The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, taking place this weekend on June 27-28 along Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, celebrate their 50th anniversary, along with the 35th anniversaries of co-organiser Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association and sanctioning body International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The IDBF announced earlier this year the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong, with formal incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in the city on April 29, 2026.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the organiser, has extended the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival period to 13 days (June 19 – July 1), starting on the historic Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) and concluding on July 1, the 29th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said the Festival not only runs over a longer period but also features a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programmes, showcasing Hong Kong as the Events Capital of Asia.
More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete in Victoria Harbour. This year introduces the special 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to the traditional spirit of 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 in collaboration with the film Minions & Monsters, live music, and intangible cultural heritage performances such as Wing Chun, Chinese juggling diabolo, and traditional musical instruments ruan and guzheng.
The IDBF's return to Hong Kong is a significant step in its long-term global strategy. "Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started and strengthens our ability to serve our members and the global dragon boat family," said Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF. The IDBF has applied for funding under the "Pilot Scheme to Strengthen the Presence of Hong Kong in Asian and International Sports Associations" introduced by the HKSAR Government's Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.
The Dragon Boat Festival dates back over two thousand years, commemorating the patriotic poet Qu Yuan. According to legend, villagers raced out on dragon boats to scare away fish from eating Qu's body after he committed suicide. The tradition continues with dragon boat competitions across Hong Kong. Traditional treats like zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) are widely available during the festive period.
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