In China, the language is made up of multiple variations on the Chinese language, and many people speak more than one of these varieties. Many of these variations are regional in nature, representing the various dialects that exist in different areas of China. When traveling to China, there are some facts that are important to understand in regards to their customer, culture and etiquette which can make your visit more enjoyable.

Family and Society
The overall influence of Confucianism is very strong in China's culture. For example, there is a focus on the various obligations that one person may have to another, based on their relationship with that person. These relationships include husband to wife, brothers to sisters, parents to children, friend to friend, and ruler to subject. There is also a strong focus on loyalty, honor, duty and respect. When relationships are properly maintained according to the proper order, it is believed to stabilize society as a whole. There is also a strong focus on groups and the collective society, with less of an emphasis on individual needs. In China, people will often forego their own needs out of respect for the needs of the group. "Saving face" is also an important concern for the Chinese people. Disagreements and arguments are rare, because this could cause the other person public embarrassment, thus causing them to "lose face."

Etiquette When Meeting People
In China, meetings and introductions tend to be somewhat formal, with the eldest person always being greeted first. Among strangers and foreigners, handshakes are common during introductions. You should not use first names unless prompted by those who you are introduced to. It's also common for people in China to look towards the ground when they greet someone, so this should not be taken in the wrong way.

Chinese Dining Etiquette
Being invited into the home is considered to be an honor, as usually the Chinese tend to entertain strangers and foreigners in a public place. You should always arrive in a timely fashion, and remove your shoes before entering the home. Bringing the hostess a small gift is considered to be a polite gesture. You should sit where you are instructed to sit, and wait to begin eating until after the host starts to eat. It is considered to be complementary to the host and hostess to eat well so that they feel you are enjoying the meal. Even if you are not sure about the food, it is polite to at least try everything. However, never take the last bit of food from a dish, as this is considered to be impolite to the needs of other people at the table. It is a good idea to practice using chopsticks beforehand, and remember to put the chopsticks back on their rest whenever you pause to talk or drink. When eating rice, the bowl should be held close to the mouth. If there are bones involved with the meal, place them in the special bowl that is provided, or directly on the table, but never in your primary bowl with the remaining food. If for some reason you have to decline a dinner invitation, be sure to carefully explain your scheduling conflict so that it does not seem as though you are being rude to the person who invited you.