Etiquette quick guide

12 things to know

1. Don't tip. It's not customary in mainland China. Restaurants don't expect it; hotel porters don't expect it. Hong Kong restaurants add 10% service charge; that's enough.

2. Don't refuse business cards in one hand. Receive cards two-handed, present yours two-handed. Read the card before pocketing.

3. Toasting at banquets. Stand to toast; clink your glass below the rim of the more senior person's glass to show respect.

4. Mind the hierarchy at meals. The host sits facing the door; the most honoured guest opposite. Wait until the host invites you to start.

5. Don't stick chopsticks vertically into rice. That mimics incense burning at a funeral.

6. Hand things to people with two hands. Particularly money, business cards, gifts, anything that suggests respect.

7. Don't pour your own drink. Pour for the people next to you; they'll pour for you. At family meals this is relaxed; at formal banquets it matters.

8. Don't expect personal-space norms. Public-transport queues are looser; bumps don't require apologies. Doesn't mean you should bump.

9. Photography of religious figures, monks at prayer, police, and government buildings is sensitive. Ask first. Don't photograph the police.

10. Public displays of affection are uncommon even between heterosexual couples. Hand-holding is fine; deeper PDA is unusual.

11. Smoking is still common indoors in many places. Ask if you're sensitive — most restaurants have non-smoking sections, some don't.

12. Don't talk politics with strangers. Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang are political topics; avoid initiating. If a Chinese friend brings them up, listen and ask questions rather than assert.

At a temple

Walk clockwise around stupas and the central halls. Don't touch monks' robes or religious objects. Photography of the interior is often restricted; check signs. Donation boxes are present; small donations are welcome but not required.

With elders

Address by surname + title (Wang Lao Shi for 'Teacher Wang'), never first name unless they invite. Stand when elders enter. Pour their tea first.

Gift-giving

If invited to a Chinese home, bring fruit, tea, or premium baked goods. Avoid: clocks (the word for clock sounds like 'attending a funeral'), white flowers (funereal), green hats (idiomatically signals being cuckolded). Gifts are often refused once or twice before being accepted; insist politely.