Chief Executive John Lee on Friday wished everyone good health and good fortune in the Year of the Dragon as he visited a flower market in Sha Tin.

Speaking to reporters at Yuen Wo Playground, Lee said he was happy to see everyone's smiles after the lifting of mask-wearing rules.

Lee also said Hong Kong has made preparations to ensure events over the holiday period go smoothly.

"We have made special arrangements for crowd control, transportation, and at the border checkpoints. These have been announced to everyone. I believe many people will be out and about, but I'm confident that everyone will maintain good order during this festive season," he said.

A girl at the market, Kate, said she was happy to meet the CE there.

"I'm very happy because I've never seen him before. I just see him on the TV. I told him that you are so good. You help Hong Kong with the environment... you help a lot," she said.

Thomas, a student running a stall at the site, said business had been quite good.

"Since the pandemic, we don't have such a chance to show our student design goods to the public. So this is a really good chance to show to the public that our students have the ability to run a business," he said.

Fifteen Lunar New Year fairs are open across the city until Saturday.