For people in Chinese-speaking places like Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, a clock is best avoided when it comes to gift giving. It sounds like the word for "end" and many associate the object with death, says <a href="http://www.shanghaidaily.com/Metro/interactive/The-dos-and-many-donts-of-gift-giving-in-China/shdaily.shtml" target="_blank" target="_blank">The Shanghai Daily. </a>
For people in Chinese-speaking places like Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, a clock is best avoided when it comes to gift giving. It sounds like the word for "end" and many associate the object with death, says The Shanghai Daily.
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Fruit is a common gift in China when visiting friends or relatives, the paper says, but you should steer clear of pears, especially for couples. It sounds similar to the word for "separation."
Fruit is a common gift in China when visiting friends or relatives, the paper says, but you should steer clear of pears, especially for couples. It sounds similar to the word for "separation."
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Flowers also present a number of pitfalls. Unless you're going to a funeral, don't buy a bunch of chrysanthemums, which are used to commemorate the dead, the paper advises.
Flowers also present a number of pitfalls. Unless you're going to a funeral, don't buy a bunch of chrysanthemums, which are used to commemorate the dead, the paper advises.
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Green hats are also a no-no, says the paper. "Wearing a green hat" is an expression used when a woman cheats on her husband, so definitely a poor choice of gift.
Green hats are also a no-no, says the paper. "Wearing a green hat" is an expression used when a woman cheats on her husband, so definitely a poor choice of gift.
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Sharp objects like knives might lead the recipient to conclude that you want to "yi dao liang duan" -- to make a clean break.
Sharp objects like knives might lead the recipient to conclude that you want to "yi dao liang duan" -- to make a clean break.
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Don't give your boyfriend or girlfriend a pair of shoes - it suggests the end of a relationship.
Don't give your boyfriend or girlfriend a pair of shoes - it suggests the end of a relationship.
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Umbrellas should be given a wide berth - the Chinese word sounds like "san" - which can also mean separation.
Umbrellas should be given a wide berth - the Chinese word sounds like "san" - which can also mean separation.
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