Crowds gathered in Tsim Sha Tsui on Wednesday for the Lunar New Year parade .

Themed "Unfold a Year of Good Fortune", it features nine floats showcasing unique elements from the SAR, alongside 46 performing groups from around the globe.

It will start at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, then head down Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, before ending at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.

Road closures and traffic diversions have been put in place.

A woman surnamed Leung said she came to support her daughter, who will be performing in the parade.

"My daughter will be dancing, so I must show my support. I have been here since around 3 pm, after sending her to the assembly venue. I am very excited about seeing her, and it is also my first time to see the parade in person," she said.

A tourist surnamed Jia from Northeast China said she had come to Hong Kong for the festive atmosphere.

"I think Hong Kong has a very strong Lunar New Year vibe and I love the culture around the Greater Bay Area. I know there will be a parade tonight and fireworks tomorrow, and I booked my hotel last November," she said.

A Shenzhen tourist surnamed Huang said this is her second time at the parade..

"Last year, I did not pick a good spot. So this year, I learned from my past experience and arrived at 2.30 pm. The location I am in is the performance area, so the lighting will be nicer," she said.

Huang said she found the float designs delicate and the performing groups from around the world very attractive.

The Tourism Board expects around 100,000 people to turn up for the event.