Kathmandu witnessed a momentous occasion on Saturday as the Nepal Visit Year 2025 and the Chinese New Year were officially announced amid a vibrant program held at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The event was a joint effort by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Municipality, and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
The ceremony was inaugurated by Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Dipak Khadka, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, alongside Bhaktapur Municipality Mayor Sunil Prajapati. This collaborative initiative aimed to foster deeper ties between Nepal and China while promoting tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Nepal as a Premier Tourist Destination
During his address, Minister Khadka emphasized Nepal’s unique appeal as a destination for international travelers. He highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening economic, social, and political relations with China through initiatives like the Nepal Visit Year. He also expressed optimism about expanding collaboration between the two countries in sectors such as tourism, energy, and agriculture.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Chinese Ambassador Chen Song remarked on the significance of the visit year in enhancing the strong bilateral ties between Nepal and China. He encouraged Chinese visitors to explore Nepal’s rich cultural and natural heritage, underlining the mutual benefits of increased people-to-people connections.
Mayor Sunil Prajapati of Bhaktapur Municipality called for collective efforts to ensure the success of Nepal Visit Year 2025. He noted that the program’s focus on welcoming Chinese tourists would help boost Nepal’s tourism sector while fostering cultural understanding between the two nations.
Cultural Festivities at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The event’s highlight was a vibrant showcase of cultural performances that celebrated the traditions of both Nepal and China. Traditional dances and songs depicted the lifestyles and heritage of the two nations, captivating the audience with their artistic brilliance.
Layaku, the iconic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, served as the perfect backdrop for the Chinese New Year Cultural Festival. The festival celebrated the shared cultural heritage and harmony between Nepal and China. Artists from both countries performed traditional and contemporary pieces, symbolizing the deep-rooted cultural connection between the two nations.
Call for Collaboration
Nepal Tourism Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Dipak Raj Joshi, urged all stakeholders to support the Nepal Visit Year 2025 campaign. He stressed the importance of organizing events that highlight Nepal’s diverse offerings to the global audience and solidify its position as a premier travel destination.
A Vision for the Future
The commencement of Nepal Visit Year 2025 marks an important milestone in Nepal’s efforts to rejuvenate its tourism industry. With a focus on cultural exchange, economic growth, and international collaboration, the event set a positive tone for the year ahead. The grand celebration at Bhaktapur Durbar Square not only showcased the rich traditions of Nepal and China but also underscored the potential of tourism as a bridge for fostering international goodwill.
As the program concluded, the vibrant performances and enthusiastic participation left attendees optimistic about the success of the Nepal Visit Year 2025 and the continued strengthening of Nepal-China relations.
