Special Report: Spring Festival Special 2009

    BEIJING, Jan. 31 -- As the festive atmosphere fills the country, foreigners in Beijing embrace the Spring Festival first-hand.

    Professor White from America is a teacher at the University of Business and Economics in Beijing. He married his Chinese wife five years ago and they have a 3-year-old daughter.

    This year is his eighth Spring Festival in China. Professor White believes that in contrast with American festivals,the Spring Festival focuses more on family reunion.

    Sounbite: White,USA In China,all family members get together during the Spring Festival.But it's not the case in America.

    At the Chaoyang International Spring Carnival in Beijing, held between Jan 26-31, song-and-dance performances are being given by guests from around the world.

    A highlight of the show is the hugely diverse mix of food on offer. Sugar-coated berries, Chinese hamburgers and mutton barbecue are all top favorites.

    Soundbite. Foreigner I don't know what it is, but I know it tastes great.

    Soundbite. Foreigner1 A fabulous festival. It's my second Spring Festival. I spent it here last year.

    Some friendly foreigners even learned to say 'Happy New Year' in Chinese.

    Soundbite. Foreigner2 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    Soundbite. Foreigner3 Happy New Year to all my Chinese friends! May all your wishes be fulfilled!

    But wherever you are from, regardless of nationality, the real essence of the Spring Festival is to bring people together.

    Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing.