The event "Experience Western China" has begun in the German city of Frankfurt. It aims to help people learn more about China's western region, according to CNTV on May 19.

The event, co-organized by the State Council Information Office of China and China's Consulate in Frankfurt, started with an ethnic song and dance show from Lhasa, the capital of SW China's Tibet autonomous region.

Albert Ettinger, a Tibet research scholar, said in an interview with CCTV, "A lot people think that there is no more Tibetan culture and the Tibetan culture is dying, this what they are told from the Dalai Lama and the suppters of the Dalai Lama. They do not know that there is really rich develotment of culture in Tibet, this kind of initiative is positive to show the public that the Tibetan culture is very alive. Maybe this kind of events should happen more often."

About 300 people attended the opening ceremony. Western China is located at the center of the Eurasian continent, in the heart of the world-famous ancient Silk Road.

Highlights of the event include stage performances, documentary screenings, exhibitions and conferences to present the cultural heritage of western China.