A new Latin American and Caribbean Center opened its door to the public in Sanlitun SOHO, Beijingon May 10.

With the support of about 20 embassies and commercial partners from the region, it is the first center in China to help Latin countries present their varied cultures in shared exhibitions, art shows, economic roundtables and business forums.

The new center made its debut with an exhibition called “Fusion”, with works by 11 artists who are from the region. Six of them will hold solo shows later.

The organizer believes their goal is to create a free resource for Chinese about Latin and Caribbean countries, and a “home away from home” for expats from the region.

James Wu, the president of LACC, also gave a speech during the opening ceremony. He says more than 80 million Chinese tourists went abroad in 2012, but only a small percentage of them went to Latin America. He believes the huge potential for tourism in the region will attract more and more Chinese visitors to explore countries that now seem mysterious.

The LACC center is planning to open similar centers in Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenyang. Meanwhile, the Beijing center is free to the public beginning on May 11.