China is in the midst of unprecedented economic and cultural growth. In the last decade alone, China joined the World Trade Organization, hosted the 2008 Olympics and experienced a remarkable, record-high increase in its foreign currency reserves. As these changes unfold, frequency of contact between the Chinese and Westerners is dramatically increasing in the office, the classroom and the home.

With though-provoking glimpses into history and tradition, Encountering the Chinese provides fundamental information on Chinese cultural norms and values, giving clear context for contemporary social standards. Readers will learn the etiquette necessary to build successful personal and professional relationships with the Chinese both inside and outside the People's Republic of China. This revised edition of Encountering the Chinese also explains how Chinese values are changing rapidly-- and why it is more important than ever to keep up. For instance, compliments, once declined out of modesty, are now widely accepted in coastal citiesl; and some terms of address that were proper to use only a decade ago have grown offensive. Encountering the Chinese provides invaluable insight into the diverse and changing Chinese culture.

A great deal has changed since the second edition of Encountering the Chinese was published, most notably the country’r rise as a major global market. This latest edition is most has been updated to include a new chapter on cross-cultural traiing related to joint ventures.

Hu Wenzhong is a professor of English and intercultural communication at Beijing Foreign Studies University and honorary president of China Association for Intercultural Communication.

Cornelius N. Grove is founder of Grovewell LLC, providing leadership development, executive coaching, team performance and strategic consulting services to individuals and businesses in the international marketplace.

Zhuang Enping is a cross-cultural trainer and a professor at Shanghai University.

"A classic must-read for everyone coming to work or live in China. Other books have explained the HOW of cultural differences between China and the West, but no one else has helped us understand WHY so vividly." --Shelley Warner and Tony Voutas, cross-cultural trainers and founders of Asia Pacific Access Ltd, China