Globalisation, networking, new markets, and opening towards other cultures, all constitute new opportunities and new challenges resulting from ever closer cooperation between states, citizens and companies. No matter what drives people, be it their own will, interest, passion, or the result of a business analysis, nowadays increasing and enhancing the geographical spectrum of activities is a widespread concern and issue.
This text aims to find an answer to the question as to whether one needs specific preparation, skills, tools, or tactics when confronted with the relational culture that characterizes East Asia, and China in particular. The specific features of Chinese business culture are described, followed by an analysis of further challenges going beyond business but directly interrelated with it, ones that support and strengthen the efficiency of business interactions, as well as other bilateral contacts. The author argues that observations concerning business culture should be extrapolated onto other areas and treated as universal when it comes to a description of challenges resulting from intercultural encounters.