Feng shui 風水 is an ancient art that originated in China over 3,000 years ago. In literal translation, ‘feng’ means ‘wind’ 風 and ‘shui’ means ‘water’ 水. According to Chinese philosophy, when things are placed in the appropriate environment the feng shui of a space creates a positive energy, and in turn there is harmony...

The importance of ‘face’ is extremely relevant in the Chinese business environment. Chinese business people often help each other save ‘face’. ‘Giving face’ is a tool that is frequently used in creating new social connections.

A Chinese person’s reputation rests on how much ‘face’ he/she gains. It defines a person’s place in their social networks. ‘Face’...

In Chinese business culture the closest English translation for ‘guanxi’ is relationship. Building ‘guanxi’ is an important ingredient when doing business and negotiating with a Chinese people. In fact without some level of ‘guanxi’ it would be difficult to conduct business in the Greater China Region.

In the Greater China Region the lines between friends, business,...

The development and maintenance of ‘guanxi’ is important when negotiating and communicating in the Greater China Region . A popular saying in Mandarin is ‘friends before businesses’. The closest English translation for ‘guanxi’ is relationship. Relationship in Chinese culture means a business relationship, and carries the same importance as a strong friendship, marriage or partnership.

Building...