China etiquette for visitors: practical dos and don’ts
Last checked 2026-10-17 · ChinaLocal team
The short answer
Courtesy depends on the people and place. Treat these as common habits, not fixed rules for every meeting, restaurant or city.
Observe the queue and the signs at the place you visit. Ask before photographing a person, meeting material or a restricted area.
For a business visit, offer and receive a card with both hands if cards are exchanged; many contacts also use WeChat. Arrive on time and follow your host’s lead at a meal.
What to do
- Before entering a venue, look for its own queue and photography notices. Follow staff instructions if they differ from general advice.
- Ask permission before taking a close photo of a person or photographing a private meeting or workspace.
- Bring business cards if useful, offer and receive them with both hands, and be ready to exchange WeChat contact details instead.
- Arrive on time for a meeting. At a hosted banquet, the host usually guides ordering and payment; follow the invitation and ask if unclear.
- For gifts and tips, follow the host or venue’s policy. Tipping is generally not customary; avoid treating any general habit as an obligation.
Queues and photography
Stand in the queue shown at the venue and follow staff instructions. Rules can differ across stations, museums and attractions; the sign on the day is more useful than a general travel rule.
Ask people before photographing them closely, and ask your host before photographing a meeting or workplace. At a museum or another managed site, follow its posted photography rules. Do not assume that one site’s policy applies elsewhere.
Meetings and contact details
The U.S. International Trade Administration’s China business-travel guide describes offering and receiving business cards with both hands and notes that WeChat contact exchange is increasingly common. Some people do not carry cards; adapt to your host.
Being punctual is a practical courtesy. If delayed, tell your contact promptly instead of assuming a flexible arrival time.
Meals, toasts, gifts and tipping
At a hosted banquet, the host commonly arranges the meal and payment. Follow the host’s lead, and ask politely if you are unsure. You never need to copy another person’s choice to drink alcohol; a non-alcoholic toast is a reasonable option.
Tipping is usually not expected. Check the bill and venue’s own service arrangements rather than applying a fixed percentage. For gifts, ask your organization and host about any relevant policy before bringing one.
Common problems
Do I have to use both hands for every exchange?
No. It is a common courtesy for business cards, not a requirement for every interaction. Follow the person and setting.
Can I take photos inside a museum?
Check that museum’s current signs and staff directions. Photography rules differ by site and exhibition.
Do I need to drink at a banquet?
No. Follow the occasion while choosing a drink that suits you; you can take part in a toast without alcohol.
Should I tip?
Tipping is generally not customary. Check the bill and the venue’s own service arrangements; do not assume a fixed amount.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-17. Follow the official source for live rules and availability.