具体而言，在联合国有关部门看来，到中国出差的“一般性文化注意事项”有7点：

（1）Conversation during a meal should focus heavily on giving compliments to the chef （在用餐过程中，谈话焦点应该集中于对厨师的大力恭维）。

（2）It is customary to arrive slightly early for social engagements （社会交往一般要比约定时间稍微早到一些）。

（3）When dining in a restaurant, discussing illness, death or tragic events is not appropriate as it is seen as bad luck（在餐馆用餐，避免谈到疾病、死亡或者不幸事件，因为这被认为是不吉利的）。

（4）The Chinese do not typically use exaggerated gestures or facial expressions while speaking, and may find them distracting when done by others（中国人在讲话过程中不做夸张的动作或者面部表情，而且不欣赏别人做出类似动作）。

（5）Gift giving is important and somewhat ritualized. Avoid gifts of great value, as they may embarrass a Chinese person and may be declined（送礼很重要，而且要仪式化。礼物的价值不要太高，否则会使中国人尴尬甚至拒绝礼物）。

（6）People often decline a gift several times before accepting it. Be persistent until they accept（中国人收礼之前先要拒绝若干次，所以送礼的人一定要坚持，直到中国人接受为止）。

（7）It is customary to bring a gift when invited to someone's home such as fruit, candy or a souvenir from your home country（接受邀请去中国人家里做客时一般要带礼物，可以是水果、糖或者从本国带来的纪念品）。

    “商务文化注意事项”有8点：

（1）Introductions are usually quite formal. The Chinese traditionally nod or bow slightly when greeting. However, handshaking is also common and appropriate（互相介绍相当正式，中国人一般是用点头或者轻微的鞠躬作为打招呼的方式。不过握手还是最常见和恰当的）。

（2）If greeted by the somewhat uncommon custom of applause, the appropriate response is to applaud back （如果受到意外的鼓掌欢迎，最好是以鼓掌来回敬）。

（3）Appointments should be made in advance（约会必须提前确定）。

（4）Punctuality is very important in China for both business and social engagements（在商务和社会交往中必须准时）。

（5）Bring numerous business cards, preferably printed in English on one side and Chinese on the other（准备好足够数量的名片，最好一面是英文，一面是中文）。

（6）When referring to the nation on formal documents or speeches, it is appropriate to use the full title: The People's Republic of China（在正式文件和谈话中提到中国时，应该使用全称“中华人民共和国”）。

（7）Business is not generally discussed over a meal, though you may be treated to a banquet during your stay. If possible, you should always return the favor（你在访问中会被邀请参加宴会，但在用餐中一般不谈商务。如果可能，最好回请）。

（8）Business dress is conservative. Men should wear a suit and tie, while women should wear either a dress or a skirt and blouse（商务着装偏保守。男士应穿西装、打领带，女士应穿套装，裙子或裤子也可）。

    我把以上材料提供给了国际奥委会的中国职员，他们也认为其中的一些提法确实不完全符合中国的现实，不过还是有一定的借鉴意义。如果读者有更好的建议，到底对到中国出差的外国人应该有哪些文化上的提醒，请通过电邮联系，我们共同为中外交流和奥运会的成功举办做一点贡献。