Family Visiting

If you are invited by or wish to pay a visit to a Chinese family, there are some formalities that you should follow:

a. Make an appointment in advance, and then you should always be punctual for the appointment.
b. Choose an appropriate time to have the family visiting, avoid visiting at other's dining or resting time. The best time is the period after noon or supper.
c. Bring some gifts as a polite gesture.
d. Hand your hat, overcoat, raingear, etc...to the host for placement.
e. Greet to all people in the family no matter whether they are acquaintances or not.
f. Be seated only when invited to do by your host.
g. Usually you will be offered tea, beverage, cigarette, fruits, candies socks and dim-sum. Just express your thankfulness then you can help yourself to them.
h. Never poke fun about anything in the host's family.
i. Generally do not stay more than an hour unless being asked by the host to stay longer.
j. Always express your thanks to the host when you leave.