Pashupatinagar, Ilam, June 12, 2025– Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, visited key tourist destinations in Ilam’s Suryodaya Municipality, underscoring the region’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential. The Ambassador's trip, part of the China Diplomat Tour initiative, included visits to Kanyam, Buddha Park, and Antu, and was coordinated with support from Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, and Suryodaya Municipality Mayor, Ran Bahadur Rai.
Ambassador Song, accompanied by family members and counselors, received a warm welcome from locals and municipal representatives upon his arrival. In Kanyam, the Ambassador was treated to a traditional ethnic horse ride and explored the scenic tea gardens that have made the area a tourist hotspot. A formal reception followed at Suryodaya Municipality, where Member of Parliament Suhang Nembang and Deputy Mayor Durga Kumar Baral, among others, highlighted the region’s development and tourism prospects.
During his visit to Buddha Park, Ambassador Song participated in tea and cheese tasting events that showcased the local flavors of Ilam. In the evening, his itinerary included Antu, where cultural dances performed by locals highlighted the area’s ethnic diversity. Ambassador Song also visited Antu Pokhari, a serene lake popular among visitors.
The Ambassador is scheduled to conclude his visit with an observation of the sunrise from Antu Hill, a vantage point renowned for its panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas and beyond. Deputy Mayor Baral expressed optimism about the visit, stating, “Ambassador Song’s presence is a significant step towards promoting Suryodaya as a prime tourist destination. It will create opportunities for enhanced cultural exchange and increased visibility of our region’s offerings.”
This visit marks yet another milestone for Suryodaya’s growing reputation as a tourist-friendly municipality. Earlier, under the initiative of Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors from 17 countries toured Suryodaya, showcasing its appeal to international audiences. Ambassador Song’s visit reaffirms Ilam’s potential as a key player in Nepal’s tourism landscape, blending natural beauty with cultural richness.
By positioning Suryodaya as a gateway to experience Nepal’s diverse attractions, this visit is expected to draw attention from global travelers and further strengthen Nepal-China relations.
