Evening banquets are the most popular occasions for business
entertaining. Generally, they start between 5:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. and
last for two hours. Guests should arrive on time. Chinese hosts and
counterparts will probably be present before the proceedings officially
begin. Banquets are hosted with varying degrees of extravagance, usually
in a restaurant.
The meal begins with the entry of the revelers into the banqueting
room. An elaborate ceremony of deference may take place at the door,
where the most honored guest is supposed to enter first. Two or more
guests may hold up this entry for some time, each insisting that the
other is more worthy of this honor. The ensuing debate can, among good
friends, lead to a bit of pushing, as the struggle escalates. Once
through the door, the process may begin again, this time over the issue
of precedence at the table. Usually, the guest of honor sits directly
across from the host, who takes the least honorable seat near the
serving door.
Wait to be seated, as there is a seating etiquette based on hierarchy in Chinese business culture.
Generally, the seat in the middle of the table, facing the door, is
reserved for the guest of honor. The host sits directly to the left.
Everyone else is seated in descending order of status. The most senior
member sits in the center seat. Follow this seating pattern if you are
hosting a banquet or a meal in your residence, whether for business or
purely social reasons.
The host is the first person at the table allowed to begin eating and
drinking. Then, the rest of the company can proceed with the meal.
Business is usually not discussed during the meal.
It is not uncommon for a host to order enough food for ten people at a
table of five. He or she loses face if there are not plenty of
leftovers at the end of a meal. Rice, considered by many Chinese to be
filler, is generally not served until the end of a meal. So, if you want
to eat rice with your meal, be sure to ask the waitress (or "Xiaojie"
in Chinese) to serve it early, particularly if the food is spicy.
During a meal, as many as 20 courses can be served, so try not to eat
too much at once. The best policy is to lightly sample each dish.
Leaving a "clean plate" is perceived to mean that you were not given
enough food-a terrible insult here. On the other hand, leaving a food
offering untouched will also give offense; even if you find a dish
unappealing, try a small portion for the sake of politeness.
One important part of Chinese business entertaining is a tea drinking
ritual known as "yum cha." It is used to establish rapport before a
meeting or during meals.
If you do not want a "refill" of tea, leave some in your cup.
If you are served food that does not require utensils, you may be
given a second cup of tea for the purpose of dipping and cleaning your
fingers.
It's perfectly acceptable to reach in front of others for dishes and other items.
Seeds and bones are placed on the table or in a specially reserved dish; never place these objects in your bowl.
It will be appreciated if you use chopsticks. When you are finished
eating, place your chopsticks on the table or a chopstick rest.
Placing your chopsticks parallel on top of your bowl is believed to bring bad luck.
Sticking your chopsticks straight up in your rice bowl is considered
rude because in this position, they resemble the joss sticks that are
used in Chinese religious rituals.
Do not put the end of the chopstick in your mouth.
When eating rice, follow Chinese custom by holding the bowl close to
your mouth. Slurping and belching at the table can be perfectly
acceptable: they are perceived as signs that you are appreciating the
meal. Scorpions, locusts, snake skin, bile, and blood are considered
delicacies.
Toothpicks are usually offered between courses and at the conclusion
of a meal. When using a toothpick, cover your mouth with your free hand
for concealment.
Forming a personal relationship ("guanxi" in Chinese) in your
business dealings is very important. Little or no distinction is made
between business and personal relationships and to succeed in China, you
must establish close personal ties with your Chinese business
colleagues. Respect and trust must be earned before the Chinese will do
business with you. Part of this involves participating in the strong
drinking culture that exists here. Generally, the Chinese regard with
suspicion anyone who does not participate in the inevitable drinking
that takes place during almost all business dinners. And it is at these
kinds of social occasions that most negotiating breakthroughs are made.
Toasting, usually with beer, is an important part of Chinese business etiquette.
The host of a banquet offers the first toast. If you prefer not to
drink alcohol, it's perfectly acceptable to toast with a soft drink,
glass of juice, or mineral water.
Toasts will be proposed throughout the meal. The popular toast is "ganbei" ("bottoms up!").
Sometimes, the Chinese enjoy testing the ability of a foreigner
("laowai" in Chinese) to handle his or her alcohol, especially "er gua
toe", a potent clear alcohol that one might compare to airline fuel. A
good practice would be to eat something beforehand.
Before smoking, it's polite to offer cigarettes to those in your company.
The meal has reached a definite conclusion when fruit is served and
hot towels are presented. Shortly after these items are offered, guests
should make preparations to leave. In accordance with Chinese business
etiquette, the host will not initiate the guests' departure.
Tipping is generally considered an insult in China. It is sometimes
expected, however, in some of the bigger hotels and by younger service
personnel.
Follow Chinese business protocol and reciprocate with a banquet of
the same value; never surpass your host by arranging a more lavish
gathering.
Generally, the Chinese are not great experimenters when it comes to
their diet. Unless he or she has traveled extensively, the typical
Chinese buisnessperson doesn't like Western food. Better to take your
guests to a good Chinese restaurant rather than, for example, the latest
French restaurant opening in Beijing. They'll appreciate it.
If you are hosting a banquet, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before your guests.
Home entertaining is very popular in China. If you are invited to a
Chinese home, you will probably be asked to remove your shoes. Arrive on
time, but not too early.
When inviting people to your home, avoid serving cheese: it is usually incompatible with the national diet.
Contact info:
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