Iconic landmark in the red for Chinese New Year

Lady in Red: Sydney's iconic Opera House

Sydney's iconic Opera House turned red to mark the start of Chinese New Year.

news.com.au reports that the well-known landmark changed from white to red when NSW Premier, Barry O'Farrell and Duan Jielong, Consul General of the People's Republic of China sounded a gong to mark the beginning of the Chinese year of the snake.

Premier O'Farrell said that NSW had the largest population of Chinese people in Australia.

"This is a great opportunity to celebrate China's contribution to our economy," he told reporters on Sunday (EDT).

"More importantly the significant contribution that Chinese Australians citizens have made to the development of this state and this city for more than 200 years."

Around 80,000 Chinese tourists are spending Chinese New Year in Australia and especially in Sydney.

The Chinese Consul General said that Sydney's Opera House is a world renowned architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Australia in the eyes of many Chinese people.

"I'm sure this beautiful message of friendship will be well received and cherished by Chinese people around the world," he said.

Rain showers around the harbour failed to discourage tourists and Sydney-siders from taking photos of the red Opera House.

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