How to celebrate Hong Kong Dragon Boat Day 2025

Don't miss Hong Kong Dragon Boat Day Festivities 2025 (image courtesy Henning Weikhorst for Unsplash)

Every year, Hong Kong enjoys a public holiday to celebrate Dragon Boat Day. The Dragon Boat festival, or Tuen Ng in Cantonese, is traditionally celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which usually falls in late May or early June. This year it falls on Saturday May 31.

Teams of all abilities across the territory gather to practise and celebrate this ancient celebration that honours Qu Yuan, an ancient Chinese poet, who drowned himself in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in protest against corruption. It’s said that the local people threw rice into the river to tempt the fish from eating his body and splashed the water to keep away evil spirits. Today, people commemorate Qu Yuan with dragon boat racing and zongzi, small packets of sticky rice.

In modern times, the day has evolved to include dragon boat racing and food stalls and markets.

In Hong Kong, dragon boat racing can be enjoyed at a variety of places across the territory.

Where to watch the dragon boat racing (note that admission is free to all race events)

Stanley Dragon Boat Race

Sun Life Stanley Dragon Boat Championship is one of the biggest events of Dragon Boat Day. It takes place at Stanley Main Beach featuring local and international teams and attracts thousands of spectators. 

Where: Stanley Main Beach

When: Racing from 8.30am to 5pm, May 31

Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade & Racing

This heritage event is held every year as part of Tai O’s Dragon Boat Festival’s celebrations. Three fishermen associations parade deities from local temples on sampans towed by traditional dragon boats through the waterways, praying for blessings from the local community. This traditional event is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.

Where: Tai O, Lantau Island

When: Racing from 9am to 1pm, May 30; 8.30 to 3pm, May 31

Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race

The racing is fast and furious on Aberdeen harbour as local and international teams go head-to-head on the waterway. Unique to this event are the ‘long boats’ which measure a massive 90 feet with up to 48 paddlers seated in 24 pairs - this is double the size of ‘normal’ dragon boats!

Where: Aberdeen Promenade and Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter

When: Racing from 8am to 4pm, May 31

Sai Kung Tuen Ng Festival

Racing in the fishing town of Sai Kung takes place on the waterfront by Sai Kung New Pier. Watch as teams battle it out along the course which runs towards the waterfront promenade. The racing takes place in the morning, leaving the afternoon for feasting at the nearby restaurants.

Where: Sai Kung Town Waterfront and Promenade

When: 8am to 1.30pm, May 31

Cheung Chau Dragon Boat Race

Head out to the outlying island of Cheung Chau for a day of fun and festivities. It’s worth catching a ferry as early as possible as the lines at Central Ferry Piers will build-up.

Where: Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter

When: 10am to 4pm, May 31

Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race

Another big event in Hong Kong, Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race, takes place on the Shing Mun River. Watch from the promenade as multiple teams take on the course that runs from Banyan Bridge to Sha Yin Bridge. 

Where: Shing Mun River 

When: 8am to 1pm, May 31

Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

Enjoy a splashing time at Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (image courtesy Hong Kong Tourism Board)

This thrilling annual event takes place on the weekend following Dragon Boat Day. Teams slice through the waters of Victoria Harbour as they battle it out over the two days of racing. The course runs from Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade, outside Kowloon Shangri-La, to the Bruce Lee Statue on the Avenue of Stars. Enjoy the Dragon Boat Food Lane along the Avenue of Stars from May 31 to June 8 (1 to 10pm daily) and drinks and live music at the Beer Garden at Urban Council Centenary Garden, Tsim Sha Tsui East, on June 7 and 8.

Where: Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade

When: 8am to 7pm, June 7; 8am to 6pm, June 8