POKHARA, Nepal, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The tranquil Phewa Lake in Nepal's Pokhara was transformed into a lake of joy on Friday morning as eight dragon boat teams competed fiercely against each other during the first Nepal-China dragon boat race festival.

Mt. Machhapuchhre, not seen easily during this season, was clearly visible along with the Annapurna range, adding color to the boat racing.

Each of the eight teams comprised one drummer, one cox and 10 rowers, and among the eight teams were four Nepali teams, two Chinese teams, one team from Singapore and one team involving both Nepali and Chinese nationals.

The rowers, to the rhythm of the drum beats and braving the scorching sun, rowed hard their dragon-shaped boats to the finish lines in unison, sparking waves now and then. The spectators, either on the bank or in the boats, waved Nepali and Chinese national flags to cheer for their favorite teams.

On the first day of the competition, preliminary rounds were held for 200m and 500m races, and the semi-finals and final shall be conducted the following day.

Prior to the boat racing, a Sichuan Airlines charter flight arrived at the Pokhara International Airport on Wednesday, becoming the first international flight to land at the third international airport of Nepal since its inauguration in January.

And as the sister city of Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city and a popular tourist attraction, Linzhi in China's Tibet Autonomous Region sent artists to hold special performances to mark the dragon boat race festival.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the boat racing, Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati conveyed best wishes on behalf of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

"I believe from the bottom of my heart that this festival will add brick and cement our relations," he said.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song stressed that the historical and cultural ties between China and Nepal still provide "rich nourishment" to the friendship between the two countries and two peoples from generation to generation.

"It has become an inexhaustible driving force for us to create a better future," Chen said at the opening ceremony, adding that the boat racing is held to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, promote Nepal's tourism and the awareness of Pokhara in China and the world.

Rajendra Pariyar, a Nepali team member, felt "so happy" to join the boat racing for the first time and with foreign teams. "Now we will practice more," he said.

A spectator Sarala Adhikari also felt happy and enjoyed watching this event. In her opinion, such an event helps add a bond to the Nepal-China friendship. Enditem

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