Eating with friends:

Like many other cultures around the world it is common courtesy to stand as a welcome to the dinner table should a guest arrive. This is also the case when leaving the table for good. InChinarestaurants usually have many small private rooms as well as an open dining area. Large round tables with revolving glass tops are the norm, which makes trying all the delicious food a pretty easy task. During the meal there are surprisingly few rules on etiquette. In a private room the guest of honour (usually a leader, CEO, birthday person, family elder, etc) should be seated furthest from the main door. In nicer eateries the waiters will set out the seating plan for the guest of honour, who will find their serviette, or napkin, folded in a more elegant fashion from everyone else’s. At some point throughout the meal (on formal occasions or when new distinguished guests are present) a toast and speech, a toast to all or an individual toast to selected guests in the room will take place. This can be a long affair requiring much beijew consumption. With reasonable excuses you can use beer or soft drinks but the norm is most definitely to toast with this happy stuff. Should the main guest of honour speak it is also essential that you listen intently and avoid talking or whispering to your neighbour. When it’s time to go, everyone seems to leave quickly and simultaneously. On leaving, handshakes that seem to last several minutes as a dialogue of mutual friendship is put forward accompanied with a short speech of what a great time they’ve had, will occur. The British for example, like handshakes to be swift and firm, whereas the Chinese will hold onto your hand for some time. This is meant in the friendliest possible way and should be treated as such. Prolonged handshakes are meant as a sign of deep affection, lasting friendship and sincere respect. The problem worsens the more they drink though. Sometimes they won’t want to let go of your hand for a while which can be worrying if you’ve a train or taxi to grab! (See also these three other relevant sections:Beijew, Eating habitsandPaying for meals).