Chinese etiquette and customs
This is a selection of resources on Chinese etiquette available from the NLB catalogue or the Internet and is not meant to be an exhaustive list.
NLB print and digital resources
It’s all Chinese to me: An overview of culture & etiquette in China
Learn about China’s culture, politics, rituals and superstitions, historical influences on modern China, social etiquette, tips on interacting with the locals, and overcoming culture shock through this ebook, which provides an overview of culture and etiquette in China.
All rights reserved, North Clarendon: Tuttle Publishing, 2018
China - Culture smart! The essential guide to customs & culture
This informative guide provides a concise overview of China’s history, cultural traditions, economy and social etiquette norms for various types of social and business functions. It is suited for both first-time visitors and people planning to live and work in China.
All rights reserved, London: Kuperard, 2017
CultureShock! Shanghai: A survival guide to customs and etiquette
Explore Shanghai, China’s biggest city and a global financial hub through this book. Glean fascinating facts about the city, including the do’s and don’ts of living among the Chinese and how to navigate your way through this restless cityscape. In addition, you can learn the customs and etiquette for different occasions and circumstances, such as local superstitions, socialising with acquaintances and weddings.
All rights reserved, Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2019
Discover the world of ancient and contemporary China through 50 over essays in this book, covering Chinese history, culture, myths and contemporary society. Besides general facts such as the Chinese written language, ethnic groups in China and major holidays, the author has also included essays related to Chinese etiquette and customs, including lucky and unlucky numbers and how to address family members in Chinese.
All rights reserved, Berkeley: Stone Bridge Press, 2019
Etiquette guide to China: Know the rules that make the difference!
This book will help visitors to China demystify Chinese social etiquette for occasions such as the receiving of name cards, shaking of hands, entertaining Chinese guests, answering mobile phone calls and other protocols. It also includes a chapter on contemporary business style and etiquette in China and a glossary of commonly-used Chinese phrases and expressions.
All rights reserved, Rutland: Tuttle Publishing, 2016
You may also like
Traveling in China – Business etiquette and culture
Understanding the basics of Chinese business culture can help you communicate better and negotiate deals smoothly when working in China. Read up about the etiquette of greeting a Chinese person in a business context, giving and receiving business gifts, wearing appropriate business attire for the office and the concepts of 关系 (guanxi).
Coronavirus threatens China’s devotion to chopsticks and sharing food
While the tradition of communal eating has long been practised in China as a way to express familiarity, the sharing of dishes and utensils is now discouraged over fears of spreading the coronavirus. In particular, the government is encouraging locals to use serving utensils, although it faces strong resistance from some regions where the habit of communal eating is deeply ingrained and use of serving utensils is seen as rude.
This website, started by a group of diplomats, provides insights on various topics about Chinese cultural etiquette. These include dining and entertainment, names and titles, meeting and greeting, etc.
Last updated on Oct 2020