The vibrant cultural and tourism exchange between China and Nepal was further strengthened on Tuesday evening as the China Tourism Day was marked with a special event in Kathmandu. The celebration was jointly organized by the Cultural Center, China National Tourist Office, and China Southern Airlines. The event attracted a wide range of attendees, including representatives from the Nepali business community, travel and tourism professionals, Chinese business leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders committed to fostering bilateral cooperation through tourism.
The Tourism Day, observed annually on May 19, commemorates the legendary Ming Dynasty explorer Xu Xiake, whose extensive travel writings have become a significant part of Chinese travel heritage. The day is marked across the country and internationally by promoting tourism awareness, celebrating cultural richness, and encouraging cross-border tourism collaboration.
Director of the Cultural Center in Kathmandu, Xiao Jiang, addressed the gathering and highlighted the growing significance of tourism in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world. She emphasized that tourism has evolved into more than just leisure becoming a bridge that connects people, cultures, and ideas.
“Tourism has become a vital part of modern leisure and lifestyle and has brought us closer to nature,” said Jiang. “It promotes dialogue and mutual understanding between nations and peoples, strengthens friendships, and contributes to building a community with a shared future for humanity.”
Jiang’s remarks resonated deeply with the ongoing efforts to enhance China-Nepal relations through cultural and tourism diplomacy. As both nations are rich in heritage and natural beauty, mutual tourism exchange plays a key role in economic and people-to-people connectivity.
Echoing the sentiment, General Manager of the Kathmandu Office of China Southern Airlines, Yang Wenfu, expressed the airline’s continued commitment to deepening China-Nepal tourism ties. He shared how Southern Airlines has been actively working on expanding its route network between China and Nepal, thus making travel more accessible for tourists, students, and business travelers.
Yang voiced his optimism about the future of China-Nepal tourism, stating, “We are confident that, together with Nepali stakeholders, we can open a new chapter in China-Nepal tourism. Our aim is to contribute to the growth of the aviation and tourism industries in both countries.”
China Tourism Day
He also highlighted how connectivity is central to tourism growth, and stronger airline ties will serve as a catalyst for increased exchanges in trade, education, culture, and investment. Adding depth to the evening’s event, Mohan Suwal, a representative of the Tourism Office in Kathmandu, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the diversity and richness of Chinese tourism. Suwal shared engaging insights into China’s natural wonders, cultural festivities, historical landmarks, and modern achievements.
He introduced the audience to it’s major traditional festivals, including the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), the Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These festivals are not only culturally significant but are also peak travel periods that showcase China’s colorful heritage and traditions.
Suwal also took the audience on a virtual journey through it’s most iconic historical and cultural sites. From the ancient city of Xi’an, home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, to the grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing, he emphasized that these sites encapsulate China’s rich history and the wisdom of its people.
“China is home to 59 UNESCO cultural and natural heritage sites, ranking second globally,” Suwal stated, underlining the country’s unmatched appeal for global travelers interested in history, culture, and nature. He also pointed out that it remains one of the top source countries for global outbound tourism and a favored destination for many Nepali travelers. With direct air connectivity and strong diplomatic ties, both countries stand to benefit from expanding tourism exchanges.
The event created a platform for networking and discussion among tourism professionals from both countries. It also served as a reminder of the immense potential that lies in fostering stronger cultural and tourism ties between Nepal and China.
As China Tourism Day continues to be celebrated worldwide, events like the one in Kathmandu not only showcase Chinese culture and tourism potential but also reinforce the enduring friendship and cooperation between two ancient civilizations. Nepal, with its own unmatched natural and cultural attractions, stands to gain significantly by attracting more Chinese tourists. With strategic partnerships, increased flight connectivity, and cross-cultural promotion, the Nepal tourism sector can tap into the growing number of outbound Chinese travelers.
The celebration of China Tourism Day in Kathmandu is a reflection of the shared vision between China and Nepal to use tourism as a soft power tool for diplomacy, understanding, and sustainable development. As both countries step into a post-pandemic era of recovery, such initiatives are pivotal in rejuvenating the tourism industry and ensuring long-term mutual prosperity.
