Beijing Dress Code

If visiting on business, smart clothing is a must. It is advisable not to wear anything too revealing, which might offend. When not conducting business, conservative casual wear tends to be acceptable. The winter months can be very cold. In contrast, the summers can be pretty steamy, so pack accordingly.

Greeting Someone in Beijing

It is a good idea to take a large quantity of business cards with you, and it is wise to have the inscription translated into Chinese and printed on the reverse side of the card. When you are introduced to a local, take out your card, bow slightly and present it with both hands. They will probably reciprocate in a similar manner, most likely holding their card anglicised version uppermost. At this point it is considered good manners to pass a polite comment on the appearance of the other's card whilst tucking it carefully into your wallet.

Don't get flustered if, when meeting a group of people, they start clapping when you arrive. This is simply a form of greeting and you may respond by clapping also.

Beijing Business Hours and Banking

In China, banks, offices and government departments are open from Monday to Saturday. Most will open for business at around 08:30, close for lunch from 12:00 to 14:00 and reopen until around 17:30. Many branches of the Bank of China open on Sunday morning but some will close on Wednesday afternoon.

Beijing Smoking

Restaurants in Beijing offer areas that cater for those who smoke and those who don't, with some operating a complete 'no smoking' policy. There is a ban on smoking on public transport and the visitor should observe this even if the locals often do not. In a business situation it is advisable to refrain and take cues from the host.