By Xiao Wu, video by Yiling Wang, iChongqing

Chongqing-Lanterns are raised up high to welcome Chinese New Year. It’s high time for people in China to prepare for the biggest annual event. Expats in Chongqing city have also joined the great celebration in their own way.

Lovely stories about the expats’ New Year preparation

Camellia from China and John from England are newly married couple in Chongqing. It’s the first Spring Festival that they will go home as husband and wife. Before their visit to Camellia’s big family, they made some preparation for the New Year visit.

George from Armenia has worked in Chongqing for almost one year. A few months ago, he started to take Chinese course with Ms. Lv. In Ms. Lv’s words, George is a quick learner. His goal for the new year is that he could pass the Chinese qualification test HSK4.

Marco Bonaglia from Italy is doing Ph.D. in Chongqing University. Marco has been long interested in Chinese culture. While he was in Italy, he already experienced Chinese Lunar New Year in China Town of Milan. But the authentic Lunar New Year Celebration atmosphere in Chongqing, China is still quite a different and surprising experience for him.

Maria from Russia and Mulkesh from India are running the coffee business with the brand-You and Coffee in Chongqing. At the busy sales season, they prepare New Year coffee gift box for their customers. All the Spring Festival elements in the box can show their love for the culture and business.

Plans may differ, but excitement stays the same

The expats’ plans for Chinese New Year differs. But no matter it’s visiting wife’s families, setting positive New Year goal, or preparing gifts for Chinese friends, it all shows their excitement to experience the authentic Chinese culture and love for their life and work in the city.