A cultural event that explores China's western frontier has recently opened at New York's Asian Cultural Center, and it includes a book and photo exhibition, as well as folk songs and dance performances.

Western China's history & culture showcased in NY

The event was initiated by China's State Council Information Office and is a flagship program to introduce Chinese culture to the international community.

The four-day program featuring western China's culture, history and life includes symposiums, seminars, media forums and documentary screenings. It is cohosted by the State Council Information Office and Chinese Consulate General in New York, with support from the Asian Cultural Center of the U.S.

Photographs by Chinese artists documenting changes in Tibet were on display for the opening ceremony. Songs and dances were performed by the Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble of Aba Tibetan and the Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province.

"China is a united country with various ethnic groups and various cultures. The ethnic groups living in the western region of China have created various types of culture with their wisdom, thus enriching Chinese culture," said Lu Guangjin, State Council Information Office of China.

"Whereas New York is not only the international center for economy and trade, it is also a very important place for international culture. So we are hosting this program to introduce the western culture of China here, it has special meaning."

"Culture is a bridge and platform that can help different countries and nations communicate. Hopefully, this program will help people of the U.S. have a better understanding of the culture of western China, which is a very important part of the overall Chinese culture," said Zhang Meifang, deputy consul general of China in NY.

The organizers also welcomed U.S. citizens to visit China's western regions and personally experience the "vigor and opportunities" of the vast region.

Experience China is a program presented by the information office of the State Council. Since it started in 1999, it has visited more than 40 countries.

New York City is the second stop for the 2016 Experience China tour in the United States after Houston in the State of Texas. The events lasts until Nov. 17.