Paddlers and viewers said they were happy to see large-scale dragon boat races back on Victoria Harbour for the first time since 2019.

The two-day Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races drew to a close on Sunday after featuring over 70 events in which over 4,000 athletes took part.

Chan, a member of a local female team, said she was touched that she could compete with different teams from across the world at a venue she was familiar about.

Au Yeung, a paddler from another local team, echoed Chan's views.

"I feel very happy that Hong Kong has finally resumed to normality, and so many paddlers have come to Hong Kong to row dragon boats from the mainland and abroad," he told RTHK.

"After all, dragon boats is the best representation of sport, culture and team spirit."

A member from an award-winning team from the mainland, meanwhile, said the waves were a challenge.

"For many of our team members, this is their first race in Hong Kong," she said. "Many new members haven't competed in such wavy conditions before."

Meanwhile, Lun, a spectator, said he enjoyed the races and that hoped more mega-events will take place in Hong Kong.

"This is the way to go, hosting more big events for more travellers to come and see them, and to liven things up in Hong Kong," he said.