What tradition do Chinese people have?

Answer 1

Too many...

Although to name a few and of course to answer your question...

As a westerner...

1. If you are invited by a Chinese friend to visit their family at home or to dinner for the first time, you absolutely MUST bring gifts/presents (no matter what). It can be from a fruit basket to a tea set. Just appropriate stuff.

2. While you are dining with them, never reject the food they personally "pick" for you with their own pair of chopstick even though it may discomfort you. It's a friendly gesture. Don't forget to say thank you afterwards ("xiexie" in Chinese). If you happen to be vegetarian or have an allergy to some food, mention it before you are invited. And if you happen to be at their home and the food is still being prepared, always offer your hand to help.

3. Don't be too shy to eat and pick your own food from the plates everyone shares. The first time they'll probably say "bu yao ke qi" (no need to be shy). Afterwards if you are still shy, it may give the impression that you don't like the food or it's not well prepared. Also, after dinner you have to say or agree (if asked) that the food was really good even though if you disliked it. That's to show respect.

4. If you don't know how to use chopsticks, learn and practice it beforehand. Some families will have fork, knives and spoons but not all of them. And it's also to show respect. It would be awkward anyway to be the only one to use fork and spoons on plates instead of bowls and chopstick... Anyway, if you do manage to use chopsticks right, they may even be surprised how good you are with it! Gives good impression for the first time you know, no matter how you relate to them (business partners, girlfriend, colleagues, etc). Also, place your chopsticks parallel next to the bowl if they have a chopstick stand, if not then on the bowl. And never stick it downward into the bowl with rice in it, that's not friendly and it looks like you are worshiping the dead with incense sticks (which are the chopsticks). Also, never leave leftovers in your bowl, eat it clean! And if they offer you more and you really had enough, just say "Thank you very much but I'm really full".

Of course there a lot more to name but these are some you should know if you are invited to dinner... You can also learn most of these things just by observing others! Anyway, I think most of this are all common sense. Every civilized person should know these manners. :P