Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in China?

Not customary, avoid. In China, the standard greeting is a nod, handshake, or slight bow; cheek kissing is not part of traditional etiquette and can be seen as overly intimate or awkward, especially in a social gathering. It is generally reserved for very close friends or family in Western-influenced contexts, but even then it's rare and may cause discomfort. Stick to a polite handshake or verbal greeting to avoid misunderstanding.

When meeting Chinese people at a social gathering, offer a slight nod and a handshake (or a simple 'ni hao') instead of any cheek kissing.

In major international cities like Shanghai or Beijing, younger or expat-heavy circles may occasionally accept cheek kissing among close friends, but it remains uncommon nationwide.