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 said 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.

Lu Guangjin, director of the Human Rights Affairs Bureau of China's State Council Information Office, said at an opening event, there are no national boundaries when we talk about cultural exchanges. He also said that strengthening China and United States culture exchanges would lead to more solid operations between the two countries.

Zhang Meifang, deputy head of Chinese Consulate General in New York said that they are sincerely hoping that through this cultural exchanges and cultural experiences, and so that United States can better understand the western part of China. He also welcomed U.S citizen to visit China's western regions and personally experience the 'vigor and opportunities' of the vast region.

Western cultures are based on individualism rather than collectivism. For instance in many Western societies, there is an emphasis on individual rights rather than placing the whole society above one self. This is clearly different in China where the country, society or family are based above one self.

Etiquette is something that Westerners seem to be much more hard up on than in China. Table manners and general politeness and customer service seem to be apparent in Western countries. Westerners would not pick up a bowl off the table when eating, they would also not eat off their cutlery.

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.