This qualitative research study aimed to explore cultural tailoring strategies used in diabetes education in Asia for addressing the unique cultural needs of Chinese patients. The researcher employed an ethnographic methodology and collected data via participant-observation of 39 diabetes education programs and 22 in-depth interviews with facilitating-clinicians in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Sydney, Melbourne and Western Australia. Data were analysed with NVivo using a thematic analysis approach. Three themes emerged from the analysed data. Firstly, diabetes education only plays a supplementary role in diabetes care in the under-resourced medical systems of Asia, thus, shaping Chinese patients’ expectations and education needs. A community-driven approach was observed, whereby Chinese patients either rely on self-directed learning of diabetes management skills or come together for peer learning and support. Secondly, Chinese patients, potentially influenced by their collectivistic orientated culture, have a preference for didactic diabetes education with little class participation or involvement in strategies that empower them. Approaches like goal-setting were poorly received. Thirdly, Asian clinicians skilfully built therapeutic relations with their patients by reinforcing a respectful clinician-patient hierarchy. Such respectful relationship became a unique motivator for healthy behaviour changes. This study highlights potential effective strategies for educating the Chinese patients with diabetes and suggests practical recommendations for clinicians providing education to the Chinese Australian community.