to politely decline. |
| Beer | 啤酒 | 3-5% | Tsingtao is the most famous brand. Served cold. |
| Rice Wine | 米酒 | 12-20% | Sweet, often served warm. Common in southern China. |
Survival Phrases:
• "我随意" (wo suiyi) — "I'll drink at my own pace" (polite sip instead of bottoms-up)
• "我不喝酒" (wo bu he jiu) — "I don't drink alcohol"
• Toast the host first, then others. Hold glass lower than the senior person's glass to show respect.
• "我随意" (wo suiyi) — "I'll drink at my own pace" (polite sip instead of bottoms-up)
• "我不喝酒" (wo bu he jiu) — "I don't drink alcohol"
• Toast the host first, then others. Hold glass lower than the senior person's glass to show respect.
Face Culture (面子)
Social reputation and dignity — one of the most important cultural concepts.
面子 (Miànzi)
Social reputation & dignity
Give Face
- Compliment the city, food, hospitality
- Accept help graciously
- Address disagreements privately
- Show respect to elders and hosts
Lose Face
- Publicly criticize or embarrass someone
- Refuse help repeatedly
- Argue loudly in public
- Make someone look bad in front of others
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Hi! Can you help me book a nice Sichuan restaurant near The Bund tonight? 2 people, 7pm.
trisAino Concierge
Of course! I recommend Chuan Jia Ben Bang - authentic Sichuan, locals' favorite. I'll call and book for 7pm. Any spice preference?
You
Medium spice please! Also, can you send me the address in Chinese for the taxi?
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Booked! Here's the address for your taxi driver:川家本帮
上海市黄浦区中山东一路外滩附近
Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near The Bund, Huangpu District
Show this to your DiDi driver. Enjoy dinner!
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Hey! I need tickets to the Great Wall at Mutianyu tomorrow for 2 adults. Can you help?
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Absolutely! Mutianyu is a great choice - less crowded than Badaling. Tickets are 40 RMB/person + 120 RMB round-trip cable car. Want me to book both?
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Yes please! Also, what's the best way to get there from Dongzhimen?
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Tickets booked! For transport:慕田峪长城
北京市怀柔区渲海镇慕田峪村
Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District
I recommend booking a DiDi for ~150 RMB one way (~1.5 hrs). Want me to arrange a round-trip driver instead? About 500 RMB for the day with waiting time.
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