In the business world, gift-giving is often underestimated. However, in Chinese culture, it plays a crucial role in showing respect, building trust, and fostering relationships. With strong cultural expectations and unspoken etiquette, understanding the nuances of gift-giving in China is essential for strengthening business ties.
What to consider
Gift-giving in China is common during festivals like Chinese New Year, the beginning of a partnership, or as a token of appreciation. A simple yet meaningful gift is more valued than something expensive and boasting about a gift’s cost is considered inappropriate.
It’s important to understand the recipient’s position in the business hierarchy. Gifts should be presented to key decision-makers, such as the CEO, with smaller or shared gifts for others involved. Presentation matters, wrap gifts neatly in red or gold, colors that symbolize luck and wealth. Additional etiquette includes: present the gift with both hands, offer gifts privately to avoid pressure or embarrassment, expect the recipient to decline politely a few times before accepting, gifts are typically not opened in front of the giver. If you receive a gift, express gratitude with a thank-you message or a favor in return.
What not to gift
In Chinese culture, certain gifts are considered inappropriate due to negative symbolic or phonetic associations. For example, clocks or watches should be avoided because the phrase for “gifting a clock” (送钟, sòng zhōng) sounds like “attending a funeral” (送终, sòng zhōng), symbolizing death. Similarly, shoes (鞋, xié) sound like “evil” (邪, xié) and are thought to bring bad luck. Anything given in sets of four is also considered inauspicious, as the number four (四, sì) sounds like the word for death (死, sǐ). Pears (梨子, lízi) are avoided because they sound like the word for separation (离, lí), which implies the end of a relationship.
Sharp objects such as knives or scissors are discouraged as they symbolize severing ties. Writing your message in red ink is also frowned upon, as it traditionally connotes anger, or even death. Intimate items like necklaces, ties, or belts are typically given by romantic partners and may be seen as too personal in a business setting. White flowers, often associated with funerals and mourning, should also be avoided, as should handkerchiefs, which are traditionally given at funerals and symbolize saying goodbye. Being aware of these taboos helps ensure that your gift is respectful and well-received.
What to gift
Despite the taboos, there are many thoughtful and culturally appropriate gifts that are highly appreciated in Chinese culture. Gifts that incorporate lucky colors, meaningful symbols, or auspicious numbers are especially well-received. Red and gold are particularly favored, with red symbolizing luck, joy, and celebration, and gold representing wealth, prestige, and prosperity. Green is also a positive color symbolizing growth and harmony, though green hats in particular, should be avoided as they imply infidelity.
Symbolism plays a strong role in gift-giving. Common motifs such as the character 福 (fú, meaning good fortune), 龙 (lóng, dragon, for power and success), 凤 (fèng, phoenix, for grace and renewal), 双喜 (double happiness), 寿 (shòu, longevity), and 金鱼 (jīnyú, koi fish, for abundance and prosperity) are all considered lucky. Popular flowers like peonies and orchids are also valued; peonies symbolize wealth and honor, while orchids convey elegance and refinement.
Numerology is equally significant. The numbers 6 and 8 are especially lucky, 6 represents smoothness and success, while 8 is associated with fortune and wealth. Other favorable numbers include 9 (longevity), 3 (growth), and 2 (the idea that good things come in pairs). Incorporating these numbers into your gesture, for example, by giving a set of 2 or 6 items, adds symbolic meaning to the gift.
Ideal gift choices include quality items such as wine, fresh fruit (especially apples and oranges, which symbolize peace and good luck), and specialty products from your home country. For Belgians, gifts like premium chocolate, beer, or regional delicacies are usually well received and appreciated for their thoughtfulness and uniqueness.
Conclusion
While Chinese gift-giving customs are rooted in deep cultural traditions, minor mistakes are generally met with understanding. Chinese business partners are often appreciative of the thoughtfulness and effort behind a gesture from foreigners, even if it does not perfectly align with local etiquette. Demonstrating genuine respect and cultural sensitivity is far more important than flawless execution, and such efforts are typically received with patience, goodwill, and appreciation.
Please contact the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC) in case you need more information.