Sipping cocktails Beijing-style.
Photo: Concierge.com.

As the third entry in a multi-part series, Conde Nast Traveler reports on Chinese etiquette in the October 2008 issue--unfortunately too late for those who plan on attending the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing next month. So as a special service to our readers, we're giving you a preview now.

If you're lucky enough to break bread with some locals, know this: The Chinese eat at set hours (lunch is at noon, dinner at six). So don't stray too far from that. Do, though, pay attention to these things:
* Teacups are handled with both hands. So are business cards.
* While slurping soup is permitted (along with leaving chicken bones and toothpicks on the table), burping is not.
* Always eat what you're given, but leave behind a little something. Cleaning your plate signals that your host didn't feed you properly.
* You won't really find cheese, rare meat, or raw vegetables here.
* A meal without rice? Unthinkable.

Check out the October issue for more. Can't wait that long? We've got part three of the preview tomorrow.

These restaurants made our Hot List over the past two years and continue to impress:
* Whampoa Club
* Green T. House Living
* Jaan
* Jiumen Xiaochi
* Lan Club

Further reading:
* How not to embarrass yourself in France, Japan, and India
* How not to embarrass yourself in the Mediterranean
* Check out our Hot List Beijing video
* Have only 12 days to spend in China? We have the trip for you