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(CNN) -- Doing business in China does not necessarily end in the boardroom, and if you have not clinched the deal during the day there is still time at the business banquet.
Food is serious business in China, and mastering after-hours etiquette can be a minefield for business travelers.
"Banqueting forms an integral part of doing business," Andrew Williamson, who used to visit frequently on business, says.
"The process of exchanging gifts and meals is a way of building up relationships. The Chinese call it 'guanxi'," says the former employee of Commercial Union Insurance Group, now Aviva, and conduct business in China.
"In China business flows from friendship. Along the lines of Confucius' golden rule of reciprocity -- do to others as you would do unto them."
Early on in a relationship with a Chinese firm it is likely that business guests will be invited to a banquet, and before leaving it is considered respectful to return the offer.
"You could find that the real decision makers -- the bosses -- might well appear at the banquet just to see what you are like," explains Williamson.
Toasts are a very important part of banqueting etiquette and may involve a popular rice-based spirit called Mao Tai.
"It is very fierce indeed, so only try a little bit (especially) if you have to go around a large banquet toasting everybody," says Williamson.
Refusing alcohol can be very difficult, and Williamson suggests using -- what he calls -- a "Confucian excuse."
"If you do not want to drink say: 'I am sorry but I am taking antibiotics' or 'I have a medical condition.' The Chinese will understand that," he explains.
"Never ever speak off the record and never assume that they do not speak your language."
Refusing local food, which may not be appetizing to the Western palette, can also be seen as impolite.
The most important guest normally takes the first mouthful from the shared food. The spinning tabletop or lazy Susan is then offered to the second-most important guest, after than the order does not matter -- gender is also irrelevant.
It is also best to eat lightly, take one piece of food and when everyone has had a piece, you can take a second one, never take more than your portion.
"To show your appreciation of generosity you should not finish all the food. If you finish, the host might misinterpret that they have not provided enough," explains Williamson.
One of the easiest tips for banqueting in China is that if you do not know what to do, then copy what your Chinese colleagues are doing.
-- CNN's Leone Lakhani and Richard Quest contributed to this report
