Earlier this week, the iconic Sydney Opera House was lit up in red to kick-off the celebrations. NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said turning one of the world’s most recognisable buildings red was a tribute to the contribution Chinese-Australians have made to Sydney, NSW and Australia.
“We have a long history and strong friendship with China and its people,” said Mr O’Farrell, who was joined at the event by H.E. Duan Jielong, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney and NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello.
“Chinese-Australians have been played a huge part in Sydney’s history from the earliest immigrants arriving here in 1827 to today where more than 378,000 Chinese-Australians call NSW home.
“I am delighted to turn on these red lights on the world famous Sydney Opera House to mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake.
On Saturday, guests arriving at Sydney Airport’s international terminal were greeted by a traditional lion dancers and decorations, with the Airport sponsoring the City of Sydney’s Chinese New Year festival.
“China is one of our fastest growing inbound tourism markets and we’re delighted and proud to be supporting one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of mainland China,” Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.
“Sydney is Australia’s number one destination, both in terms of tourism and the VFR (visiting friends and relatives) market and Chinese New Year in particular, is traditionally a peak time for travel and reuniting with family.
“We have been getting fantastic feedback from Chinese passengers for initiatives including the launch of our popular iPhone app in simplified Chinese, introduction of Mandarin-speaking Red Ambassadors to assist passengers during the Chinese New Year period and working with retailers to introduce China Union Pay – the equivalent of Visa – at many of our stores.
“Our second largest international visitor market now comes from China and we will continue to work with Destination NSW as part of its China tourism strategy to attract new services – meaning more tourists to Sydney.
Celebrations in Sydney continue this weekend, with the annual Chinese New Year Twilight Parade held on Sunday 17 February. Kicking off at 8pm, floats, lanterns and dancers weave their way, snake-like, from Sydney Town Hall down to Harbour Street, illuminated by stunning projections on city buildings.
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