让你10分钟了解中国

Being such a large and ethnically(独特的) diverse country,each region has its own local specialties which the Chinese are often keen to try and introduce to others.Generally you will find hot and spicy food in the western and central China and cooler food in the south and north.

A Chinese dining table is usually round allowing everyone to engage equally in conversation.It will be ser with empty bowls,plates,and chopsticks for each person,food dishes are placed into the center of the table to be shared between everyone.Don't be pur off(惊讶) if you see people spitting bones/seeds onto the plate,this is perfectly normal.

Contrary to what you might find in your local China Town,Chinese food is generally healthy and often beautifully presented.Texture,flavor,color,and aroma are key considerations for all Chinese cooks,even above nutritional contents.

Chinese dining is about showing respect and hospitality(热情) for the guests,and is often used as an extension of the boardroom.

Heavy drinking is often a part of doing business,and it is expected that you'll keep up with others.If you do not want to drink alcohol,make it clear before you start.

Core concepts

Face Mianzi

The concept of "face" can be loosely described as someone's social status or reputation in the eyes of others.Throughout a Chinese person's life it must be maintained and enhanced through giving to and receiving from others in both words and actions.It may be something as small as who gets in the lift first to the awarding of multi-million dollar contracts.But without it you will have very little power or influence.

To make someone lose face or even unknowingly is a huge dishonor and could mean the end of a relationship.

Connections Guanxi

Guanxi literally(字面上) means "connections" or "relationships" as it essentially(本质上) boils down to exchanging favors."You scratch my back,I'll scratch yours."It can loosely be compared with the idea networking in the west,but usually goes much further in terms of developing and nurturing the relationship through social exchanges and favors which must be repaid at greater value in time.

Relationships between family,friends and business associates are often closely interwoven.In such an environment,issues of corruption(贪污) are not uncommon when guanxi obligations(义务，责任) take precedence over normal rules or laws.

The Doctrine of the Mean Zhong Yong

Known as the Doctrine of the Mean or Golden Mean this concept(观念) involves balancing one's position among a group to maintain conformity and a sense of harmony.To this while still achiceing ones personal objectives is considered the Chinese people the idea way of living.This can be applied to the workplace,where one should behave in a way which is seen to be beither ambitious nor lazy at the same time.

Chinese people never openly criticize,ignore or make fun of a person in front of others,even jokingly.When discussing individual performance,they always emphasize good point before bad ones.

Chinese may ask you personal questions or make observations about your age,income,religion or appearance.Don't take it personally.Likewise Chinese rarely say "please" or "thanke you" as this is seen as unnecessary formality between friends or family.

In the Chinese meeting,often only the most senior attendees will talk and all questions should be directed to those people.Silence is not a sign of weakness in China.Often the unsaid message is more important than what is being said verbally.

To be successful in China requires different ways of thinking.A chinese historian Professor puts this way:Chinese people are frank yet tactful(耿直却又圆滑),honest yet sophisticated(坦诚却又世故),suspicious yet gullible(多疑却又轻信),unscrupulous yet loyal(讲实惠却又重义气),advocate etiquette yet often appear unmannered,stand for the golden mean yet are extreme,value the quality of being thrifty(节俭) yet like to parade their wealth,maintain traditions when convenient yet love to chase modern fashion,believe contentment brings happiness yet often daydream about becoming overnight millionaires,believe the word of fortune yet lack affiliation to any religion.

This is China,one big contradiction which refuses to be placed in a box. In China you will find all extremes but that's all part of the challenge and adventure of doing business here. Be patient and have fun.