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How do people in China greet each other

Question asked:

“how do people in china greet each other”
Handshake or nod
Confidence: High Checked on August 30, 2026

Summary

In everyday China people most often greet each other with a light handshake, especially in cities and formal settings, accompanied by a slight nod or bow. The spoken greeting “nǐ hǎo” is also common, while more intimate gestures like kissing are avoided.

Sources 60 searched

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Etiquette with Chinese Characteristics - PMC - NIH

    Touching another person was considered rude, and prohibited if the party was from the opposite sex. However, like many other imports, the handshake has been modified with Chinese characteristics. To greet a senior person, a subordinate should demonstrate subservience by softly squeezing his boss’s right hand instead of applying the customary ...

blogs.bgsu.edu
help.unhcr.org
scmp.com
  • Chinese greeting customs: shake hands, please, but no kissing | South China Morning Post

    Hongkongers’ handshakes tend to be weaker than those of their Western counterparts and are normally accompanied with a lowering of the gaze in respect, but this may translate to lack of confidence or simply rudeness in the West. So the next time you greet a Hongkonger, particularly someone in a position of authority, don’t eyeball them throughout and don’t touch any other part of their body to show how friendly you are – it may come across as creepy or overly intimate.

echineselearning.com
remitly.com
  • Understanding Greetings in China | Remitly

    Discover how to greet in China with our comprehensive guide. Learn the cultural nuances and etiquette to make the best impression when meeting someone new. ... Learning Chinese greetings helps you make a good first impression and show respect in Chinese culture. “Nǐ hǎo” is famous, but it is not the most common way people greet each other in daily life.

culturalatlas.sbs.com.au
  • Chinese - Greetings — Cultural Atlas

    Handshakes are the standard, casual greeting. The grip tends to be lighter than the Western handshake and is also sustained for longer. In formal situations, people bow slightly or nod politely to greet one another formally.

smarter.com
  • Myths and Misconceptions About Chinese New Year Debunked - Smarter.com

    Traditionally you can actually extend your greetings throughout all fifteen days until Lantern Festival when people officially wrap up their celebrations. By understanding these myths surrounding Chinese New Year better you’ll be able to appreciate its cultural significance even more.

chinatours.com

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