Hong Kong is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races this June with its biggest-ever 13-day Dragon Boat Festival at Victoria Harbour.
Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the festival will run from June 19 to July 1 along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, bringing together dragon boat racing, live entertainment, cultural showcases, workshops and food experiences.
The main Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will take place on June 27 and 28 at Victoria Harbour, featuring over 220 teams from 16 countries and regions. The event has grown from a small local competition first held in 1976 at Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter into one of Hong Kong’s most recognised international sporting and cultural events.
Alongside the races, the harbourfront festival will feature interactive workshops, VR dragon boat paddling games, live music, stage performances and traditional cultural activities. Visitors can also explore the Dragon Boat Food Lane, showcasing festive delicacies and Hong Kong street food, along with themed installations and photo spots across the venue.
The celebrations will extend beyond Victoria Harbour, with dragon boat activities and local races taking place across different parts of Hong Kong, including Stanley, Aberdeen, Sai Kung and Sha Tin. In Tai O, visitors can also witness the traditional Dragon Boat Water Parade, a centuries-old ritual recognised as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage.
Blending heritage, sport and entertainment, the festival continues to showcase Hong Kong’s unique cultural identity while attracting visitors and participants from around the world.
