Numbers
Number 4 is Unlucky
Critical数字4是不吉利的
The number 4 sounds like "death" (si/死) in Chinese. Avoid giving gifts in sets of 4. Building floors and room numbers often skip 4.
数字4的发音与"死"相似。避免送4样一套的礼物。建筑楼层和房间号经常跳过4。
Number 8 is Lucky
Note数字8是幸运的
8 sounds like "prosperity" (fa/发). It is extremely lucky and often associated with wealth.
8的发音像"发"。这是非常吉利的数字，常与财富相关。
Number 6 is Good
Note数字6是好的
6 sounds like "smooth" (liu/顺). It represents smoothness and good luck.
6的发音像"顺"。代表顺利和好运。
Colors
White is for Funerals
Critical白色用于葬礼
White is associated with death and mourning. Avoid wearing white to celebrations or giving white gifts.
白色与死亡和哀悼相关。避免穿白色参加庆典或送白色礼物。
Red is Lucky
Note红色是吉祥的
Red represents luck, happiness, and prosperity. It is used in celebrations and given as gifts (red envelopes).
红色代表好运、幸福和繁荣。用于庆典和送礼（红包）。
Green Hat is Bad
Warning绿帽子是不吉利的
Wearing a green hat implies your partner is unfaithful. Never give a green hat as a gift.
戴绿帽子暗示你的伴侣不忠。千万不要送绿帽子作为礼物。
Gift Etiquette
Never Give Knives
Critical不要送刀
Knives symbolize cutting ties or severing relationships. If given, leave a small coin to "pay" for it.
刀象征切断联系或关系。如果收到刀，放一枚小额硬币来"购买"它。
Never Give Clocks
Critical不要送钟
Clock sounds like "end" or "funeral" (songzhong). Giving a clock to Chinese hosts is very offensive.
钟的发音像"终"或"送终"。送钟给中国主人是非常不礼貌的。
Umbrella is "Separation"
Warning伞是"散"的谐音
Umbrella sounds like "separation" (san). Avoid giving as a gift unless you want to suggest parting.
伞的发音像"散"。避免作为礼物，除非你想暗示分离。
Pear Means Separation
Warning梨意味着分离
Pear sounds like "separation" (li). Do not give whole pears as gifts.
梨的发音像"离"。不要把整梨作为礼物送人。
Bring Fruit to Hosts
Note带水果拜访主人
Bring fruit (not pear) when visiting homes. Oranges and apples are safe choices.
拜访时带水果（不要梨）。橘子和苹果是安全的选择。
Dining
Chopstick Etiquette
Critical筷子礼仪
Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral ritual). Do not point with chopsticks.
不要把筷子插在米饭里（葬礼仪式）。不要用筷子指人。
Turntable Etiquette
Warning转盘礼仪
Turn slowly and wait if someone is reaching. Do not take food from someone elses section.
慢慢转动，如果有人在够菜就等待。不要从别人的区域夹菜。
Toast Etiquette
Warning敬酒礼仪
When toasting, hold cup lower than elders or seniors. Empty cup means more drinking.
敬酒时，杯子要比长辈或上司低。空杯意味着继续喝。
Leave Some Food
Note留点食物
Leaving a small amount of food shows the host provided more than enough.
留少量食物表示主人提供了充足的食物。
Social
Personal Questions are Normal
Note个人问题是正常的
Asking about salary, age, or marital status is not rude. It shows interest and care.
询问工资、年龄或婚姻状况不是不礼貌的。这表示关心和兴趣。
Nod or Slight Bow
Note点头或轻微鞠躬
A slight nod or bow is polite. Handshakes are also common in business settings.
轻微点头或鞠躬是礼貌的。握手在商务场合也很常见。
Business Card Exchange
Warning交换名片
Present and receive business cards with both hands. Take time to read the card before putting it away.
用双手递接名片。收下名片后要仔细阅读再收起。
General
Tipping is Not Expected
Note不需要给小费
Tipping is not customary in China. Good service is expected as standard.
在中国小费不是惯例。好的服务是标准期望。
Photography
Some Places Forbid Photos
Warning一些地方禁止拍照
Military areas, some museums, and certain attractions prohibit photography.
军事区域、一些博物馆和某些景点禁止拍照。
Ask Before Photographing People
Warning拍照前先询问
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially elderly or children.
拍照前要征得同意，尤其是老人或儿童。