Chinese ambassador visits Kanyam and Antu in Ilam

By Prem Adhikari,Ilam, June 14: China’s Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, has visited the popular tourist destinations of Kanyam and Antu in Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam.

He arrived here on Thursday with his family and a counsellor and toured Kanyam and Buddha Park, all prominent tourist spots in Suryodaya. 

The visit was part of the China Diplomat Tour and was coordinated by Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire and Mayor of Suryodaya Rana Bahadur Rai.

Ambassador Chen was welcomed by the local community and municipal representatives in Kanyam. He was offered a horse ride in traditional ethnic attire and observed the scenic beauty of Kanyam. 

An official welcome ceremony was held at the Suryodaya municipal office, where Member of Parliament Suhang Nembang, Deputy Mayor Durga Kumar Baral and others extended their greetings.

During the event, Deputy Mayor Baral also provided information about various sectors of the municipality.

Ambassador Chen also visited Buddha Park in Suryodaya, where he participated in a tea-tasting and cheese-tasting session. In the evening, during his visit to Antu, locals welcomed him with ethnic cultural dances. He also visited Antu Pond. On Friday morning, Ambassador Song is scheduled to observe the sunrise from Antu Hill before returning.

Deputy Mayor Baral said that the ambassador’s visit would help promote tourism in Suryodaya. 

Earlier, ambassadors from 17 countries had visited Suryodaya as part of a tour organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.