As the old Chinese saying goes, "homesickness grows more than ever during festive occasions." For Chinese people, Spring Festival is a time for family reunions. And for more and more foreigners who are making China their second home, the lunar new year is not the time to leave, but to stay and enjoy.

The snow packed along the street has not yet thawed, and the air is moist and freezing. Luca Gagno drives his wife Wang Yun, and their four-year-old son Jacopo, They've left their apartment in downtown Beijing to head over to the nearby Spring Festival market.

The bazaar is packed with enthusiastic vendors and canny buyers. Luca and his wife soon find their favorite items. As an Italian doing business in Beijing, Luca has already become an expert on shopping. And, he appreciates the beauty of the festive goods.

Vendor said, "I started this business ten years ago, and I found more and more foreigners have come to buy Spring Festival stuff over the last six or seven years ago. They live in China, or are staying here temporarily or are just short-term visitors. The Chinese character "Fu", meaning good luck and fortune in English, is their favorite. Also they love anything related to Chinese traditions such as zodiac dolls and lanterns."

For more and more foreigners who are making China their second home, the lunar new year is not the time to leave, but to stay and enjoy.