Sydney, Feb. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The sails of the world-famous Sydney Opera House have changed color to celebrate the arrival of the Lunar Year of the Sheep.
The Sydney Opera House in a sea of "Chinese red" Photo: James Horan
NSW Premier Mike Baird and the red-lit Sydney Opera House Photo: James Horan
NSW Premier Mike Baird and Chinese Consul General in Sydney Li Huaxin Photo: James Horan
NSW Premier Mike Baird (Mike Baird) joined Sydney’s Chinese community at a special "lighting" moment on the Sydney Harbour (Sydney Harbour) foreshore to illuminate the iconic sails.
"The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most famous buildings. We’re incredibly proud to host the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside of China," Mr. Baird said.
"As we say goodbye to the Year of the Horse and welcome the Year of the Sheep, the Sydney Opera House in 'Chinese red' is a spectacular sight."
"The start of the Lunar New Year has become a much-anticipated celebration in our multicultural nation, and we join with communities from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea and Singapore in marking the new year."
"As we bid farewell to the Year of the Horse, we reflect on the successes of the past 12 months and the stronger economic and cultural ties between China and New South Wales."
"We share a strong cultural bond with China. Around 10 per cent of Sydney’s residents are of Chinese heritage, and Mandarin is the most commonly spoken language after English."
"My first official overseas visit as Premier was to China. China remains New South Wales’ largest trading partner and the biggest source of international visitors."
"China remains the NSW Government’s most important market. Last year, we took another step forward by launching our China Strategy to ensure our efforts are focused on growing two-way trade and tourism."
Mr. Baird said: "To celebrate this auspicious occasion, the Sydney Opera House will once again light up its sails in red tonight (Thursday, February 19) to mark the first day of the Year of the Sheep."
Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said: "As a symbol of modern Australia and our nation’s most visited tourist destination, we’re delighted to use the Opera House’s sails to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Sheep."
"There’s a real sense of excitement about the Lunar New Year, with over 18,000 Chinese and Korean-speaking guests having booked themed tours of the Opera House. There are also many other Lunar New Year activities taking place at the Opera House."
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