Nepal Hosts ‘My Nanjing’ Exhibition, Promoting Peace Through Shared History

Kathmandu-My Nanjing:An international exhibition titled “My Nanjing: A River of Memory Flowing Through Us Toward the Sea of the Future” opened at the China Cultural Center in Kathmandu, bringing together diplomats, scholars, educators, and young people from Nepal and China to reflect on history and promote peace.

The exhibition is jointly organized by Nanjing University, the China Cultural Center in Nepal, the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University, and the Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University, with support from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nepal. Featuring photographs, historical documents, and the internationally recognized Rabe Diaries, the exhibition highlights the humanitarian efforts of those who protected civilians during the Nanjing Massacre and promotes the values of peace, historical remembrance, and China–Nepal cultural exchange.

Speakers at the opening ceremony stressed that remembering history should serve the cause of peace rather than hatred. They highlighted the humanitarian efforts of individuals such as German businessman John Rabe, who established the Nanjing Safety Zone and helped protect hundreds of thousands of civilians during the massacre. The exhibition also showcases research by Nanjing University on the Rabe Diaries and other historical archives documenting the tragedy.

Addressing the event, representatives from the Confucius Institutes at Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University said the exhibition provides an opportunity for young people to learn from history and strengthen cultural understanding between Nepal and China. They emphasized that education and people-to-people exchanges play a vital role in fostering peace, friendship, and mutual respect.

Nepali scholar Bal Ram Duwal, who previously visited the Memorial Hall in Nanjing, shared his personal experience, saying the exhibition reminds visitors that history must be remembered not to fuel resentment but to protect truth and inspire future generations to value peace.

The event also featured a China–Nepal Youth Dialogue, where participants discussed historical memory, humanitarian values, and the role of youth in promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding.

The exhibition is part of Nanjing University’s international “Rabe Diaries and Peace City” initiative, which has previously been showcased in Germany, Denmark, and several other countries. Organizers said bringing the exhibition to Nepal aims to deepen cultural ties between the two countries while encouraging dialogue on peace, historical remembrance, and shared responsibility for the future.