Chinese believe that eating mutton in winter can ward off the cold and nourish the body. But the mutton from the 30,000 sheep donated by Mongolia that arrived in China recently has achieved more than that－it has warmed hearts.

Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga announced the donation of sheep to support the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak during his visit to China in February.

The sheep were transported to China in October, where they were inspected and quarantined before being slaughtered. The processed mutton from 15,000 sheep was distributed in Hubei province to medics, volunteers and workers, as well as families who lost their relatives in the battle against the virus in Wuhan, capital of Hubei.

A special dinner was held in Wuhan's Zhongnan Hospital on Nov 30. Representatives of those who fought the virus at the Leishenshan emergency field hospital gathered together and had a meal of mutton.

"I have learned from the news that Mongolia would donate sheep to Hubei, and I am grateful today as I eat the mutton with people who I've fought against the virus with," said Cai Shuhan, a doctor at Zhongnan.

Jiang Xiang, a worker from the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau who participated in the building of the makeshift Leishenshan Hospital, said, "I am surprised and moved. … I feel warmth in my heart as I eat this mutton."

Ding Xinbo, a chief nurse of the hospital, said, "I'm so proud that during the hardest days, medics, volunteers and construction workers at Leishenshan spared no effort in saving lives, and today I feel the love and care poured on us by society as we share this victory meal."

Another 15,000 sheep were given to the medical teams consisting of 42,000 members sent to assist Hubei from 29 municipalities, provinces and regions including Shanghai.

As one of the major hospitals in Shanghai that sent medical teams to Wuhan to aid the fight against COVID-19, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital prepared a meal with some of the donated mutton in its canteen on Monday.

"It's been six months since we rushed to aid Wuhan, but I was still touched when I got the mutton. It's a gift that carries deep friendship," said Fei Xiaochun, a member of the hospital's expert team on COVID-19 diagnosis.

In Huai'an, Jiangsu province, three psychologists received 40 kilograms of mutton and decided to give it to 80 patients who have no ability to work, no income and no home.

Many medics who received the donated mutton posted pictures on social media, expressing their gratitude for this special gift.

In response to the donation of sheep, Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan announced that Hubei province will donate medical supplies and local specialties to Mongolia during the 16th Meeting of the China-Mongolia Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation on Nov 23.

The Chinese donation includes COVID-19 testing kits for the use of 30,000 people and more than 20,000 bricks of premium local tea brands.

"The people of Hubei remember the help we received and will always return the favor," Qin Jun, head of the commerce department of Hubei province, said at a donation ceremony on Tuesday. "We learned that Mongolian people like drinking tea, and I hope they will enjoy the tea we send."