03/12/2025
On November 28 ，the Opening Ceremony of the Celebration of 70th Anniversary of China-Nepal Diplomatic Relations and Cultural Week was grandly held in Lalitpur. The event was hosted by Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University and Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University, and supported by the Chinese Education Society-Nepal. Over 200 guests attended the program including Prof. Rajiv Shrestha (Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University and Nepali Director of the Confucius Institute,) Mr. Surendra Raj Gosai (Member of Bagmati Provincial Assembly) , Dean of KU School of Management, Dean of KU School of Arts , Mr. Harish Chandra Shah (Chairman of the Nepal-China Education Association), Mr. Sushil Prajapati (Chairman Nepal Arniko Society), Mr. Sunil (Chairman of the Devkota–Lu Xun Cultural Association), Miss Xiao Jiang (Director of the China Cultural Center), Vice Presidents of the Nepal Chinese Association and the Nepal Chinese Enterprises Association, representatives from media and enterprises, faculty members from both Confucius Institutes, partner-school principals, student representatives, and Chinese-language enthusiasts.
The Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University highlighted in his welcome speech that the Confucius Institute is not only a Chinese-language teaching center but also an important cultural bridge that deepens understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Nepal. He expressed hope that this cultural program will further promote cooperation between the two countries’ universities and enhance cultural exchange and mutual learning.
Prof. Li Shuangcheng, Chinese Director of the KU Confucius Institute, recalled that the institute has trained more than 50,000 Chinese-language learners since its establishment. Through innovative models such as “Chinese + Vocational Education,” the institute has built a strong bridge connecting the two peoples. Prof. Zhang Xingnian, Chinese Director of the Tribhuvan University Confucius Institute, introduced the institute’s achievements. CITU has over 1,330 learners trained in the past four years, with three students receiving the “Young Sinologist” honor. Learners include students, civil servants, doctors, and professionals from various fields. He remarked that the joint hosting of this cultural festival vividly reflects the deepening of educational and cultural cooperation between China and Nepal.
Bagmati Provincial Assembly Member Mr. Gosai praised the achievements of China–Nepal cooperation over the past 70 years—from infrastructure development to cultural exchange. He emphasized that Nepal and China has had a very good relation from very long age, which can be proved by the historical migration of heroes like Araniko, Bhrikuti etc. He also mentioned that the growing interest in Chinese language, driven by the Confucius Institutes, is creating more opportunities for Nepalese youth. He expressed hope for even greater achievements in future cooperation in culture and education.
A special cultural exhibition area showcased Nepal–China cultural integration. Nepalese students displayed handmade Chinese knots, zodiac badges, and Peking opera masks, along with Chinese porcelain. At the tea-culture experience zone, guests enjoyed both Nepali and Chinese tea, reflecting the theme “Tea connects hearts,” which attracted many visitors to stop, interact, and take photos.
The cultural performances at the opening ceremony vividly highlighted mutual cultural appreciation. Chinese and Nepali teachers and students jointly performed a Nepali-style adaptation of “Welcome to Nepal,” expressing the country’s warmth and hospitality. The performance “Twelve Chinese Zodiac,” combining dance and calligraphy, creatively blended traditional Chinese culture with modern artistic expression. Authentic Nepali folk dances showcased local cultural charm and received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
