Niagara Falls illuminated in red to celebrate the Chinese New Year. [Photo/China Daily]

Against a wintry backdrop, a dazzling display of red lit up Niagara Falls to welcome the coming Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog.

"In celebration of the Chinese New Year, and in recognition of 2018 being designated the Canada-China Year of Tourism, we are glad to illuminate Niagara Falls in a shade of red this evening," Janice Thomson, chair of Niagara Falls Illumination Board &Niagara Parks Commission said at a launching ceremony on Thursday in Niagara Falls.

The special illumination is in addition to the regular illumination, which takes place nightly from 6:30 pm to midnight.

He Wei, Chinese Consul General in Toronto who joined the ceremony, said that Niagara Falls in red is an "unprecedented way" to celebrate Chinese New Year on the day of Xiaonian that began the countdown to the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb 16.

"We are delighted that Niagara Falls participates in our `Happy Chinese New Year' program unfolding in Ontario,'' said He. "Niagara Falls is one of Canada's landmark tourist resources. I sincerely hope the region will continue to play an active role in the Canada-China Year of Tourism 2018, promoting tourism and business cooperation between our two countries for win-win results."

Jim Diodati, the mayor of the City of Niagara Falls who has been to China several times, said on site that Niagara Falls was lit up in red for all international visitors but especially for Chinese guests here.