Empire State Building turns blue for China's Zhejiang University

New York's Empire State Building turns blue on May 20, 2017 Eastern Time to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Zhejiang University. [Photo: China Plus/Qian Shanming]

New York's iconic Empire State Building turns blue on May 20 to celebrate the 120th anniversary of China's Zhejiang University.

Blue is the Chinese university's traditional color.

It's the first occasion the building is specially illuminated to honor a Chinese university.

New York's Empire State Building turns blue on May 20, 2017 Eastern Time to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Zhejiang University. [Photo: China Plus/Qian Shanming]

It's reported the tribute is a gift from the Zhejiang University North American Alumni Association of New York Branch.

The Empire State Building is often lit up for special occasions, and in the past was illuminated to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

New York's Empire State Building turns blue on May 20, 2017 Eastern Time to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Zhejiang University. [Photo: China Plus/Qian Shanming]

There are very strict rules governing such lighting tributes. Until now, it had only been lit up in honor of New York based universities, such as New York University and Columbia University.