Chinese hosts like to feel as if they have carried their hosting responsibilities to the utmost: it might be more important to leave a public impression that they have discharged their hosting responsibilities with enthusiasm and to the nth degree, even if the guest is inconvenienced in the process.

The goal is not necessarily to make the guest feel at ease in the sense that is familiar to Westerners (e.g., always consulting the guest about his or her wishes first), but rather to bombard the guest with so much attention that a feeling of being neglected – the ultimate failing on the part of a Chinese host – could never be claimed.

Because of this, you may feel that actions towards you as a guest are overdone, perhaps even bordering on an invasion of your privacy. Such actions might include any or all of the following:

• A schedule that runs 24-hours-a-day and involves entertaining you every moment your hosts do not have you in meetings

• Pronouncing you their “lao pengyou” (old friend) at the end of a three-day acquaintance

• Formal presentations of gifts

• Elaborate greetings and leave-takings

• Lavish banquets and/or all-night parties