Business dinners are an integral part of corporate culture in China and it’s important that you know how to compose yourself around the dinner table, especially as some Chinese business dinner etiquette can be confusing for the uninitiated. Here are some tips on how to survive a business dinners in the Middle Kingdom.

1. 8 Tips on
How to
Survive
Chinese
Business
Dinners

2. Learn some Chinese:
This is the easiest and quickest way to make a good
first impression and your host will be pleased you
made the effort to learn some Mandarin.
1

3. 2 Take plenty of business cards:
Business cards are very important in China, when you
receive one make sure you take some time to look at it
and don’t put it away immediately.

4. 3 Wait to be seated:
Seating location can be very important; always wait to be
seated to avoid offending anyone.
The host usually sits facing the door so they are the first
person guests see when they arrive.

5. 4 Try every dish:
Don’t eat too much too soon; you don’t want to get full before the
last dish has arrived.
Always leave some food on the plate otherwise other guests will
think you’re still hungry.

6. 5 Chopsticks vs Knife & Fork:
If you’re not a chopstick master practice your technique
before a meal.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a knife and fork; your host will
understand you are not accustomed to using chopsticks.

7. 6 Making toasts:
Toasting should always go in the order
of host first and then working through
other guests in hierarchical order.
Clink your glass lower than the rim of
your host’s glass to show respect.
It is not compulsory to drink alcohol.

8. 7 Talking business:
Don’t be surprised if no one seems
willing to talk shop. Chinese
business dinners are more about
building on and solidifying
relationships.
Never talk business unless the host
does.

9. 8 What to talk about:
Topics that are best to avoid include Taiwan or Tibet.
Safe topics include Chinese culture or places you have
visited, or would like to visit, in China.

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