Foreign Affairs Memoirs | Accompanying the Charge d'Affaires to Kathmandu to Establish the Chinese Embassy in Nepal
[Translation] As remembered by Zhang Zhenggang, first secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.
Note: This translated account offers a firsthand narrative by Zhang Zhenggang, who was the first secretary of the Chinese Embassy of Nepal of how China established its embassy in Nepal in 1960. Through detailed recollections, it reveals the early foundations of China–Nepal diplomatic ties, logistical challenges, and warm bilateral gestures, offering valuable insight into the everyday diplomacy behind state-to-state relations during a pivotal era.
Nepal is a friendly neighbor of our country, sharing a border with Tibet. In the years following the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal in 1955, our country had not yet set up an embassy in Nepal. The Chinese ambassador to India was temporarily appointed to also serve as ambassador to Nepal. In 1959, Nepalese Prime Minister Koirala visited China, and in 1960, Premier Zhou Enlai and Vice Premier Chen Yi paid a return visit to Nepal. These exchanges further strengthened the relationship between the two countries. Upon returning from his visit, Premier Zhou instructed that an embassy be established in Nepal without delay and that a full-time ambassador be appointed.
Departure to Nepal in 10 Days
One day in early June 1960, I was informed by the Department of Cadres of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that I would be sent to Nepal to help establish the Chinese Embassy, under the leadership of Charge d'Affaires Liu Yamin. Preparations had to begin immediately, and we were to depart within ten days. That same day, I received a briefing from Zhang Shijie, our newly appointed ambassador to Nepal, and Charge d'Affaires Liu on the responsibilities involved in setting up the embassy. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a notice is an order. I expressed full commitment to the assignment. After minimal preparations, I left my family and departed for Nepal in mid-June with Charge d'Affaires Liu and another colleague.
The Journey to Kathmandu
At the time, air travel was extremely inconvenient. There were no direct flights from Beijing to Kathmandu. We traveled by train via Guangzhou to Hong Kong, took a British Airways flight to Kolkata, changed to Air India to New Delhi, and finally flew to Kathmandu—changing planes three times en route. While waiting in Hong Kong, we used the time to purchase large items for the new embassy such as vehicles, sofas, and filing cabinets, and arranged for these to be shipped to Kolkata and then on to Kathmandu by land.
We also stayed briefly in Kolkata and New Delhi. The final flight to Kathmandu was on a small Dakota aircraft built in the United States during World War II, which seated just over 20 passengers. A colleague from the Chinese Embassy in India, who had previously visited Nepal and was familiar with the local context and officials, joined us for this leg of the journey and proved immensely helpful.
Our Arrival Draws International Attention
The New Delhi–Kathmandu air route had just recently opened and offered few weekly flights. On the day we flew, the weather was clear, and the plane followed a west-to-northeast route. As we entered Nepalese airspace, the view was breathtaking: snowcapped Himalayan peaks sparkled in the sunlight above a lush, green landscape.
At around 11 a.m., as the plane approached the Kathmandu Valley, terraced fields and farmhouses came into view below. After a long journey, we finally arrived in this beautiful and welcoming country. Awaiting us at the airport were officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese technicians who had been working on aid projects like roads and brick factories for over half a year.
To our surprise, our arrival attracted international attention. That same day, several Western news agencies reported briefly but significantly: “Charge d’Affaires Liu Yamin of China, leading three diplomatic officials to establish the Chinese Embassy, has arrived in Kathmandu.” These reports noted the symbolic importance of our visit for the further development of China–Nepal relations.
While it was a routine diplomatic task to set up an embassy, the attention from Western journalists likely stemmed from the sensitive triangular relationship between China, India, and Nepal at the time, as well as Premier Zhou's recent visit. We were unaware of the Western media coverage until later, when our families mentioned it in letters after seeing the reports in internal Chinese media.
Raising the Chinese Flag in Kathmandu
After arriving, we proceeded to the Coronation Hotel, a three-story building near the airport and close to the city center. It was one of only two high-end hotels in Kathmandu at the time. The owner, a courteous and friendly middle-aged man, expressed great honor in hosting Chinese diplomats.
Once accommodations were arranged, Charge d’Affaires Liu visited the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present his letter of appointment to Secretary Thapa. Their meeting was cordial and productive. Secretary Thapa welcomed the Chinese delegation and assured full cooperation in setting up the embassy.
