KATHMANDU, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Artists from China's Sichuan Province performed twice in the Nepali capital on Friday to mark the Chinese New Year and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal.
The performance on Friday evening was dedicated to Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government departments. A rich variety of shows were staged by artists from the acrobatic troupe and Sichuan Opera Troupe in Suining City, including acrobatics, long-spout teapot art, guzheng solo, dances and magic tricks.
In a hand shadow puppet, the vivid mimic of a dog, a duck and birds sparked outbursts of laughter and applause from the audience.
Sichuan Opera pieces like face-changing, spitting fire, long silk ribbon dance and water sleeve dance also resonated with the spectators.
The shows were "carefully selected and prepared to showcase the beauty of artistic expressions," noted Chen Song, Chinese ambassador to Nepal.
"They also represent the vibrant spirit and creativity that define Chinese culture," Chen said at the performance. "We hope that the performance will not only leave you a great impression, but could also serve as a bridge to enhance cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two peoples."
The performance was part of a series of celebrations scheduled and held in Nepal to mark the Chinese New Year as well as the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal.
Nepal's Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai expressed his appreciation for these events, stressing that such initiatives will surely consolidate cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges between the two friendly nations.
"Cultural exchanges through arts, music, dances and festivals significantly enhance a deeper connection between the two countries," Rai said at the performance.
