A series of cultural events kicked off here on Monday to introduce the rich ethnic cultures in China's western regions to local Americans.

The events, dubbed "Experience China -- A Cultural Tour Through Western China," attracted some 200 locals, who came for various activities including a photo exhibition, a traditional dance show and a documentary screening about life on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

"There are no national boundaries when we talk about cultural exchanges," and strengthening China-U.S. cultural exchanges would lead to more solid cooperation between the two countries, Lu Guangjin, director of the Human Rights Affairs Bureau of China's State Council Information Office, said at an opening event.

"It is our sincere hope that through these cultural exchanges and cultural experiences, our friends from the United States can better understand the Western part of China," said Zhang Meifang, deputy head of the Chinese Consulate General in New York.

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

New York City is the second stop for the "Experience China" tour in the United States after Houston in the state of Texas. The events will last till Nov. 17.