(Photo: CGTN)

As the year comes to a close, we are looking back at some art exhibitions that conquered the imagination of art lovers in China and beyond. Here are some of the most influential exhibitions of 2018.

1. Art Basel Hong Kong (March 29-31) 

The sixth edition of Art Basel in Hong Kong returned with a heavenly line-up of 248 leading international and regional galleries from March 29 to 31.

The ambitious presentation of the galleries was rewarded with a strong collector attendance and zealous sales across all sectors of the market.

This year, the show brought together a mix of galleries from six continents featuring marvelous artwork by established as well as fresh artists from across the globe, and a singular gathering of international collectors and institutions.

Galleries reported strong sales at all levels of the market on all days. 

The fair, with UBS as its lead partner, was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC), attracting a whopping 80,000 visitors this year.

2. Art Beijing 2018 (April 29-May 2)

Beijing is an essential platform for presenting Chinese culture to the world and this year the Chinese capital hosted a feast for the senses "Art Beijing."

The 13th edition of annual Art Beijing was held from April 29 to 31. The event served the maximum number of art organizations in China and featured contributions from 160 art institutions spanning 14 different regions and countries.

The art carnival featured contemporary, classic, design and public artwork. The fair displayed pieces running the gamut from the bold and the beautiful to the bizarre.

Based on the core concept "Locally based, and Asia-oriented," Art Beijing 2018 also displayed China's cutting-edge domestic art and fully represented a particular art industry centered in Beijing.

3. West Bund Shanghai (November 8-11)

The fifth edition of West Bund Art & Design took place from November 8 to 11 at the West Bund Art Center in Shanghai. 

This year's exhibition gathered more than 110 leading international galleries from 43 cities across Asia, Europe, North America and South America. 

The artwork ranged from paintings and sculptures to moving images and installations. A new section called "DREAM Video 100" was launched this year, featuring over 100 films and videos which were screened on the outdoor LED projection wall of the Dream Center at the West Bund Plaza.