Extravagant gift giving was an important part of the Chinese culture, but with the recent changes in official policy it can be considered bribery.

1. GUIDELINES TO GIFT GIVING
IN CHINA
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Extravagant gift giving was an important part of the Chinese culture, but
with the recent changes in official policy it can be considered bribery.
Although this is not always the case, it is important to approach gift
giving with discretion and stick to more symbolic and less expensive
gifts.
If you are ever in a situation where the Chinese business person
outright refuses just graciously withdraw the gift and continue on.
But don’t mistake a polite refusal as a rejection as they may just be
trying to convey modesty and humility. It is tricky when you have to
make this determination but if done tactfully there usually are no
issues.
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HERE ARE A SET OF GUIDELINES TO GIFT
GIVING IN CHINA THAT WILL ENSURE
THAT YOUR BUSINESS DEALINGS GO A
LITTLE BIT SMOOTHER.
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1
Whenever you are giving or receiving any gift, even business cards, it is
important to do so with two hands and a slight bow.
This shows the humility and stresses the gratitude by both parties.
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2
If you are invited to someone’s home, bringing fresh flowers or fruit is a
traditional gift.
When possible, try to bring eight of the flowers or fruit, as eight is a
lucky number in Chinese culture.
Usually the more expensive the gift is the more respect that you are
demonstrating but when you make this determination keep in mind
that they will feel obliged to reciprocate.
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3
Try to be fair with your gift giving.
If you are going to give a nicer or more expensive gift then make sure it
is going to the highest ranking person.
When possible just get the same gift for all parties to avoid any issues.
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4
Avoid giving a clock as any part of a gift as there are traditionally based
superstitions regarding a countdown to death.
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5
Also avoid giving a fan as any part of the gift as it is used to symbolize
the splitting up of people.
An example would be a bride giving her parents a fan to symbolize her
leaving them for the care of her husband.
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6
Never give a man a green hat of any kind as this symbolizes that his wife
is unfaithful.
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As the Chinese are nationalistic and proud, they very much appreciate if
you bring gifts from your own country.
Don`t bother wrapping them until you are in China as customs will most
likely unwrap them.
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When you are in China try to have your gifts wrapped in red, which
traditionally is a lucky color.
There are regional variations on other colors that are acceptable but it
is easiest to entrust this job to the hotel or the store where you bought
the gift.
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12. For additional information about Business with China
please visit www.China-Business-Connect.com