Game of Throwing Cards: Building Connections in Chinese Business

In China, the increasingly popular card game Guan Dan has become a way for companies and bankers to build connections with local officials, especially in sensitive projects. With geopolitical tensions rising between China and the US, relying on funds from the states has become riskier. By playing Guan Dan, individuals hoping to do business with officials have found that it extends their face time and allows them to showcase their intelligence and team player skills. This game demonstrates the extra edge that having connections, or Guanci, gives individuals in China's challenging business environment.