On the third morning, Charge d’Affaires Liu led our team to the rooftop platform of the Coronation Hotel, where we formally raised the Chinese national flag—the first time the flag flew in Kathmandu. Initially, the hotel owner welcomed the act. However, a few days later, he expressed concern. A member of the royal family was scheduled to pass by the hotel, and he feared consequences for hosting a foreign flag.
Charge d’Affaires Liu patiently explained that international norms permit embassies, even temporary ones, to display their national flag. Reassured, the hotel owner allowed the flag to remain but continued to worry until several days passed without incident. Later, he admitted his misunderstanding of diplomatic protocols and apologized.
Selecting a Site for the Embassy
The first step in establishing a formal embassy was selecting an appropriate site. With the help of a Nepalese acquaintance, Charge d’Affaires Liu and our team surveyed various properties around Kathmandu. Following directives from Beijing, we sought a location that was reasonably modern, affordable, and suitable for both residence and office functions. It needed to accommodate more than ten staff, host official functions, and include space for receptions.
Though Kathmandu was not a large city, finding a property that met all criteria proved difficult. Eventually, we settled on a three-story white house formerly owned by retired General Shamsher, near both the Royal Palace and city center. With a lawn in front and adequate interior space, the property met our needs.
Next came renovations and furnishing. I was tasked with interior design and procurement. We had 20 days to complete the renovations, with emphasis on banquet halls and reception rooms. Kathmandu’s furniture shops lacked suitable pre-made items, so we commissioned custom pieces. As renovations neared completion, furniture began arriving, including the goods we had purchased earlier in Hong Kong. I coordinated with Nepalese customs, who were friendly and efficient in assisting us. Their cooperation reflected Nepal’s warm support for the embassy’s establishment.
Ambassador flies to Kathmandu, warmly received by the Nepali side
In late July 1960, Ambassador Zhang Shijie arrived in Kathmandu, welcomed at the airport by officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Chinese staff who had worked on the embassy. As a gesture of goodwill, the Nepalese government arranged transportation for the ambassador and his team to Sheetal Niwas[2], a palace-style guesthouse for foreign dignitaries. Set amidst courtyards, gardens, and fountains, it offered a cool and peaceful retreat in summer—hence its nickname, the “Cool Palace.”
On the third day of his stay, Ambassador Zhang formally presented his credentials to King Mahendra. That morning, Nepal’s Chief of Protocol arrived to escort the ambassador in a grand open-top carriage, accompanied by cavalry. The procession made its way to Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. Secretary Liu Yamin and our translator followed in a government vehicle as citizens watched along the route.
After presenting credentials, Ambassador Zhang officially assumed office. At the time, Nepal had diplomatic relations with many countries, but most were represented by non-resident ambassadors. Only three nations had permanent embassies: the United Kingdom, the United States, and India. China thus became the fourth.
The next day, Ambassador Zhang led all the staff to move into the newly-built Chinese Embassy. In the early morning of the second day of staying in the embassy, Ambassador Zhang led all the diplomats and staff to raise the Chinese flag in front of the embassy building, indicating that the Chinese embassy in Nepal was officially opened.
First reception full of guests
The day after moving into the embassy, Ambassador Zhang led staff in a flag-raising ceremony in front of the building, symbolizing the official opening of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.
A few days later, on August 1st—Army Day—Ambassador Zhang and Military Attaché Gan Mai hosted the embassy’s first reception. Nearly 100 guests attended, including the Nepalese Foreign Secretary, Director of Protocol, army commanders, royal guards, leaders of the Nepal-China Friendship Association, and diplomatic representatives from the UK and India.
The event was lively and well received. Our embassy’s chef, a Cantonese expert in dim sum, prepared an array of dishes. The momocha [1](Nepali for steamed dumplings) and Moutai liquor were especially popular. Soon after, these Chinese culinary specialties gained local fame in Kathmandu.
In the following weeks, the embassy hosted numerous events for Nepalese leaders, including Prince Himalaya and Prime Minister Koirala. Though everyone was busy in those early days, we all shared the same conviction: to demonstrate the friendship of the Chinese people and make a lasting impression on the Nepali government and its people.
The link to the original article can be found here.
[1]毛毛渣 (máomao zhā) as written in the original text, supposed to be “momo-cha”
[2]清凉宫(Qīngliáng gōng)= 清凉(Qīngliáng) as named in the Chinese version of the article which means cool and refreshing, 宫（gōng）means palace