A business trip to China can be hugely rewarding, but success depends on more than a good pitch. Relationships, hierarchy, and "face" shape how meetings run and how deals are done, and the practical side, from payment apps to blocked websites, is very different from home. This China business travel guide covers what to pack, how to stay connected, and the etiquette that will help you make a great impression.
What to Pack for a Business Trip to China
Connectivity
- A China eSIM: Install an egoViet China eSIM before you fly, so you can use WeChat, Alipay, maps, and ride-hailing as soon as you land. It is data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and verification codes. Ask our support team how your plan connects before you travel.
- A regional option: If your trip also covers Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, or Southeast Asia, see the regional plans in our China eSIM guide.
- A work plan for blocked services: Google, WhatsApp, and many foreign apps are blocked on mainland networks. Read our guide to which apps work in China, download files for offline use, and agree on how your team will reach you.
Tech Essentials
- Alipay and WeChat Pay: Set them up with your foreign card before you go. Most payments in China are made by phone.
- WeChat: The main tool for business messaging in China. Expect to exchange WeChat contacts instead of, or as well as, emails.
- Power adapters: China uses 220 V, with type A, C, and I sockets.
- A power bank: For long days of meetings and travel.
- Business cards: Bring plenty, ideally printed in English on one side and Simplified Chinese on the other.
- Cloud backups and a password manager: Keep work files backed up and accounts secure, especially on shared Wi-Fi.
Clothing
Dress conservatively for formal meetings: suits or dresses in navy, black, or gray. Business casual is fine for creative industries and less formal meetings. China's climate varies widely, from humid Shanghai and Guangzhou to cold winters in Beijing and Harbin, so check the forecast and pack layers.
Health
- Bring your regular medication in its original packaging, with a copy of the prescription.
- Pack hand sanitizer and a face mask if you are sensitive to air pollution.
- Drink bottled or filtered water, not tap water.
- Check that your travel insurance covers medical emergencies abroad.
Business Etiquette in China
Greetings and Business Cards
- Offer a gentle handshake, often with a slight nod. Greet the most senior person first.
- Present and receive business cards with both hands, with the text facing the recipient. Take a moment to read the card before putting it away carefully, never in a back pocket, and never write on it.
- Use titles and surnames, such as "Director Li" or "Mr. Zhang." In Chinese names, the family name comes first.
- Start with a little small talk before moving on to business.
Hierarchy
Chinese business culture places great importance on seniority. Wait to be shown where to sit, let the most senior person lead, and address your remarks to them. Make sure your own delegation's hierarchy is clear, too.
Communication Style
Communication tends to be indirect, with an emphasis on harmony. A direct "no" is rare. Phrases such as "we will study this" or "this may be difficult" often signal hesitation. Pauses and silence are normal and are a sign of careful thinking, not disinterest.
Face (Mianzi)
"Face" means a person's reputation, dignity, and standing. Never criticize or contradict someone in front of others, and raise disagreements privately. "Giving face," for example by praising a counterpart's expertise in front of their team, builds goodwill.
Guanxi
Guanxi refers to personal relationships and networks of trust. Deals often follow relationships, not the other way around. Invest time in meals and conversations, keep in touch between visits, and show that you are committed to a long-term partnership.
Gifts
- Bring modest, good-quality gifts that represent your company or home country.
- Avoid expensive gifts, which can look like bribery, and avoid clocks, sets of four, and white flowers, which are associated with death and funerals.
- Present gifts with both hands. Recipients may decline politely at first and often do not open gifts in front of you.
Meetings and Negotiations
Be punctual, bring printed materials in Chinese if possible, and consider hiring a professional interpreter. Expect negotiations to take time, as decisions are often made collectively and may require several rounds. Avoid hard deadlines and confrontational tactics.
Business Dinners
- Dinners are an important part of building relationships and can last for hours, with many shared dishes on a round table.
- Wait for the host to start eating, and try a little of everything.
- Expect toasts. Raise your glass, say ganbei (cheers), and pace yourself. It is fine to toast with tea or juice.
- The host usually pays. Offering to split the bill can cause embarrassment, so reciprocate with a dinner of your own later.
- Karaoke (KTV) after dinner is common. Taking part matters more than singing well.
Getting Around
- Ride-hailing: Didi is the easiest way to get around cities and works in English.
- Taxis: Have your destination written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
- Metro: Fast and cheap, but very crowded at rush hour.
- High-speed trains: Often faster than flying between major cities. Book on the official 12306 app or through a travel platform, and bring your passport.
Plan Your Trip
Read our China travel guide for sightseeing between meetings, and our guide to apps that work in China before you pack.
FAQs: China Business Travel
What should I wear to a business meeting in China?
Wear conservative business attire, such as a dark suit or a formal dress. Business casual is acceptable in less formal or creative industries.
How do you exchange business cards in China?
Offer and receive cards with both hands, with the text facing the other person. Read the card briefly before putting it away carefully.
Is gift-giving expected in Chinese business culture?
Modest gifts are appreciated, especially at a first meeting. Avoid expensive gifts, clocks, and sets of four.
Can I use WhatsApp for business in China?
WhatsApp is blocked on mainland networks. Most Chinese business contacts use WeChat, so set it up before your trip.