Hosting Chinese Guests: Three Tips for Success
If you’re hosting friends, clients, or business partners from China—or other parts of East Asia such as Japan and Korea—understanding their unique preferences can make a world of difference. Drawing from my own experiences as a language professional and cultural consultant based in Canada, I’d like to share three key insights that can help to ensure that your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for.
Rony Gao leading a professional development workshop at the 64th annual conference in Miami in 2023.
Tip #1: Cater to Their Culinary Preferences
The Chinese proverb 民以食为天 (“people regard food as heaven”) couldn’t be more true.
Chinese guests often have what I like to call “patriotic stomachs.” No matter how adventurous they may seem, they’ll eventually miss the taste of home. Many middle-aged Chinese travelers, for instance, carry their own thermoses to ensure they have access to hot water, as cold or iced beverages are generally less favored.
While your guests may enjoy exploring new cuisines, a few consecutive days of “Western” meals might leave them longing for familiar flavors. Arranging a meal at a Chinese restaurant can be an excellent way to offer comfort and make them feel at home. If Chinese food isn’t available, Japanese, Korean, or Southeast Asian options are great substitutes. A thoughtful meal choice shows you’ve considered their needs.
Tip #2: Protect Them from the Sun
For many Chinese travelers, avoiding excessive sun exposure is a high priority. Cultural beauty norms often emphasize fair skin, leading many to use whitening or protective skincare products and carry umbrellas or large sun hats outdoors. Ladies may even wear full face coverings to shield themselves from the sun.
When planning outdoor activities like hiking or beach visits, consider limiting the time spent under direct sunlight or providing shaded options. While these excursions might seem like quintessential local experiences, they may not align with your Chinese guests’ preferences and could feel more like a burden than a treat.
Tip #3: Make Time for Gift-shopping
Shopping is an integral part of many Chinese travelers’ overseas experiences, often driven by the expectation to bring back gifts for family, friends, colleagues, or even neighbors. Gift-giving is a deeply rooted tradition in Chinese culture, and guests may appreciate having dedicated time in their itinerary for shopping.
As their host, scheduling half a day toward the end of their visit for a shopping trip can be incredibly meaningful. It shows that you’ve anticipated their needs and are considerate of their cultural practices. In return, your thoughtfulness is likely to be met with gratitude and appreciation.
Keep these three considerations in mind—catering to culinary needs, planning sun-conscious activities, and including shopping opportunities. These seemingly small gestures reflect not only cultural awareness but also a genuine commitment to hospitality.
As someone who has worked closely with Chinese visitors in various contexts, I hope these tips offer some guidance for your next hosting opportunity. If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share my insights as your advisor on Chinese culture and language.
Rony Gao is a prize-winning conference interpreter, certified translator and communications consultant based in Toronto and serving clients worldwide. He is a member of AIIC and regularly provides consecutive and simultaneous interpretation services for the Government of Canada, international organizations and global leaders in business, technology and academia.
