Whether you are in China for personal or business trip, very likely
your Chinese friends will invite you to their house for a family
dinner--Chinese are much more open in bringing friends home than
Americans.
For a formal family dinner, you can bring
a small gift. Just remeber, NO umbrella, No clock, No plain white or
plain black gift wrap. umbrella, "san" in Chinese, sounds very close to
a different Chinese character which means "separate". Clock, "zhong" in
Chinese, sounds very close to a different Chinese character which means
"end". Plain white and plain black color for not used in Chinese
culture for happy occations.
Usually the mother or the wife of your friend will be the one cooking
for the dinner. You will find there are so many courses. Try to
compliment "hao chi", which means "delicious", to every courses.
Chinese women value cooking skills much more than American women. One
thing in common is, women are always so happy to hear their cooking be
complimented.
After eating, try to offer your help, of course, it will never by your
turn to clean the table or wash the dishes because no Chinese would let
the guest to help at dinner. Still offer to help will be appreciated.
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