Hospitality (好客 - hàokè) is a cornerstone of Chinese culture, and 欢迎 (huānyíng) is its primary verbal expression. The act of welcoming a guest is often more elaborate and significant than in many Western cultures. It's not just a polite formality; it's an act that gives the guest “face” (面子 - miànzi) and demonstrates the host's warmth (热情 - rèqíng) and sincerity. In the West, “Welcome” can be a very casual greeting, like a shopkeeper saying it as you enter. While this happens in China with the phrase `欢迎光临 (huānyíng guānglín)`, a personal welcome is often more involved. Inviting someone to your home means you are expected to be a gracious host, providing food, tea, and making the guest feel completely comfortable and honored. The quality of your welcome reflects on your personal and family honor. Therefore, saying “欢迎” is not just a word, but the beginning of a social ritual that reinforces relationships and social harmony.
欢迎 (huānyíng) is used in a wide array of modern contexts, from formal to informal.