“China is considered a high context culture as communication tends to be indirect and the real message needs to be interpreted according to the context. If you neglect the importance of context in China, you increase the chances of misunderstanding, confusion and even conflict. When communicating in China, the sender needs to provide sufficient context and the receiver needs to infer intended meaning and closely observe any non-verbal signals such as facial expression or gestures.” (Tang 2019)

• Physical contact

Physical contact depends on situation. Chinese people generally prefer not to touch strangers unless it is unavoidable (ex., in a crowd). Any physical contact such as touching during conversation, hugging or back slap is unacceptable. Chinese guests will avoid even shaking hands with hospitality staff. They may nod or bow instead of shaking hands. On the other hand, physical contact between family members and close friends even of the same gender is common practise. They may stand close to one another, touch and hug each other, walk arm in arm.

• Proximity during verbal interaction with others

Chinese stand close when talking with others. They feel comfortable standing just over an “arm’s length” (20 to 40 cm). When meeting strangers, this distance may be a little bit farther but less than in Western cultures.

• Eye Contact

Indirect eye contact is considered a sign of politeness. One may lower their gaze someone older or more senior than them as a sign of respect. Direct eye contact is more common in casual conversation, as well as arguments. (Scroope & Evason 2017)

• Face expression

It’s considered that Chinese people mostly don’t have facial expression of their real feelings. When relaying bad news, a Chinese person may smile and laugh to diffuse the uncomfortable situation. In the other hand, they “are less reserved in strong negative emotions, such as anger” (Chen 2016). Some researches claim that Chinese respondents express emotions primarily through eyes while western respondents reveal through eyebrows and mouths (Jack, Caldara & Schyns 2012).

• Some other gestures that might be relevant for the hospitality context (more gestures explained with pictures could be found at LT 2004):
• Pointing at yourself

It’s performed by touching your nose with your index finger. It’s used in casual and official communication when the person needs to identify themselves.

• Pointing at others

Never point at something or somebody else with your index finger. It’s considered as disrespectful and rude. Chinese people point with whole palm upwards, towards the object.

• Giving and receiving things

Always use your both hands to hold the object when giving and receiving things. Using only one hand is considered as not polite.

• Beckoning

Beckoning is done by facing the palm of one’s hand to the ground and waving one’s fingers towards oneself. This gesture is used with people younger than the performer, children, waiters and hospitality staff or cab drivers. In case you need to beckon an elder or someone with a senior position, you should do a slight bow.

• Thank you hand gesture

It’s performed by resting the palm of the one hand on the fist of the other hand and bowing slightly. For Western people the gesture is well known from Chinese martial arts.

• Numbers

The Chinese hand gestures to indicate numbers are the same as European from one to five, but differ from six to ten (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 (Shutterstock 2022)

• Making the Chinese gesture for six and waving hand at the same time

This gesture is used to show appreciation. It means “You are great”. It can be used besides the thumbs up gesture (it’s due to the online fashion started to be popular lately among the youth.)

• The victory hand gesture

This gesture is widely used when Chinese people take photos. They perform it with one or both hands at the same time. Originally it means “victory” but it’s used more as a gesture that makes you look cool.

• Waving

It can be used as gesture for greetings or “goodbye” but also means “no” or “don’t”.

• The heart gesture

It’s performed by crossing your thumb with your index finger, which means “I love you”. Widely used when Chinese people take photos.

• Some other do’s and don’ts in non-verbal communication that might be relevant for the hospitality context (eDiplomat 2016):
• Clicking fingers or whistling is considered very rude.
• Never put your feet on a desk or a chair. Never gesture or pass an object with your feet.
• Blowing one's nose in a handkerchief and returning it to one's pocket is considered vulgar by the Chinese.
• Most Chinese people don't wear wedding rings. Don't assume marital status.
• Shrugging shoulders and winking are both gestures that are not always understood by Chinese people from older generation.