I am travelling to Shenzhen in February and asking my girlfriends family permission to ask for her hand in marriage. Are there any Chinese customs i should know about when i speak with her parents for their permission?

People still do that?

rkkwan: Do you suggest eloping?

tonguetied: Residents in Shenzhen are quite forward thinking, I am sure they will be thrilled to have you as a new family member and not mind your un-chinese manners. What does your girlfriend think? Can't wait for a TR!

I know Chinese (and Japanese) families living in the US where it would be expected that a suitor would ask for the parents permission, so I'm sure it is an expected formality.

Sorry, I don't know enough about the customs to give you any guidance, but I expect someone on the board will know.

I, too, will look forward to your trip report.

tonguetied, good for you. you will score a thousand points with your future in-laws.

Thanks for everyone's feedback. Yes, though it is hard to believe, people still would like to include future in-laws in proposing to their daughter .

The real reason i posted this topic is because i have read so much regarding Chinese wedding customs and would like to know if there are also Chinese proposal customs that i need to consider when i travel to Shenzhen to meet her parents. My girlfriend is actually a very modern woman, but her parents are not.

Wish me luck . I will report back when i return in March.

Why don't you ask HER??!!