Matamwandi says that Zambia is famous for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife and vibrant culture, including the Victoria Falls, home to one of the world's largest curtains of falling water, 20 national parks inhabited by more than 1,800 animal species, and 73 tribes coexisting in peace and harmony, with their colorful cultures and traditions.

"We've seen a very high increase in the Chinese travelers to Zambia," says Valerie Mpuku, tourism promotion manager at Zambia Tourism Agency.

"China is one of the key source markets, so we're going to grow the numbers and take advantage of China's large population and traffic to come to appreciate our beautiful country," Mpuku says, adding that discussions about facilitating travel and offering special services to Chinese tourists are under way.

At the opening ceremony for the culture and tourism year, eight paintings of African tribal masks and sculptures by Enock Sela drew the attention of curious Chinese participants.

"I came to the event out of gratitude," says Sela who now works as an artist in Shanghai.

The artist in his 20s is from the small Zambian village of Kashikishi — located in the country's northwestern part — and has chosen to stay in China after finishing studies at a university in Jiangxi province.