Race into the Week-Long Celebration of Hong Kong's Dragon Boat Festival, Over Victoria Harbour's Stunning Skyline: Experience It!
"Saddle up, fam! Hong Kong's Dragon Boat Festival is back with a bang, and it's shaping up to be a wild ride for summer-loving Indian travelers in June!
Get ready to witness the pulse-racing Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races in Tsim Sha Tsui. This adrenaline-fueled bash attracts top-tier paddlers from across the globe and is one of the city's most anticipated summer events. The main event, The 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, is organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, and will take place on June 7 and 8 right on theiconic Victoria Harbour.
Want to soak up the vibe a bit earlier? HKTB is throwing an action-packed, 9-day festival along the captivating Avenue of Stars starting May 31. You'll find enticing food stalls, refreshing beverages, sweet treats, and endless photo ops with the breathtaking harbor as your backdrop. Plus, get your selfie game on with displays of Ocean Park Hong Kong's beloved Panda Friends – An An, Ke Ke, Ying Ying, Le Le, and the adorable twin cubs Elder Sister and Little Brother – scattered throughout the area. A special panda-themed merchandise pop-up shop is also on the cards!
As the week progresses towards the races, things started to heat up. On June 7 and 8, spectators can take advantage of free entry and shaded viewing areas along the waterfront from Tsim Sha Tsui East to the Avenue of Stars. Keep the heat at bay with chilled brews at the Beer Garden or get amazed by surprise appearances from Cirque du Soleil performers. Get the lowdown on the event at the HKTB event website.
Spanning 9 Exciting Days and Nights
The Dragon Boat Festival is deeply rooted in Hong Kong's cultural heritage and is recognized by UNESCO as a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. To celebrate, HKTB is hosting a Hong Kong ICH Month, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the city's rich cultural landscape. Sign up for ICH-related traditional craftsmanship tours, like bamboo steamer-making, starting June 9 at the Hong Kong International Airport Visitor Centre or Kowloon Visitor Centre. Alternatively, visit the Hong Kong ICH Month 2025 website for more details.
Whether it's the thrilling races, immersive festivities, or deep-rooted traditions that draws you in, June is the perfect time to experience Hong Kong. With its exciting calendar of events, the city offers a unique blend of past and present for all to savor.
A Word from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is responsible for promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide, enhancing visitor experiences upon arrival, and making recommendations to the government on visitor facilities. The HKTB's mission is to maximize tourism's social and economic benefits for Hong Kong residents while consolidating Hong Kong's position as a uniquely desired global destination."
Bonus: Did You Know?
- In ancient times, the Dragon Boat Festival was originally celebrated to protect against a mythical dragon believed to be causing diseases, drowning people, and spreading evil. Farmers would pound rice to create "dragon boats" and paddle through the waters, drumming to scare off the dragon. Today, thousands of participants race dragon boats competitively during the festival, carrying on the tradition with great enthusiasm.
Reference List
[1] https://www.dragonboat.com[2] https://www.hktb.com/en-us/events/sports-events/dragon-boat-festival[3] https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/whats-on-in-hong-kong-dragon-boat-festival[4] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/dragon-boat-races-hong-kong-intl/index.html
Join in the exciting sports events at the Dragon Boat Festival, where you can witness the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races. This adrenaline-fueled event attracts top-tier paddlers from across the globe, making it one of the city's most anticipated summer sports events. The main event, The 2025 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, takes place on June 7 and 8, offering a thrilling sports experience on the iconic Victoria Harbour.
