Tips on Chinese Business Dinner for Guests

Last post we discuss about the Tips on Chinese Business Dinner for Hosts, this page will discuss about the tips on Chinese Business Dinner for Guests.
 

Meals are an important part of life in China and big meals are an especially important aspect. It only follows that business meals are also an essential ingredient in life for entrepreneurs and their colleagues. However, just knowing they’re important is not enough. Whether you’re hosting or attending, these essentials tips will help you survive and thrive at a Chinese business dinner or banquet. If you are working in Beijing, China, except your good mandarin, it is also necessary to learn some basic rules of Chinese business dinner.
 

If you are a guest

Preparation

Prepare your attire and have your business cards on hand. Even for an informal meal, don't dress too leisurely. On some occasions gifts are appropriate; rice wine and regular red wine are safe and appreciated. If you've brought a very expensive gift and no one else has brought one at all, avoid giving it to the host in front of the others as it might seem rude.
 

Communication

Before you go, think about what you will talk about during the meal. Since you will meet new people who may be helpful for your business, you should take every opportunity to leave a good impression on them. Mind your tone and way of talking. Boastfulness is frowned on in China. So is being overly-humble.
 

Food tastes

Chinese people don't usually tell their host what they don't like to eat since it would be considered impolite. However, if there is anything that could really make you sick, of course go ahead and notify your hosts in advance.
 

Presentation

You'll almost certainly be giving and receiving business cards during the meal. Don't forget to give your card in the Chinese way, with both hands holding it. When receiving a business card, look at both sides after taking it in your hands. Presentation is an art.
 

When to lead

You're going to have plenty of toasts during the meal. Don't try and lead a toast unless you are familiar with the other guests. Otherwise, people may think you are trying to show off. However, when the host toasts to you, you should toast back. (Keep reading for a selection of toasts.)
 

Manners

Familiarize yourself with Chinese table manners. Drinking alcohol may be universal at business meals, but avoid going on a bender. You will look foolish.
 

Business

Never talk about business before the host mentions it. Toasts

In case you have the chance to make a toast, either as a host or a guest, here are a few traditional ones:

"Wèi hézuò yúkuài gānbēi" – "Toast to our good cooperation"

"Wèi wànshì shùnlì gānbēi" – "Toast that everything goes smoothly"

"Wèi jiànkāng gānbēi" – "Toast to good health"

"Wéi shēngyì hónghuo gānbēi" – "Toast to our business getting better and better"

"Wéi chénggōng gānbēii" – "Toast to our success"

Tips on Chinese Business Dinner for Guests

Sources from: http://www.bridgeschoolchina.com/showforum.asp?id=409