Special Report: Spring Festival Special 2009

    BEIJING, Jan. 28 -- Two divers and two beluga whales gave a symbolic kiss to audiences at the Harbin Polarland aquatic center in northeastern Heilongliang Province during the Spring Festival season.

    The special performance on Monday was named the "Heart of the Ocean". The four mammals formed a heart shape to welcome in the Year of the Ox.

    Miss Chen, one of the two divers, said working with whales requires patience and commitment. To prepare for the event, they practiced for more than six months.

    Soundbite: Chen Xianqing, the actress of the Heart of Ocean program, said: "The Spring Festival is here and we want our performance to spark a little romance. We also hope the 'Heart of Ocean' bring good luck to everyone."

    This is the first time for Polarland performers to work with beluga whales to make a heart shape. The show has already become known as a great day out.

    Soundbite: Miss Chen, tourist, said: "During the Spring Festival holidays, I came to Harbin to see the show. I heard the performance was very special and I was already aware of the story of Miss Chen and her white whales. That's why I came."

    Fishermen once called Belugas 'sea canaries' because of their bird-like sounds, but these days they are termed as bulls, cows and calves - somewhat fitting for the Year of the Ox.

    Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Harbin.

    (Source: XHTV)