Category Occasion Gifting

It’s the end of the year. Your company is planning the annual dinner (年会, niánhuì) – a night of food, performances, and the much‑anticipated lucky draw. Getting the raffle prizes right is crucial: good prizes boost morale, show appreciation, and create positive memories. Bad prizes (or offensive ones) can demotivate staff and damage your employer brand.

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Your Chinese client has been hospitalized or is recovering from illness at home. You want to show care, but you are unsure about the rules. In Chinese culture, visiting a sick person carries specific dos and don’ts – the wrong gift or behavior can inadvertently cause offense or worsen their “luck.”

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You receive an invitation: your Chinese client is getting married. This is a significant honor – it means they see you not just as a vendor, but as a friend. How you respond will affect your business relationship for years.

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Your Chinese client has just moved into a new apartment or house. They invite you to visit – or you simply want to send congratulations. A thoughtful housewarming gift can deepen your business relationship by showing that you care about their personal life and well‑being.

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You have been invited to a business lunch or dinner with Chinese clients. Should you bring a gift? The answer is: it depends – on who is hosting, where the meal is, and the nature of the relationship.

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You are leaving your job, or a valued Chinese colleague is moving on to another opportunity. How do you say goodbye in a way that leaves the door open for future collaboration, maintains friendships, and respects office hierarchy?

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Congratulations! The contract is signed, the handshake is firm, and the deal is done. But in Chinese business culture, the closing of a deal is not the end – it is the beginning of the relationship. A thoughtful gift at this moment can transform a transactional agreement into a lasting partnership.

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You have a first meeting with a potential Chinese client, a new joint venture partner, or a government liaison. Should you bring a gift? If so, what kind? Too expensive – you might pressure them. Too cheap – you might appear disrespectful. No gift – you might miss an opportunity to build rapport.

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