SOARING OVER THE HIMALAYAS: NEPAL-SHANDONG CULTURAL WEEK AND PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

As part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the “Soaring Over the Himalayas – Nepal Shandong (Binzhou) Cultural Week” and “Beautiful Shandong” Photography Exhibition officially commenced at the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. This week-long event aimed to strengthen tourism and cultural ties between Nepal and China, spotlighting the natural and cultural splendor of Shandong Province. The exhibition featured an impressive collection of sixty distinct photographs, offering a vivid portrayal of Shandong’s rich heritage and scenic landscapes. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Xie Yu, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, and Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Regmi expressed optimism that the exhibition would serve as a significant platform to promote bilateral tourism. This collaborative initiative brought together several esteemed organizations, including: Binzhou Photography Association, Federation of Nepal Photojournalists, Nepal-China Friendship Forum, Nepal Tourism Board, Chinese Embassy in Nepal and Binzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Prominent figures such as Dr. Kalyan Raj Sharma, President of the Nepal-China Friendship Forum; Shiva Adhikari, Chairperson of the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies; Binzhou Photography Association President; and Hari Prasad Regmi, Chairperson of the Federation of Nepali Photojournalists, emphasized the importance of organizing similar photo exhibitions in both nations to further cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. The event not only celebrated the vibrant cultural partnership between Nepal and Shandong but also showcased the potential for deepening cooperation through art, photography, and tourism