· Gift giving is a sensitive issue in China. Technically, it is against the law, but the acceptance of gift giving is increasing.
· Avoid giving anything of value in front of others, as it could cause the recipient both embarrassment and trouble.
· A gift from your company to the Chinese organization or factory is acceptable. Make it clear that the gift is on behalf of the whole company you represent and that it is for the whole group on the receiving end. Be sure to present the gift to the acknowledged leader of the Chinese delegation. Gifts of this sort might include items from your region of the country, like local crafts, historical memorabilia, or an illustrated book.
· A banquet is considered an acceptable gift. Your Chinese hosts will certainly give you one, and you should reciprocate.
· High-quality pens are a luxury any Chinese appreciates. Other good gifts include kitchen gadgets and expensive liquors, like a good cognac.
· When giving or receiving a gift, use both hands. The gift is not opened in the presence of the giver.
· The Chinese traditionally decline a gift three times before accepting; this prevents them from appearing greedy. Continue to insist; once they accept the gift, say you are pleased that they have done so.
· The Chinese associate all the following gifts and colors with funerals; avoid them:
- Straw sandals
- Clocks
- Storks or cranes
- Handkerchiefs (often given at funerals; they symbolize sadness and weeping)
- Gifts (or wrapping paper) in which the predominant color is white, black, or blue
· If possible, wrap gifts in red, a lucky color; pink and yellow, happy, prosperous colors are also good choices. Do not use white, which is the color for funerals.
· All business negotiations should be concluded before gifts are exchanged.
· At Chinese New Year it is customary to give a gift of money in a red envelope to children and to the service personnel you deal with on a regular basis. This gift is called a hong bao. Give only new bills in even numbers and even amounts.
· Avoid giving anything of value in front of others, as it could cause the recipient both embarrassment and trouble.
· A gift from your company to the Chinese organization or factory is acceptable. Make it clear that the gift is on behalf of the whole company you represent and that it is for the whole group on the receiving end. Be sure to present the gift to the acknowledged leader of the Chinese delegation. Gifts of this sort might include items from your region of the country, like local crafts, historical memorabilia, or an illustrated book.
· A banquet is considered an acceptable gift. Your Chinese hosts will certainly give you one, and you should reciprocate.
· High-quality pens are a luxury any Chinese appreciates. Other good gifts include kitchen gadgets and expensive liquors, like a good cognac.
· When giving or receiving a gift, use both hands. The gift is not opened in the presence of the giver.
· The Chinese traditionally decline a gift three times before accepting; this prevents them from appearing greedy. Continue to insist; once they accept the gift, say you are pleased that they have done so.
· The Chinese associate all the following gifts and colors with funerals; avoid them:
- Straw sandals
- Clocks
- Storks or cranes
- Handkerchiefs (often given at funerals; they symbolize sadness and weeping)
- Gifts (or wrapping paper) in which the predominant color is white, black, or blue
· If possible, wrap gifts in red, a lucky color; pink and yellow, happy, prosperous colors are also good choices. Do not use white, which is the color for funerals.
· All business negotiations should be concluded before gifts are exchanged.
· At Chinese New Year it is customary to give a gift of money in a red envelope to children and to the service personnel you deal with on a regular basis. This gift is called a hong bao. Give only new bills in even numbers and even amounts.