Stanley Chao's 13 rules for doing business in China:

Don't rely on gut instincts

You don't know what you don't know

Sweat the details

Take the trust factor out

Never do joint ventures

Adapt and move quickly

Never compete with locals

Use multiple partners

Think long-term, react short-term

Don't create competitors

Listen to experts

Don't rely on contracts

When in doubt, ask questions

To better understand China, Savio Chan advises "Think C-H-I-N-A":

Culture: Understand China's cultural complexity.

Harness: Build relationships within local government and use this human network to make local business connections.

Intellectual property rights: Remember that the rights to use a patent or trademark in China go to the first to file.

Navigate: Become acquainted with and navigate markets with strong local partners.

Anticipate: Be prepared for fierce local competition.