Chinapedia | Gift-giving in China: What to give and what to avoid

Finding the perfect gift can be both rewarding and stressful. Whether attending a wedding, celebrating the Chinese New Year, or visiting a friend's home, understanding the local customs can help you show respect and build stronger relationships. Here are some guides to navigate China's gift-giving etiquette. 

Gifts to avoid: Items with unfortunate homophones

1. Clocks: The phrase "to give a clock" sounds like "to attend a funeral" in Chinese. It is strongly associated with death.
2. Umbrellas: The Chinese word for umbrella resembles the word for "separation". Giving an umbrella may symbolize the end of a relationship.
3. Pears: The Chinese word for pears sounds like "separation". They are often avoided, especially for couples or during farewells.

Symbolically negative items

1. Green hats: In China, "wearing a green hat" implies that one's spouse is unfaithful. So people usually avoid using green hats as gifts.
2. Chrysanthemum: In China, chrysanthemums are traditionally used at funerals. It is highly unsuitable for other occasions. 

Recommended gift choice

1. Gifts from your home country: Unique local crafts or specialties are often welcomed as thoughtful and culturally enriching presents.
2. The safe choice: Tea and alcohol are two of the safe gift choices. China's tea culture is a centuries-old tradition, while giving alcohol as gifts is an act of showing respect, especially in business settings.
3. Fruits: If you are visiting the elderly, sick people, or visiting other people's homes, buying fruits as presents is always a good choice.
4. The red envelope: One of the most traditional and widely recognized gifts in China is the red envelope. Typically containing money, red envelopes are given during celebrations such as weddings, Chinese New Year, birthdays, and the birth of a child.

(Editor: Ella Qu)

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