Nepal Unites Adventure And Spiritual Tourism For Chinese Market At CITM 2025

Published on December 23, 2025

The tourism sector of Nepal at the China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2025 made a strong statement with the unique mix of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty of the country being the highlight of the event. The event which was named Explore Nepal: Adventure, Spirituality and Natural Beauty took place at the Grand Hotel Haikou in Haikou, China, as an accompanying event to the prestigious tourism expo. This step is significant in terms of promoting Nepal and China as tourism partners with China being one of the fastest-growing markets for international travel.

Strengthening Nepal-China Tourism Ties

The Explore Nepal event aimed to not only introduce Chinese travel professionals to Nepal’s diverse offerings but also to strengthen the long-standing cultural and diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Bharat Khanal, Nepal’s Consul General in Guangzhou, addressed attendees, emphasising Nepal’s commitment to developing tourism cooperation with China. He invited Chinese tourists and travel trade partners to explore Nepal’s vast natural, cultural, and spiritual riches.

During his speech, Khanal highlighted the strategic importance of Nepal as a gateway to the Himalayas and a sanctuary for spiritual seekers. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, Nepal offers an array of experiences that appeal to a wide range of tourists. He stressed that this event was just the beginning of what he hopes will be a series of collaborations aimed at bringing more Chinese travellers to Nepal in the future.

Adventure Tourism: Nepal’s Crown Jewel

Nepal’s adventure tourism offerings were a major focus during the event. As a global hotspot for mountaineering, trekking, and outdoor sports, Nepal is home to some of the world’s most iconic trekking routes, including the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. These routes attract millions of adventurers every year who seek to conquer the towering peaks of the Himalayas or immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.

The event featured a cinematic presentation showcasing Nepal’s dramatic landscapes, including the majestic peaks of Mount Everest and the serene beauty of the country’s national parks. This visual journey provided a glimpse of the adventures awaiting tourists. The audience was treated to traditional Nepali dance performances, which vividly highlighted the cultural vibrancy that makes Nepal a top destination for travellers.

Spiritual Tourism: A Peaceful Escape

Nepal is not only a haven for adventure seekers but also for those on spiritual journeys. The country is home to many sacred sites, including Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, making it a central destination for Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The event’s spiritual tourism presentation, led by Archana K.C. Rana, Senior Manager at the Nepal Tourism Board, outlined how Nepal offers a deep spiritual experience for those seeking peace and enlightenment.

From meditation retreats to sacred temples and monasteries, Nepal’s spiritual landscape attracts visitors seeking solace and inner peace. Rana’s presentation resonated particularly with those in the audience who are eager to promote authentic, experiential travel options. With China’s growing interest in wellness tourism, Nepal’s spiritual offerings align perfectly with the desires of Chinese travellers looking for peace and self-discovery.

Chinese Market Shows Growing Interest in Nepal

The increasing interest among Chinese tourists in authentic travel experiences was acknowledged by Mai Weiwen, president of the Haikou Travel Agencies Association. During the event, he expressed optimism for future collaborations and noted that there is a rising trend of outbound Chinese travellers seeking destinations that offer more than just traditional sightseeing. This makes Nepal, with its combination of adventure and spirituality, a prime candidate for growth in China’s outbound travel market.

Weiwen’s remarks highlighted the growing demand for experiential travel from Chinese tourists, many of whom are now looking for destinations that offer something more profound than the usual commercialised tourism. Nepal’s pristine landscapes, ancient cultural heritage, and spiritual depth present an enticing option for this new wave of travellers.

Fostering Future Collaborations

To solidify these discussions, the event featured a B2B meeting and matchmaking session between Nepali tourism stakeholders and Hainan-based travel operators. This interaction laid the groundwork for developing new Nepal-focused itineraries aimed at attracting both adventure enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. The event was seen as an important step in developing tailor-made packages that cater to the specific needs of the Chinese market.

As part of these ongoing efforts, future collaborations will likely include the creation of niche travel experiences that highlight Nepal’s trekking routes, spiritual sites, and cultural festivals. This collaborative approach is expected to further boost Nepal’s visibility in China as a top adventure and spiritual tourism destination.

Boosting Nepal’s Appeal to Chinese Tourists

The “Explore Nepal event at CITM 2025 not only showcased the country’s diverse tourism offerings but also underscored the growing potential of Nepal as a sought-after destination for Chinese tourists. With its unique blend of adventure and spirituality, Nepal is poised to capture the interest of Chinese travellers seeking new, meaningful travel experiences.

The event, indeed, successfully opened the doors for future partnerships between Nepal and China with the promise of boosting the tourism exchange and the influx of visitors to the natural and cultural treasures of Nepal. In the process of the tourism relationship between the two countries getting stronger, Nepal’s drawing power as an adventure and spiritual seekers’ destination will spread more and more, thus providing the explorers with unbeatable experiences once they are willing to unveil its marvels.