BEIJING -- Freezing, remote, mysterious - these are the words Chinese people most often associate with Iceland.

However, changes in bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of economics, politics and tourism, are starting to change Chinese perceptions of the "island of ice."

In April 2004, China and Iceland signed a memorandum of understanding on visas and related issues for groups of Chinese tourists who wish to travel to Iceland.

Since then, more and more Chinese have gotten the opportunity to travel to the country and witness its natural wonders.

Data showed that in 2009, around 7,000 Chinese people visited Iceland. The number is constantly on the rise.

Online posts and microblog entries written by Chinese travelers have sparked interest about the country's natural landscape and attractions. A picture of the Blue Lagoon, a popular attraction near the country's capital of Reykjavik, garnered many comments about its "pure and enchanting" beauty.

"This is certainly a wonderful resort. I hope to have the chance to go there in my lifetime," said a microblogger using the screenname "gefan" on Weibo.com, a popular Chinese microblogging site.

Gefan quoted a famous line from "Shiji," or "Historical Records," a book about ancient Chinese history: "although I cannot be there, my heart yearns for it."

Huang Nubo, a Chinese tycoon who attempted (and subsequently failed) to develop a high-end resort in Iceland said he was impressed with the country's beautiful landscapes when he made his first visit in 2010.

Huang is the founder and chairman of a private property firm, the Zhongkun Investment Group. Although he failed to win a bid for building the resort, his case attracted intense media coverage last year.

Premier Wen Jiabao kicked off a two-day official visit to Iceland on Friday, marking the first official visit by a Chinese premier to the nation in the 41 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

During the visit, Wen is expected to meet with Icelandic leaders and attend signing ceremonies for a series of bilateral agreements.

Vice-Foreign Minister Song Tao said at a Monday press conference that bilateral ties have grown by "leaps and bounds" in recent years.

"The two sides share a great consensus in further strengthening cooperation," Song said.

Analysts believe Wen's visit will boost the country's visibility in China and encourage more Chinese to visit.