Thousands of racegoers flocked to the Sha Tin Racecourse on Monday for the Lunar New Year races.

The Chinese New Year Race Day, traditionally held on the third day of the Lunar New Year, also features entertainment activities, such as concerts and lion dances.

The first item on the 'to-do' list for many visitors was to give the Fortune Windmill a spin and take selfies at Feng Shui Avenue, hoping for good luck in the Year of the Dragon.

One Hongkonger who's been a racegoer for decades said she arrived one hour ahead of the opening time to get a good spot.

Another Hongkonger who said he never missed the races, felt the atmosphere this year is even better than in recent years.

“I saw many mainland tourists, and everyone was smiling and happy. It shows that Hong Kong is back to normal and prospering,” he said.

A tourist from Beijing said it's her first time at the races.

“This is a Hong Kong tradition, right? And this is also part of its culture so I wanted to experience it,” she said.