The traditional lion and dragon dances welcoming Chinese New Year in Nepal this year carried extra significance, celebrating both the donation of 1,000 bicycles from China and the launch of Nepal Visit Year, marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties.

"Those are significant events in bringing the neighbors, who are very important to each other, even closer with cultural and economic ties," said Manoj Man Shrestha, general secretary of the Arniko Society in Nepal, an organization of scholars and experts who studied in China.

Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai, chairman of the Nepal-China Executives Council, said 2025 will be a milestone year for tourism, trade and investment between Nepal and China. His organization, established in 2003 to foster bilateral ties, is poised to act as a key platform to enhance collaboration, he said.

"This year, we will be promoting Nepal tourism in different parts of China, including an expo in Yunnan … we are planning to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations by presenting a Buddha statue to Yunnan province" as the friendship has lasted for more than 2,000 years, he added.

Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, is set to welcome Chinese New Year with vibrant red lantern displays, artistic performances and a friendship soccer match.

The celebration introduces Chinese traditions to Nepalese audiences, who are increasingly interested in the culture, said Shrestha. "There is a good, strong atmosphere of Chinese New Year in Kathmandu and other major cities in Nepal, with all the decorations and performances."

Traditional lion and dragon dances, performed by artists from both countries, kicked off the festivities on Saturday in the Kathmandu Valley. During the launch ceremony at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Chinese performers dazzled with a lion dance on tables and high poles, along with a flower drum dance. Nepali artists captivated the audience with a monkey-step dance and a dragon dance.

"Celebrating Chinese New Year in Nepal is a reflection of the deep relationship between the two countries," said Dipak Khadka, Nepal's minister for energy, water resources and irrigation.

He made the remark at a ceremony that also marked the launch of Nepal Visit Year, a key event celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties between Nepal and China.

"Being our very close neighbor, I would like to recall the support China has provided in Nepal's tourism, energy, agriculture and other sectors," he added.

Shrestha of the Arniko Society emphasized the importance of Nepal Visit Year for the country's economy, with tourism as a vital sector. Officials hope this initiative will attract more Chinese visitors to the mountainous region, he added.

Broader exchanges

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song expressed hope that both countries will seize opportunities to enhance cooperation in tourism and other sectors. He emphasized leveraging tourism's rapid development to drive broader exchanges and partnerships in the economy, trade, connectivity, infrastructure, culture and education.

Chen highlighted the importance of upgrading Nepal's tourism infrastructure and services, noting that both countries can work together to implement China's Global Civilization Initiative and Global Development Initiative. These efforts, he said, will accelerate the realization of Nepal's vision for a "Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali".

Earlier this week, China donated the first batch of 1,000 bicycles to Nepal, benefiting students from nine community schools in two districts of Madhesh Province.

At the inauguration ceremony held at a school in Birgunj, Imtiaz Alam, deputy mayor of the city, said, "I'm looking forward to the expansion of this initiative."

Zou Zhiqiang, director of the Nepal Office of the China Foundation for Rural Development, said they hope this donation will mark the first step in addressing challenges faced by children in remote areas when going to school.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com