A total of 249 foreign experts and overseas students recently experienced winter joy at Shahu Lake in Shizuishan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

The international group spent a day at the scenic spot — feeding black swans, playing in the ice and snow, appreciating winter beauty and tasting Shahu hotpot, a local specialty.

"I feel happy to be here — being close to nature and feeding the swans," said Baqiatullah, a Ningxia University student from Pakistan.

Lugmar Xasanbuev, from Uzbekistan, said: "I have never seen snow in my country, but I see it here. I feel really happy to play in this ice and snow venue." He is currently studying at North Minzu University.

Ningxia University student Ricky Dias Andryanto Chintama, who is from Indonesia, was impressed by the improvement of the ecological environment in Shahu Lake, which has attracted numerous birds to inhabit and breed here.

(Video provided by Li Tingyu, Li Haonan, Liu Tianyi and Miao Liqiuyu/For chinadaily.com.cn)