Ian Hamlinton, an architect from South Africa, now runs a homestay in Jiuxian village, Baisha town of Guilin's Yangshuo in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. He recently visited his old friend Mao Zongbin to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which fell on Feb 15 this year.

Ian (R4) enjoys the big dinner with Mao's family. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A grand family feast is a staple among Chinese people's celebrations for traditional holidays. Mao started preparations for the big dinner early in the morning and Ian helped by preparing over 100 quail eggs to be cooked with braised pork in brown sauce, which is his favourite dish. He also experienced making glutinous rice balls.

Ian first came to Yangshuo in 2001 and has now lived in Jiuxian village for six years, where he enjoys his Spring Festival holiday with local villagers every year. "We often call each other brothers and we usually climb mountains and drink together," said Long Mingyi, Party secretary of Jiuxian village. 

Ian (L) experiences making glutinous rice balls. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]