Pokhara to host 2nd Nepal-China Friendly Dragon Boat festival
The tourist hub of Pokhara is set to host the 2nd Nepal-China Friendly Dragon Boat Race on December 29-30, 2024 (Poush 14-15, 2081), with the participation of 20 teams from Nepal, China, and Singapore.
The event, aimed at promoting Nepal’s tourism, is being jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, the Gandaki Province Government, Pokhara Metropolitan City, and the Nepal Tourism Board, with co-organizers including the Nepal Dragon Boat Association, Pokhara Tourism Council, and Pokhara Overseas Chinese Association.
In a press conference held at the Nepal Tourism Board, it was announced that the race will feature 11 teams from Nepal, 8 from China, and 1 from Singapore. The competition will be held over two distances—200 meters and 500 meters. The winning teams for each distance will receive $5,000, while second and third-place winners will receive $2,000 and $1,200, respectively. Additionally, the remaining 17 teams will be awarded $500 each.
The dragon boat races will take place on Phewa Lake, continuing the tradition established by the first Nepal-China Dragon Boat Festival in 2023, which was also hosted on the iconic lake. Initiated by the Chinese government, dragon boat races are organized in over 50 countries worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion, Wang Xin, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, highlighted that the event is expected to strengthen ties between Nepal and China while boosting Nepal’s tourism sector. He affirmed China’s continued support in promoting tourism in Nepal.
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, emphasized that China is a major source market for Nepal’s tourism. He expressed confidence that the dragon boat race would further enhance Pokhara’s appeal as a tourist destination, adding a new attraction to the region.
The Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated annually in China on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2009. It is one of China’s four major traditional festivals and symbolizes positivity and strength.
China has a rich tradition of celebrating the festival, with festivities lasting three to seven days. It is a public holiday in China, observed joyfully by people of all ages.
In recent years, Nepal has seen significant tourist arrivals from China. In 2019, 169,534 Chinese tourists visited Nepal, while in 2023, the number was 60,874. From January to November 2024, 92,848 Chinese tourists have already visited Nepal, demonstrating a positive trend.
The 2nd Nepal-China Friendly Dragon Boat Race is poised to strengthen cultural and tourism ties between the two nations while showcasing the vibrant city of Pokhara as a premier destination.
