Dragon Boat Festival: What Is It And Where To Watch The Races

How well do you know the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival? Here’s your guide to the festivities and an action-packed day watching the Dragon Boat races with the kids.

With heart-pumping races and colourful festivities surrounding the Dragon Boat Festival, you can’t live in Hong Kong without witnessing this event at least once. We’ve outlined the major races happening this year – from high-energy races in Stanley to religious parades past traditional stilt houses in Tai O, here’s the lowdown for a guaranteed exciting day out with the kids. Also, to truly enjoy the festivities like a local, be sure to get your hands on some zongzi or rice dumplings (yes, we’ve listed where to get them too!).

Jump to:
Dragon Boat Festival Origins
Dragon Boat Festival Races
Dragon Boat Festival – Rice Dumplings

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The Origins Of The Dragon Boat Festival

Also known as the Tuen Ng Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival has tragic roots which trace back to the suicide of Chinese scholar Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest to the imperial government 2,000 years ago. The locals tried to save him by furiously paddling down the river and tossing zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) into the water to stop fishes from eating his body while beating drums loudly to ward off evil spirits.

Despite this sad ending, the Chinese commemorate his death through the Tuen Ng or Dragon Boat Festival, which has now become a modern international sport with a worldwide audience and is definitely a fun day out for the family.

Where To Watch The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival Races 2024

Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships 2024

Get psyched as the drumbeat sounds begin and this sleepy seaside village on the south gears up to host one of the world’s most spectacular dragon racing events. Make a day of it by heading there early in the morning, and go for breakfast at any of the many bustling waterfront cafès.

When: Monday, 10 June, 8am to 5pm
Where: Stanley Main Beach

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Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade & Race 2024

This cultural tradition called “Deities Parade” sees members of the three fishermen associations in Tai O take deity statues on small boats towed by three dragon boats. The boats travel through various water channels as stilt house residents burn incense for the ghosts in the water and to gain the blessings of the deities. Fast-paced dragon boat races are also held during the day.

Make it a day trip! Tai O is known as one of the last few remaining fishing villages in Hong Kong. The historical south side of Lantau retains its unique character with many points of interest such as crisscrossing stilt houses, ancient temples, the Tai O infinity pool, a rock formation called General Stone, and, always a fave, pink dolphins. With so much to see, a fun-filled day trip is sure to be had!

When: Sunday, 30 June, 7am to 2pm
Where: Tai O Creek and Pier

Read More: Tai O Fishing Village – Family Restaurants, Hikes And More

Sai Kung Tuen Ng Festival

Another excellent place to witness some gripping dragon boat racing is in family favourite Sai Kung. The races happen in the morning and the whole town will be full of festivities afterwards. Go early and feast alfresco in many seafood restaurants along the promenade.

When: Monday, 22 June, 8am to 2:30pm
Where: Sai Kung Town Waterfront and Promenade

Read More: Sai Kung Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong

Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race

What sets the Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race apart from the others is the use of “long boats” which are 90 feet long, with 48 paddlers seated in 24 rows of two; double the size of the dragon boats commonly seen in other races!

When: Monday, 10 June, 8am to 4pm
Where: Aberdeen Promenade/Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter

Tai Po Dragon Boat Race

Catch the dragon boat festival at the Tai Po Waterfront and then visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum (an absolute hit with the kids!), and check out the Man Mo Temple all in one awesome day. The Waterfront Park makes for a great picnic too!

When: Monday, 10 June, 8:30am to 1pm
Where: Tai Po Waterfront Promenade

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Cheung Chau Dragon Boat Race

Having welcomed the Cheung Chau Bun Festival after a pandemic hiatus, the Cheung Chau Dragon Boat race will be equally electrifying and will see flocks of crowds (prepare for a long line for the ferry from Central!). Tune in to our neighbourhood guide for the ins and outs of what to do in your day trip.

When: Monday, 10 June, 10am to 4pm
Where: Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter

Read More: Cheung Chau Island – Your Family-Friendly Neighbourhood Guide

Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race

One of the largest Dragon Boat races in the city, the Sha Tin one gives viewers a clear vantage point to take in all the action. Get there early and grab a nice spot by the promenade to catch the race along the Shing Mun River.

When: Monday, 10 June, 8am to 1pm
Where: Shing Mun River

Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Race

Get in two whole days of Dragon Boat fun with the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Race, which takes place in Victoria Harbour and set against the gorgeous Hong Kong skyline. This popular dragon boat race draws plenty of visitors, so get there early to watch the opening ceremony and stay after the races to enjoy the festivities and attractions set up around the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 15 to 16 June, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Where: Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade and the Avenue of Stars

Read More: The Ultimate Neighbourhood Guide To Tsim Sha Tsui For Families In Hong Kong

Where To Get Dragon Boat Festival Rice Dumplings In Hong Kong

A number of Hong Kong hotels and restaurants are offering traditional rice dumplings to mark this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, each one coming in a variety of fillings.

• Chilli Fagara – Place your orders for the Dragon Boat Zhong Zi or the Dragon Boat Zhong Zi, Plus Ma or La Sauce Set. www.chillifagara.com
• Island Shangri-la  – Michelin-starred Summer Palace has a range of sticky rice dumplings in different flavors, including intriguing chewy crystal sweet rice dumplings. www.shangri-la.com
• The Ritz-Carlton – Deluxe Rice Dumplings sets (one sweet, one savoury) in exquisite packaging and equally exquisite flavours. www.ritzcarltonhkshop.com
• Rosewood – This rice dumpling set from another Michelin-starred restaurant, The Legacy House, contains one sweet and one savoury dumpling, perfect for munching on. www.rosewoodhkshop.com 
• The Fullerton – Gorgeous packaging makes these three sets of premium rice dumplings a fantastic gift — or just keep them for yourself! www.fullertonhotels.com

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Editor’s Note: “Dragon Boat Festival: What Is It And Where To Watch The Races” was originally published by Czarina Sunga and was most recently updated in May 2024 by Team Sassy Mama.