Chinese people are hospitable. 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.
By the way, do you feel puzzled when you want to buy some gifts for your Chinese friends? Hope you will have a clear idea after reading the following words:
Chinese people set store by gift giving. As we say in English, it is the thought that counts. Giving a gift to Chinese people should be appropriate for the condition or occasion. If you pay a visit to a Chinese family, it is smart to bring gift for the hostess like bouquet, cosmetic, or scarves. Toys, candies, books are good for the children if they have them. If you attend a wedding party, the artistic adornment, bouquet, or some practical items are the best choice. During the traditional Chinese festivals, you can bring wines, cigarettes, tea, candies, fruits, or some of your local products. However, there are some tips for you to note, which is considered to be unpropitious:
a. Clocks should never be presented as gift to others, especially to elders.b. Pears can not be sent to couples.
c. People who are unwell may not be given medicine as gift.
d. Intimate items of clothing may not be gifts for friends of the opposite sex.
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Travelers' Voices on Visiting Chinese Family
1.
Oct. 5,2009 12:55 Reply
Ms.connolly(england) said:
i am going to china for 10 days as a college trip and we will be staying with a host family for half of it. we have been advised to bring a gift to say thanks, not something expencive jsut something english. at the moment i have a jar of humbugs and some post cards of the new forrest. do you think thats okay?
Oct. 8,2009 21:58
Mr.rita(cn) replied:
I do think it is ok!
2.
Aug. 19,2009 02:33 Reply
Mr.Buddy(USA) said:
I am going to China to meet my lady for the first time, and her family I want to bring gifts for everyone, Mom and Dad, and my lady what would be great gifts from California??
Also what am I in store for in China, never been there.
Aug. 19,2009 20:13
Mr.bob(usa) replied:
HI, bring some wine. Just my opinion.
3.
Jul. 11,2009 22:39 Reply
Mr.Steve Klotz(USA) said:
I am visiting my girlfriend (mid-40's, ad am I) and her family (mom and several brothers and sisters) in Guangzhou (I am in the USA) August. What kinds of gifts would be appropriate for the family members? I know that it's the thought, and not the gift itself, that matters the most, but if I become part of this family eventually, I want to be sure to get it right!
Also, we will be visiting the translator (at the translator's workplace) who has been the professional who has translated about 100 emails each way.. what would be appropriate for this kind of professional gift?
Thank youvery much for your advice,
-- Steve
Jul. 12,2009 20:11
Mr.jim(guangzhou) replied:
First, you should remember the things which are not proper to bring, such as clock, medicine and so on. I think you should ask your girlfriend for help. Maybe she will give you some good advice.
If i were you, i will bring some american-featured presents. Whether the presents are cheap or not, the family members won't care.
In my mind, wine could be the best choices for her broters. You can bring yor girlfriend some cosmetics. As for her parents, you can bring some local products.
Wine could be a good choice for translator toO. Do not worry, everthing will be fine, and Chinese familys are quite good. Wish you can be part of her family. If you propose a marriage and succeed, remember to tell me :)
Jul. 12,2009 22:26
Mr.Steve Klotz(USA) replied:
Thank you. Mr. Jim. I will probably bring a nice, smooth buttery/oakey Chardonnay for the brothers and the interpreter, and perhaps some some necklace/pendants for the sisters and possibly Mom. Looks like my checked bag will gurgle a bit! hee hee! I will tie red and gold ribbons around them before I leave!
Thanks again!
Jul. 12,2009 23:05
Mr.jim(guangzhou) replied:
Hi, necklace could be a good present for the women, you are so clever. Hope you will ahve a good time! By the way, do not take too many in case of trouble at the customs.
4.
Jul. 1,2009 08:20 Reply
Ms.Jessica(U.S.) said:
I'm an American going to Zibo to teach, what gifts should my fellow teachers and I bring to give to the Chinese guides who are meeting us at the airport?
Jul. 1,2009 20:25
Mr.yina(cn) replied:
Chinese guides? Do you mean you join a tour and there are chinese guides of the travel agency to pick you up? If yes, i think it is not necessary to bring them anything. If the chinese guides refers to the the teachers in the school where you are going to teach, you can bring some american-featured presents. Actually, they will be quite happy for whatever presents you give to them. Chinese people are all warm-hearted and kind. Enjoy your teaching in China!