As we keep saying that interpersonal relationship is very developed in China, one manifestation is the common practice of gift giving. Giving gifts is a required courtesy. For example, when you go to visit someone for the first time' when you come back from a trip; when you go visiting someone's home; when you visit the sick in a hospital; when you go to see your teacher, you are supposed to take a gift with you. The gift you send is a token to show your consideration and respect. Generally speaking, do not send an expensive gift to an ordinary friend or someone you pay the first visit. If you do, the person receiving the gift will think you bribe him/her, or you want a favour from him/her. Of course, there are people who take advantage of this age-old practice for their personal ends.

    The common gifts people give are sweets, fruits, chocolates, tea, wine or some local specialities you have bought from your trip.

    Some taboos concerning gift giving: don't send apples and pears to the sick in the hospital because "apple" is the homonym to "death" and "pear" to "separating" Neither does sending chrysanthemums because this flower is for funeral.

    Also if you attend a wedding ceremony, never give the clock as a present because sending the clock (pronounced as "song zhong") is the homonym to "attending a funeral". Instead give peanuts, dates, longan and lotus seeds, which indicate longevity and many children, etc.

    Remember when you give or receive presents (including business cards), use both hands to show your sincerity and respect. Using both hands originally indicates that you do not bear arms when you approach the other party. This age-old courtesy is still kept in our daily practice.