Chinese Culture

• Again, you could fill a book on this but please be aware that their culture is very old, very established and DIFFERENT to ours. Here are some examples:
• There is no Chinese word for “No”. This tends to spill over into business discussions, either in English or in Mandarin, in that if you ask them if they can do something, the answer will always be yes. If you ask them if they can hit a delivery date, the answer will always be yes. You have been warned................!
• Meals are central to the culture. The Chinese equivalent of “How are you?” is “Have you eaten?” Offence can be given by refusal to seal a business deal with a meal. Whilst all the wild tales about exotic things on the menu are true, Chinese food generally is WONDERFUL.
• As the guest you will be offered each dish first as it appears at a meal. You have to take some or the others will not be able to eat before the guest does. By the way, don’t sit in the chair opposite the door unless you intend to pay!
• Business cards are generally handed over using both hands and a slight bow. Receive their cards with both hands.
• Driving and road skills. After many years out here I think I have discerned some rules! First time on Chinese roads it is best not to look. Indescribable!
• Mobile Phones. Takes precedence over everything else. People stop mid sentence to answer them. Dont take offence, it is normal.
• Nowadays, I do see the odd queue but generally it is everyone for him or herself. Everybody piles in at once into buses, trains, planes, shops etc.  It can be a bit off putting at first but a bit of jostling is not taken too seriously.
• Overall the Chinese are happy, courteous people with a good sense of humour. I am a big fan.