An actor (L) interacts with a spectator during a performance showcasing traditional Chinese operas at a theater in Lima, Peru, Nov 20, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

As part of this year's activities, art and artists traveled in both directions, taking Latin American art to the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, and the provinces of Jiangsu and Guangdong, and bringing Chinese art to countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, Peru and Mexico.

Tannia Luna, an expert in international relations at Mexico's National Autonomous University, said the Year of China-Latin America Cultural Exchange has strengthened the friendship and cooperation between the two regions and ushered in a new and more fruitful phase of bilateral ties.

"These exchanges have met all expectations and even surpassed them," said Luna, and as a result "this new China-Latin America relationship goes beyond political and economic negotiations," said Luna.

This dynamic exchange is poised to continue.

To celebrate 45 years of diplomatic ties, 2017 has been declared as the Year of Chinese Culture in Mexico, featuring a packed calendar of events and cross-cultural exchanges.