Although China is rich in culture and adheres to many of traditional customs and beliefs, it is also more modern than many people might imagine. Many of their customs, such as the traditional dress, are not really a part of the Chinese daily life, and instead are reserved for special occasions, celebrations, and situations where it is a tourist expectation.

Standard Wardrobe and Dress
In China, the average business person would be difficult to distinguish from a business person in other countries in regards to dress, with “business casual” attire being the norm for those holding upper positions in factories, and suits and ties being the norm for banking, sales and marketing. Ordinary laborers generally wear a work-related uniform. For those who are visiting China or live there for an extended period of time, sturdy and casual clothing is often the most useful choice, since many parts of the country are a bit on the rugged side, unless you stay in the city.

Family Life in China
The traditional family unit is revered and respected in China, with the husband and father holding the traditional role of ruling the family. However, in a modern Chinese family, the father rarely takes this role to the extreme; and although the father may strongly influence the choices and behaviors of his child, he generally doesn’t totally control their choice of spouse or their chosen career path. However, children still have a lot of respect for the opinions and wishes of the father in these regards. Many family customs followed in China are an extension of Confucianism teachings, especially in regard to social order.

Dating and Marriage in China
It is common for young people in China to wait until they are in their twenties before they even start to date. It is not common for young men and young women to date many people before they choose a spouse, and most people do not get married until their late 20s or even early 30s. As is dictated by Chinese law, a Chinese couple will only have one child, unless there is an exception made for their personal situation. Children will almost always live with their parents up until the point that they marry; they may even live with family for a short time after they get married, until they are able to move into their own apartment, which is generally quite small. It is also rare for a newly married couple to move to another city; it is far more common to keep families close, and a newly married couple will usually get their own apartment in their parent’s neighborhood.

Personal Etiquette
“Saving face” is a very big concern in China. It is considered an offense to another person if you should demean, insult, embarrass, or shame them. If you do this, you will cause them to lose face, which is unacceptable in Chinese culture. The concept of saving face is prevalent in every aspect of the Chinese culture, including the way family members interact with each other, how business is conducted, and even in how total strangers treat each other on the street.