China's winter beauty impresses Maltese people

Stephen Cachia, lecturer in Chinese history at the University of Malta, has visited China several times. "China in winter is a wonderland of festivals, lanterns, ice sculptures and good hearty food," he said.

VALLETTA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Images of the enchanting ice and snow landscapes of China, disseminated by the China Cultural Center in Malta, have sparked enthusiasm and admiration among Maltese people.

"I had never seen the captivating allure of winter in China," Maltese writer Fiona Vella said after exploring China's winter tourism sector through the center's presentations, which include videos, photos and articles.

"The chilly air, adorned with delicate snowflakes, transformed iconic scenes into ethereal landscapes, casting a spell on ancient sites and modern cityscapes alike," she told Xinhua.

Vella has visited China several times and has been deeply impressed by the country's beautiful natural scenery, long history and rich culture. Learning about ancient practices still taking place, such as the winter fishing in Chagan Lake in Songyuan city in northeast China's Jilin province, left a lasting impression, she said.