From September 19 to 25, 2024, the Institute for International and Area Studies (IIAS) of Tsinghua University and the Institute of International Relations at Yunnan University conducted a joint field research expedition to Nepal.The research team focused on the history and culture of the Newar people, visiting important sites including the Nepal Art Museum, the Newar Cultural and Art Museum, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square and various Newari villages. Under the leadership and coordination of Assistant Professor Lei Dingkun from Tsinghua University and Associate Professor Hu Xiaowen from Yunnan University, the team conducted a thorough exploration of Newar culture, examining it through the lenses of art, language and folklore, social customs, and urban landscapes, while engaging in meaningful discussions with local residents. Following the joint research conducted in Laos in 2023, this expedition represents the second collaborative effort between Tsinghua University and Yunnan University to undertake research activities in neighboring developing countries.

Faculty and students from both universities met at Kathmandu Airport
Photo credit: Liu Bei, Tsinghua University

Research team members attending a lecture on Newar art
Photo credit: Liu Bei, Tsinghua University

Nepal is characterized by remarkable cultural diversity, home to approximately 125 ethnic groups and over 120 languages. The culture and history of the Newar people constitute a vital part of this multicultural tapestry. The joint research team gained valuable insights into the unique attributes of the Newar community by attending lectures on Newar history and architecture, visiting local museums and historical sites, and talking with Newar residents in rural areas. Throughout the research, team members uncovered the complexity of the Newar social structure, where various professional practitioners contribute to a dynamic economic ecosystem. The Newar language, festivals, marriage customs, and lifestyles are all notably representative of this community. This week-long joint research activity not only provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of Newar history and culture but also allowed participants to experience the diversity and harmony inherent in Nepalese society. Each participant immersed themselves in the rich local civilization, touched by the hospitality and warmth of the Newar people, and experienced personal growth through their exploration of new knowledge.The joint research team intends to compile the materials and reflections gathered during this expedition into a comprehensive collaborative (field) research report.

Welcoming ceremony by the residents of Bungamati
Photo credit: Wu Shang, Tsinghua University

Research team trying traditional Newari cuisine 
Photo credit: Liu Bei, Tsinghua University

Research team members conducting interviews
Photo credit: Liu Bei, Tsinghua University

Contributors: Wu Shang, Zhang Gong

Reviewed by: Liu Bei, Wu Jiahao