Cultural Etiquette

The Chinese are not physically demonstrative and may misunderstand hugging, backslapping and other such behavior. Putting hands in ones mouth is offensive, i.e. biting fingernails, removing food from teeth, etc., as is flirting or open displays of affection. Staring, on the other hand, is quite common and acceptable. This simply reflects a natural curiosity about Western appearance and clothing.

Chinese surnames precede given names. For example, "Wang Jianhua" would be addressed as "Mr. Wang". It is rarely appropriate to address Chinese by their given names or by nicknames, unless you have already developed a very close relationship.