The largest of the penguin "family lineage", emperor penguins can fast for long periods and dive deeply. In winter, when Antarctica becomes the coldest land in the world, these birds do not migrate but stay to feed their children.

Communal Xinhua on 11-2 has published vivid pictures of life of this exotic and interesting bird (taken at the end of December 2009).

'Breaking in' emperor penguin territory images 1

A baby emperor penguin in Antarctica - Photo: Xinhua

'Breaking in' emperor penguin territory images 2

"Step, step!"

'Breaking in' emperor penguin territory images 3

A flock of emperor penguins near China's Zhongsha research station in Antarctica - Photo: Xinhua

'Breaking in' emperor penguin territory images 4

An emperor penguin is feeding his child - Photo: Xinhua

'Breaking in' emperor penguin territory images 5

"Go ahead, I'm lazy!" - Photo: Xinhua

'Breaking in' emperor penguin territory images 6

Baby emperor penguins gather together to keep warm and defend themselves when their parents go to feed - Photo: Xinhua