Gregory Louraichi's French restaurant in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gregory Louraichi, who runs a French restaurant in Xiamen, Fujian province, really loves the atmosphere of rejoicing during the Spring Festival holiday.

"It is the same as Christmas in France, a time to enjoy family gatherings and visit friends," he said.

The French chef regards the southeastern port city as his second hometown.

Xiamen is much like his hometown of Bordeaux. More important, it is home to his beloved enterprise — Greg's Restaurant, Xiamen — as well as to his two French-Chinese sons and his wife, Long Guanyun, who accompanied him as he started his own business.