Etiquette in China, and why you should not tip
Chinese social etiquette is less rigid toward visitors than its reputation suggests, and small mistakes are readily forgiven. A handful of conventions are worth knowing because getting them right makes ordinary interactions noticeably easier. Practices vary by region, setting and generation.
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Tipping is not expected
Tipping is generally not customary in mainland China and can occasionally cause confusion or mild embarrassment. Restaurants, taxis and hotels do not build gratuities into their expectations, and staff may attempt to return money left behind.
Exceptions exist in some international hotels and in tour guiding, where practices vary. When in doubt, not tipping is the safe default and is not considered rude.
At the table
Meals are shared, with dishes placed in the centre. Serving others before yourself, particularly older guests, is a small gesture that registers well. Leaving chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice is best avoided as it resembles funeral incense.
The host typically orders for the table and expects to pay; a genuine but not prolonged offer to contribute is the polite middle path.
Face and disagreement
Direct public contradiction, visible anger or forcing someone to admit error tends to be counterproductive. Problems are more effectively resolved calmly, indirectly and where possible privately.
A firm but pleasant manner achieves considerably more than escalation, including in service disputes.
Cards, gifts and two hands
Business cards and gifts are offered and received with two hands, and a card is worth glancing at rather than pocketing immediately. This small courtesy is widely noticed.
Gifts are commonly declined once or twice before being accepted, which is politeness rather than refusal.
Queueing, volume and personal space
Crowd behaviour in busy places can feel more physical than visitors expect, and conversation volume in restaurants is often higher. Neither indicates hostility.
Equally, standards vary widely by city and setting, and orderly queueing is entirely normal in many contexts.