Opera House turns red for Chinese New Year THE Sydney Opera House has turned red to mark the start of Chinese New Year and recognise the contribution of Chinese Australians to the state. The iconic building turned from white to red when NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and consul general of the People's Republic of China Duan Jielong sounded a gong on Sydney Harbour for the start of the year of the snake. Mr O'Farrell, who was dressed in a traditional Chinese black satin shirt, said NSW had the largest population of Chinese Australians. "This is a great opportunity to celebrate China's contribution to our economy," the NSW premier told reporters on Sunday. 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. It's been estimated that 80,000 Chinese tourists are spending Chinese New Year in Australia and especially in Sydney. "The Sydney Opera is a world renowned architectural masterpiece and symbol of Australia in the eyes of many Chinese people," Mr Duan said. Therefore I'm sure this beautiful message of friendship will be well received and cherished by Chinese people around the world. Despite the rain, tourists and Sydney residents went to Sydney Harbour to take pictures of the red Opera House.