Business Chinese: Seating Arrangement Etiquette

商务座次礼仪 (shāngwù zuòcì lǐyí) Seating Arrangement Etiquette 　

At Chinese “宴会 (yànhuì) banquets,” the seating arrangement is probably the most important part of Chinese dining “礼仪 (lǐyí) etiquette,” especially in Chinese business banquets. Generally, round tables are used at Chinese banquets and the seat facing the entrance is the seat of honor. The seats on the left hand side of the seat of honor are second, fourth, sixth, etc. in importance, while those on the right are third, fifth, seventh and so on in importance. The seat of honor, “保留 (bǎoliú) reserved” for the master of the banquet or the “客人 (kèrén) guests” with highest status, is the one in the center facing east or facing the entrance. Those of higher position sit closer to the seat of honor. The guests of the lowest position sit furthest from the seat of honor.

生词 (shēngcí) Vocabulary 

礼仪 (lǐyí) n etiquette 　

“礼 (lǐ)” means polite and “仪 (yí)” means ceremony.

Examples:

中国自古就是一个礼仪之邦。 　
Zhōngguó zìgǔ jiùshì yígè lǐyí zhī bāng.
China has always been a state of etiquettes.

代表们须按礼仪要求就座。 
Dàibiǎomen xū àn lǐyí yāoqiú jiùzuò.
The delegates have to be seated according to the proper etiquettes.

宴会 (yànhuì): n banquet  　

客人 (kèrén): n guest  

保留 (bǎoliú): v to reserve 

ref:http://resources.echineselearning.com/business/business-chinese-501.html