Iconic tower still helping to build ties

Arniko in the new age

"Chinese are aware of the white dagoba, but they're unaware of its origins and who built it," said Anish Kumar Kuikel, 24, who plays the role of Arniko in the game, and who is studying for a master's degree in the international education of Chinese at Beijing Language and Culture University.

"Dagoba culture week was a great opportunity to promote Nepalese culture," he said. "Chinese people show great respect for Buddhism, our religion. When I explain that Nepal is where Buddhism originated, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, they show huge interest in traveling to Nepal to know more about our culture."

Bidur K.C., 23, a Nepalese studying Chinese philosophy at Beijing Normal University, and who played the Malla King in Finding Arniko, said: "I was a tad nervous the day culture week opened, and curious about how tourists would react when they came across my character, dressed in Nepalese traditional clothes and speaking Chinese to them.

"In the event, people were very excited to see me and asked a lot about culture and traditions such as marriage in Nepal. My Chinese is not that good, but I did my best to present my homeland to them and showed them what Nepal is really like."

Shrestha Shrijana, 26, studying for a master's degree in international education of Chinese language at Beijing International Studies University, said she views the dagoba as the "largest symbol of civil and cultural communications between the two countries". Wearing Nepalese dress at the gate of dagoba, presenting her country's culture to people filled her with pride, she said.

The Nepalese actors and actresses expressed their interest and pride in building a new bridge between the two countries and their cultures. Another of the actors, Shrestha, said she had arrived in China a year ago, and as someone who appreciates different cultures, hopes that eventually she will don traditional Chinese dress.

"For me, the best part of Chinese culture is the traditional attire. There are so many ethnic groups with their unique dresses. I've tried Tibetan dress, and I plan eventually to try hanfu."

Bidur said his fascination with China began at a Chinese temple in Lumbini, where Gautama Buddha is said to have been born.

"As a child, I visited that temple frequently. Its architecture bears a striking resemblance to Chinese architecture, which sparked my interest in Chinese culture, people and language. Although China and Nepal have distinct cultures, both have rich histories. Coming from Nepalese society to China, I equally respect both cultures."