With melodious Nepalese music playing in the background, a dancer gracefully twirls and leaps on a vibrant stage. Adorned in a traditional Nepalese gunio choli in red and yellow hues, her attire flows elegantly with her movements.

The inauguration of The Nepal Culture Promotion Center, along with the "Belt and Road" — Light of Culture 2024 Traditional Cultural Exchange Activity took place in Beijing on August 8.

The event was organized by the China-Nepal Culture Exchange Center and drew a diverse group of participants, including experts in Chinese and Nepalese culture, tourism, and society.

As an important platform to showcase and disseminate the traditional culture of China and Nepal, the "Belt and Road" — Light of Culture 2024 project aims to further promote in-depth cooperation between the two countries in the cultural field through a variety of projects such as art exhibitions and traditional performances.

Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Nepalese Ambassador to China, highlighted the rich cultural connection between the two countries that dates back to ancient times.

"Over the years, we have consistently shared stories that symbolize the enduring cultural ties between our nations," he said.

Li Bo, President of the China-Nepal Culture Exchange Center, remarked at the ceremony: "In China, the venerable sage Laozi resides, while in Nepal, the esteemed sage Siddhartha Gautama abides. It is through the boundless wisdom of these sages that our spirits intertwine."

In 2017, China and Nepal signed Memorandums of Understanding to enhance cooperation. This year marks the 69th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"China's assistance in Nepal's development has promoted the further deepening of relations between the two countries. In particular, infrastructure, investment, trade, tourism, health, agriculture, information and telecommunication technology, and medical areas have benefited," ambassador Shrestha said.

"Nepal-China relations are an exemplar of barrier-free exchanges, peace, and friendship between two countries of different sizes and systems," Shrestha said.

Hu Xinyue contributed to this story.