The Chinese are a reserved nation in general. Normally people don’t like being touched by strangers. It can be abrupt if you make a sudden body contact with the person, such as hugging and kissing, though it is common in the western world. Sometimes nodding and shaking hands can do for all. Bowing is a very old gesture to show respect to someone of great significance. Don’t bow with your palms pressed together in front of your chest- it’s a Thai gesture that gets confused a lot by westerners.
