Working in mainland China

One of the world’s largest economies, mainland China offers expats high earning potential. It is a good place for career progression, making it a great choice for expats who want to climb the corporate ladder.

Mainland China’s business culture is vastly different from what most expats may be used to. An imposing government and challenging language barrier can be a lot to cope with. Many expats invest in cross-cultural training or end up leaving within a few years. Working here is made even more difficult by an increasingly strict visa system and a lingering distrust of the West.

Despite the downsides, the number of expats working in mainland China has increased every year since 2000. This is partly because Western companies have become more involved in mainland China’s economy, creating many opportunities for people to move there for work.

Chinese business culture revolves around guanxi (关系). Acting both as a noun and a verb, this refers to the relationships that businesspeople form with one another, as well as the process of establishing and maintaining these connections. Guanxi is maintained by exchanging gifts, making allowances in negotiations or inviting business associates to dinner.

‘Saving face’ is a concept closely associated with guanxi. In Chinese culture the idea of ‘face’ is divided into two concepts – mianzi, which relates to reputation and success, and lian, which concerns integrity and moral character. Take care not to publicly embarrass anyone and conduct yourself in a dignified way that respects Chinese society.

Hierarchy and seniority are key elements of Chinese business culture, so always show respect to elders and senior associates. You can do this by avoiding prolonged eye contact and showing deference at meetings.

Mandarin is the official business language, but Cantonese is spoken widely in the south. English isn’t spoken by many people, even in the cities. Business hours are usually from 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, with a lunch break between 12:00 and 14:00. Business attire is formal, bright colours are inappropriate and modesty is key. Flat shoes are advisable for foreign women who are taller than their local counterparts.

When you greet Chinese businesspeople, use their title and family name. A simple nod will often suffice, and wait for the other person to initiate a handshake. Gift giving is common, but traditions are changing. Official government policy forbids bribery, so gifts may be declined. A good approach is to give a token gift – something small and inexpensive, such as a pen with your company logo on it.

There’s a growing number of women in managerial roles, but they aren’t always treated equally by their male counterparts. Women are also less likely to be hired and are often the first to be laid off.

Teachers are at the lower end of the pay scale, while expats working for international companies earn highly competitive salaries. Many large companies also provide benefits such as housing allowances and private health insurance.

See what people responding to our Expat Explorer Survey think about living in mainland China.