"Even if the whole of Nepal is gone, as long as Badgang is still there, it's worth flying half the world to see it." —British traveler Powell
On May 10, the Nepal National Tourism Administration China Roadshow came to Hangzhou, our province to hold the event, which is committed to showing Nepal as the best holiday destination through new exchanges and promotions, in order to attract more tourists from China during the upcoming Nepal 2020 tourism year. The entire roadshow was jointly promoted by the Nepal Tourism Board, the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing and the Macau Luxury Travel Magazine in Hangzhou, Nanjing, Jinan and Beijing.
Mr. Long Hongquan, China Market Representative of Nepal Tourism Board, said that Nepal is one of the top destinations for Chinese holidaymakers, and China is also a fast-growing value market in Nepal. As the world's largest outbound tourism market and top tourism consumer, China also has strong potential to add more visitors to Nepal in the 2020 Nepal Tourism Year and inject strong vitality. The number of Chinese tourists arriving in Nepal is increasing, from 5,160 in 2000 to 153,602 in 2018, an increase of 46.8% over 2017. The number of Arrivals by Chinese Tourists is also expected to increase in 2019 compared to 2018.
The steadily growing Chinese economy can already see the purchasing power and GDP contribution of many of its booming cities. The gradual increase in the income and travel consumption patterns of citizens in these cities, as well as the continuous improvement of their living standards, will play a significant and important role in Nepal's tourism industry.
Poetry Painting Zhejiang launched a Nepal roadshow to promote exotic scenery and cultural experiences
Free visas, convenient transportation
With the increasing number of Chinese tourists choosing Nepal as a holiday destination, the aviation between China and Nepal has been gradually expanded, and the increase of air ports can now provide free visas on arrival for Chinese tourists arriving in Nepal, which has well ensured the steady growth trend of the Chinese market. Currently, five Chinese airlines and one Nepal Airlines offer direct flights connecting China with Nepal – Air China (Chengdu, Lhasa), China Southern (Guangzhou), China Eastern (Kunming), Dragonair (Hong Kong), Sichuan Airlines (Chengdu, Lhasa) and Tibet Airlines (Lhasa) and Nepal Airlines (Hong Kong).
Chinese tourists can also enter Nepal's Rasuwa district via the Rasuwagadi-Kerung (Kyirong) expressway on Nepal's northern border before reaching Kathmandu. This route is a trade route that has been officially recognized by the Nepalese and Chinese governments. Meanwhile, a high-speed railway from China's Kaze to Nepal's Kerung is under construction to make land transport between the two countries more convenient.
Good natural scenery and strong cultural experience
Paradise Hangzhou launched a Nepal roadshow to promote exotic scenery and cultural experiences
Mr. Khanal Rohini Prasad, International Market Officer, Tourism Authority of Nepal, said that the relationship between Nepal and China is deeply rooted and has a long history. Bilateral relations between the two countries have been growing since the 5th century, when the Nepalese monk Buddha Buddhapadra and the Chinese monks traveled to study and learn as an important milestone; in the first half of the 7th century AD, Princess Chizun of Nepal married Songtsen Gampo; in the second half of the 13th century, the Nepalese architect Araniko made an artistic exchange visit with the Yuan Dynasty, and made early visits to Chinese monks and scholars such as the Monk Fa Xian (Jin Dynasty) and the Sang Xuan (Tang Dynasty). After the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal in 1955, the relations between the two countries entered a new period of development.
Chinese tourists love the natural beauty and cultural experiences of Nepal, as well as taking part in group leisure tours that experience the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Camping and hiking in the Himalayas on the Nepalese side is becoming increasingly popular in the Chinese market and is recognized as one of the best adventure experiences for Chinese tourists. Pokhara is a very popular tourist city, listed as one of the "World's Top Ten Scenic Spots" by some Chinese tour guide books.
At the same time, in order to better adapt to the tastes and living habits of Chinese tourists, Nepal has created a series of well-equipped hotels to provide services suitable for Chinese tourists. In addition, many restaurants in major and popular tourist destinations also serve authentic Chinese food made by Chinese chefs.
In the impression of many travelers, traveling to Nepal is full of hardships. They believe that Nepal is only suitable for the adventurous people, and when they arrive in Nepal, they are constantly hiking and climbing mountains. Mr. Khanal Rohini Prasad said the idea was one-sided. In addition to the natural beauty that requires adventure in Nepal, there are many more attractions and activities for children and seniors.
<h1>Can't miss Nepal</h1>
Hangzhou was chosen to carry out the Nepal Roadshow to promote exotic scenery and cultural experiences
Known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Nepal is home to four UNESCO-certified World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu, Lumbini, Mount Everest and Chitwan are all UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. Kathmandu is a city steeped in history, surrounded by 7 famous cultural sites, less than 20 km away from each other. Tours around Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini, Pokhara, Chitwan Bay are very popular with tourists visiting Nepal. In addition, Nepal offers multi-day tours around popular destinations.
Mr. Long Hongquan, representative of the Chinese market of The Nepal Tourism Board, further introduced that with the development and promotion of the 2020 tourism year promotion activities in Nepal, Nepal aims to welcome 2 million tourists in 2020. The tourism promotion event held in China will effectively promote the connection between Nepal and China's tourism-related industries and Potential Chinese customers, attracting more tourists to Visit Nepal. The construction of Lumbini Pyrewa Airport and Pokhara Airport is expected to be completed around 2019-2020 and further open to the Chinese market, giving visitors the option to fly directly to their favourite destinations – Lumbini and Pokhara.
Nepal is also known as one of the best locations for adventure sports. Majestic snow-capped mountains, rugged terrain features, rippling babbling rivers, lush tropical forests, scenic waterfalls, tranquil lakes, beautiful landscapes provide an excellent and unique natural base for adventure activities in Nepal. In Nepal, you can try a variety of different activities such as trekking to base camp or lakes, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canyoning, bungee jumping, paragliding, hot air ballooning, jungle safaris, hiking, bird watching, rock climbing, mountain flying, skiing, ziplining and mountaineering, all of which can be experienced according to the preferences and wishes of tourists.
Nepal is a multilingual, multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Multiculturalism blends the gaps between the various ethnic groups and also promotes its uniqueness, so that the cultures of various tribes and social groups can bloom together in all aspects: music and dance, art and handicrafts, folklore and folklore, language and literature, philosophy and religion, festivals and celebrations, food and drink, and so on.
Nepalese recently celebrated the Nepalese New Year on April 14, 2019, dancing and singing with others. This festival brings new passion and joy to Nepalese. Before the arrival of the Nepalese New Year, Nepalese celebrate several important festivals such as the Biski Festival, the Cinnabar Festival, the Holi Festival, the Shiva Festival, and the Chetradsai Festival.
(Editor: Lin Zhong)