SOCHI - Athletes will enjoy their life in the "comfortable" athletes' village of Sochi Winter Olympic Games that "offers convenience in every aspect", a Chinese sports official said on Wednesday.

Deputy chef de mission of the Chinese delegation Xiao Tian, just hours off his flight from Beijing, said he already felt at home.

"The food in the dining hall is fantastic. They have a section of Asian food, with good flavor," he said after the national flag hoisting ceremony in the coastal athletes' village. "The rooms we stay in look pretty nice."

Xiao was especially impressed by the proximity between the village and competition venues.

"They are so close to each other. I think this will help athletes create best results here," he said.

"After so many Olympics, I think Sochi's village can be rated as outstanding," he added.

Speed skater Zhang Shuang agreed with the official.

"Four athletes share an over 100 square meters flat," she said. "And I like the food here."

A total of 45 athletes and officials attended the ceremony where former pole vault queen Elena Isinbayeva, as mayor of coastal athletes' village, exchanged gifts with Xiao.

Xiao received a set of matryoshka, the traditional Russian toy doll, and Isinbayeva was given a blue and white porcelain plate.

China sent a 139-member delegation that included 66 athletes to the February 7-23 Games in the Black Sea resort city.