Customs and Traditions in China

“Each generation is a new society coming to life”. This quotation comes from a political scientist of the 19th century analysing the American society, Tocqueville. Nowadays it perfectly applies to China: the new generation is a new society coming to life. A quarter of a century ago China painfully came out of a period of social upheavals with dramatic consequences. Though the country went though political and cultural upheaval it does not mean that they regressed in any way, the culture and society absorbed modernity based on a continuity, an evolution. China has a rich culture developed over a long history of 5000 years. That history has helped shape standards of etiquette much different from Western norms. It is helpful to understand how to conduct yourself in China to build better relationships, succeed in business and generally enjoy your stay. Chinese society is characterized by elaborate rituals of politeness protocol, demonstrations of friendship, and the like. Apparently ironically, the Chinese society stresses that the individual shall have a personality which we call internalized. This does not mean introverted. Internalized personality is one that gets its satisfaction from its own existence - not from close warm personal interaction as we think of it in western society. The ritual formulas obviate the necessity of real interpersonal involvement.

 

Confucianism

Confucianism is part of the ancient tradition upon which Chinese culture is derived. There are four basic virtues considered the cornerstones of this philosophy and they focus on loyalty, respect for parents and elders, benevolence, and righteousness. Apart from that Confucianism also stresses duty, sincerity, honour, respect for age and seniority. Through maintaining harmonious relations as individuals, society itself becomes stable. Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship. The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships:

Ruler and subject
Husband and wife
Parents and children
Brothers and sisters
Friend and friend

 

The Concept of Face or Mianzi

The whole society should be the replication of a large family. The concept of “face” or “self-image”, known as Mianzi in Chinese, is core to Chinese culture and one which is critical to understand. Social harmony is achieved through moral conduct, controlling emotions, avoiding conflict, even competition. Face behaviour is highly formalized interpersonal behaviour belonging to rigidly stratified groups. The terms “loss of face” and “saving face” are generally used as figures of speech by westerners. “Loss of face” is not simply a form of embarrassment. Face is like a running total of respect or honor. In every situation, you may either be gaining face or losing it. Face can be gained in a few ways. Compliments or shows of respect from others can increase your face. Accomplishments and even avoiding mistakes also add face. Face is most often developed over time with experience and age. It is much easier to lose face. Open arguments result in both sides losing face. Losing your temper in any situation will result in the loss of face. You also lose face when a failure is exposed, which means many failures are covered up to save face for everyone involved. When in China, it is important to give face to others and avoid losing face for yourself.

There are four types of 'face':

1) Diu-mian-zi: this is when one's actions or deeds have been exposed to people.
2) Gei-mian-zi: involves the giving of face to others through showing respect.
3) Liu-mian-zi: this is developed by avoiding mistakes and showing wisdom in action.
4) Jiang-mian-zi: this is when face is increased through others, i.e. someone complementing you to an associate.

 

Gifting

One popular Chinese custom that you should be aware of is the giving of small gifts. They are a sign of courtesy and should be given if you are invited into someone’s home or business. Suitable gifts can be anything from keepsakes to food. It’s a good idea to try and give something indicative of where you come from. Gifts should be given and received with both hands. NEVER give a Chinese person a clock as a gift – clocks are indicative of death and funerals. Scissors and knives also make bad gifts in China, as they represent the cutting off a friendship. As with food, if you are offering a gift you should expect the recipient to refuse a few times. You should insist and eventually they will accept, but won’t open the gift in your presence. You should be aware that some colours are very symbolic in China. White is associated with death and black has connotations of disaster, so never use these colours to wrap a gift. Red however is considered a sign of good luck, as are even numbers, especially 6 and 8. While the number 8 is considered lucky, the number 4 is unlucky. Even in hotels, many will skip the 4th floor just as many skip the 13th.

 

Greeting

Bowing from the shoulders is a well-known way of meeting and greeting in China. You should be aware that you are not always expected to bow or nod. Handshakes are accepted but it is probably best to wait to see if your Chinese associate initiates the handshake. During greetings and introductions, a lack of expression and a gentle or timid handshake are to be expected and should never be interpreted as shyness or weakness. Try to retain a formal approach to greeting, as both over-familiarity and informality are not conventional practices.

