The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races return this weekend (June 27-28) with a milestone celebration: the 50th anniversary of the event. Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the races will take place along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, featuring over 220 teams from 16 countries and regions. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of both the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association and the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), which earlier this year announced the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong.
The IDBF's formal incorporation in Hong Kong on April 29, 2026, is a strategic move to anchor the federation in the city where international dragon boat racing began. "Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning," said IDBF President Claudio Schermi. The federation has applied for funding under the HKSAR Government's Pilot Scheme to Strengthen the Presence of Hong Kong in Asian and International Sports Associations, which supports sports bodies establishing headquarters in the city.
The HKTB extended this year's festival to 13 days (June 19 – July 1), beginning on the Tuen Ng Festival and concluding on the 29th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, described the event as the headline flagship of "Hong Kong Summer Fun," featuring a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment. Special races include the 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to traditional dragon boat racing.
Visitors can enjoy thematic activities along the Avenue of Stars, including a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation tied to the film Minions & Monsters, live music, and intangible cultural heritage performances like Wing Chun, diabolo, and traditional Chinese musical instruments. The event underscores Hong Kong's reputation as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing and its role as a global hub city.
The Dragon Boat Festival dates back over two thousand years, commemorating the poet Qu Yuan. Legend holds that villagers raced out on boats, banging gongs and drums to scare away fish from Qu's body. Today, dragon boat races occur across Hong Kong, each reflecting local neighbourhood characteristics. Traditional foods like zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) are widely available during the festival.
More information can be found at Brand Hong Kong.
