Colours of China

Whilst the river is looking the reddest I have ever seen it in the 4 + years I have been here, it stands out nearly as much as my white foreign face. On a daily basis I am asked which country I come from, but usually before I answer they throw in a guess. By far the number one nationality I get asked if I am is French... I really have no idea why? Coming in second would be American and then a lot further back in equal third place would be British and Canadian but today I just straight out of the cuff was asked if I am British or German ?????? Go figure???? When I reply no no no, I'm Australian they all go wow, beautiful country, with the exception of kids who have no idea what an Australian is... True!
Where in America is Australia mummy? Ok, I made up the last sentence but the rest is true!