 

Guanxi

Business is all about relationships. This is even truer in China. The word "guanxi" in Chinese means "relationship" as it boils down to “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”, but it also a concept or a philosophy. If you have guanxi, you are fortunate enough to have a strong network of contacts. These contacts are often much richer than what is considered a contact in the West. Rather than just knowing some cursory information, a contact in China is often bound to you by personal obligation. In other words, they owe you one. The value in the contacts lies in the ability to call in these favours. Building relationships in China takes time. It takes place over the course of years, not days or months. To develop guanxi one must provide as many favours as you accept. By getting the right Guanxi, the organization minimizes the risks, frustrations, and disappointments when doing business in China. The correct guanxi is so vital to any successful business strategy. As with face behaviour, these relationships are small group relationships. Guanxi, like face behaviour, is obligation between individuals for the purpose of maintenance of group integrity. In the Chinese view of social relations the concept of harmony is very important - keep things looking smooth. Therefore, the Chinese find it very difficult to come right out with a “no” answer. The Chinese do not do business with strangers, that is, they cannot interact with people they do not know.

 

Beliefs

"Let us not wake up the inhabitants of heaven", wrote the poet Li Po. The Chinese are characterized as not religious but superstitious people. They tend to believe in all sorts of supernatural powers who can intervene in their daily life. The point is to gain their goodwill. Thus, there is a true revival of Buddhism and Taoism in the hope for every believer that such worship will bring health, luck, and prosperity. These demands contribute to feed the materialistic trend. Feng Shui is a typical Chinese system of beliefs that is again playing a role in many circumstances. The driving principle is to live in harmony with the natural environment and the cosmic breath. The lay out of the home and workplace, even of tombs of ancestors has to be oriented in specific patterns.

 

Doctrine of the Mean (Zhong Yong)

Known as the ‘Doctrine of the Mean‘ or ‘Golden Mean’ this concept involves balancing one’s position among a group to maintain conformity and a sense of harmony. The mean is also described as the 'unwobbling pivot' or 'chung yung'. Chung means bent neither one way or another, and yung represents unchanging. It is a text rich with symbolism and guidance to perfecting oneself.To do this while still achieving ones personal objectives is considered the ideal way of living and stems from Confucian philosophy. This can be applied to all areas of life, be it in the home where one should respect their parents and keep their spouse/children happy, or in the workplace where one should behave in a way which is seen to be neither ambitious nor lazy at the same time. This concept is important when trying to motivate or reward people as otherwise it may be used as an excuse for complacent or passive behaviour. The fact that China is generally a peace loving nation can also be attributed to this principle.

 

Yin and Yang

Another core element of Chinese philosophy is the concept of Yin and Yang which seeks to describe how opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world. Many natural dualities such as dark and light, female and male, honor and dishonor are given as examples of Yin and Yang. The ever turning symbol underlines the belief that things can change and always will. The need to balance opposing forces can sometimes explain why seemingly contradictory theories and principles are able to coexist in relative harmony. In traditional Chinese medicine, health is also represented as a balance of Yin and Yang (anatomy and physiology). When a person becomes ill practitioners attempt to determine the exact nature of the imbalance and then correct it through the use of herbal remedies, acupuncture, diet and lifestyle changes. As balance is restored in the body so is health.

 

 

Here are some general cultural norms:

1. The Chinese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in their homes, especially when entertaining foreigners. If you are invited to their house, consider it a great honour. If you must turn down such an honour, it is considered polite to explain the conflict in your schedule. Arrive on time. Remove your shoes before entering the house.

2. In public and social situations, try not to put your hands in your mouth, as this is thought to be quite crude. Whistling is really disliked, as is nail biting. Also, try not to point with your index finger. It’s thought to be bad social etiquette to show the soles of your feet and pick your teeth after eating.

3. Dress is not as formal in China as in some countries. However, you will be looked upon favourably if you dress well. Conservative dress is preferred for both men and women. Yet, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings, and shorts are only used for sports.

4. Avoid conversation regarding Tibet. Most Chinese believe that Tibet has been a part of Mainland China for centuries and will not appreciate a human rights debate.