Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
own country where you need to return to waiting quietly for a waitress to catch your eye,
you're sure to feel quite debilitated.
LIQUID CULTURE
One cornerstone of culture in China, particularly in business situations, is drinking.
The Chinese love to drink, in copious quantities, and though the beer doesn't have
much of a kick in a single bottle,
báiji
ǔ
,
the alcohol of choice in the north for busi-
ness meetings, certainly does. Sharing a drink with your companions and even get-
ting rolling drunk in front of them is a sign of both respect and trust, and is a key tool
for cementing relationships or securing business deals.
In China you'll come to be very familiar the expression
“g
ā
nb
ē
i,”
which can
equate to “cheers,” but more closely to “bottoms up,” given that its direct translation
is “dry glass.”
Toasting is almost a ritual of dining, for both men and women. People not only
do one big toast at the start of the meal, but individuals will randomly pipe up
throughout the evening. The amount people drink each time varies, with some sip-
ping and others literally drying their glass. A junior person is more likely to dry their
glass when drinking with a senior person, while the latter may take only a sip. At
company events, key managers and junior staff will work their way around to every
table, toasting and drinking to each group. Getting tipsy is no cause for embarrass-
ment. The guests of honor may not always schicker themselves into oblivion, but it
is standard for them to dry their glasses with the host at least once during the meal.
Understanding how to clink your glass is something else to aware of. To show re-
spect, especially to someone of seniority, you should dip your glass so that its rim is
lower than his or hers when you clink. Sometimes people become so determined to
get the lowest position that the drinks end up in the food.
Refusing to drink and let down your guard won't do much to improve relation-
ships. If you do need to abstain, you should come up with a good excuse at the start
of the meal and do your best to overcome the possible slight in other ways.
