Join the 9 Days and Nights of the exciting Dragon Boat Festival set against Victoria Harbour’s Iconic Skyline
The boats are fierce, the drums thunder, and the energy is nothing short of electric – Hong Kong’s legendary Dragon Boat Festival is making its grand return this summer in spectacular style! A vibrant fusion of athleticism, heritage, and celebration, the festival welcomes thousands of locals and global visitors to the city’s iconic Victoria Harbour for one of Asia’s most exhilarating cultural events.
Each year, the Dragon Boat Festival attracts elite paddlers and spirited spectators to multiple locations across the city. In 2025, the spotlight will once again shine on the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, taking place 7-8 June at Tsim Sha Tsui. Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, the races promise heart-pounding action in a waterfront spectacle against the dazzling city skyline.
This year’s races will see over 190 teams from 12 countries and regions, including first-time participants from Qatar and Egypt, take to the waters in thrilling competition. The Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade will transform into a buzzing festival zone as supporters line the waterfront to cheer for their teams and capture the adrenaline-fuelled action.
Nine Days and Nights of Harbourfront Festivities
Building anticipation ahead of race weekend, HKTB is kicking off 9 days and nights of vibrant celebrations beginning 31 May along the scenic Avenue of Stars. From 1pm to 10pm daily, visitors can indulge in delicious festive foods, refreshing summer drinks, icy treats, and picturesque views of the illuminated harbour.
Adding a touch of whimsy, Ocean Park Hong Kong’s beloved Panda Friends—including An An, Ke Ke, Ying Ying, Le Le, and the adorable twin cubs Elder Sister and Little Brother—will be featured in themed displays and photo zones. A dedicated pop-up store will also offer panda-themed merchandise, perfect for festival souvenirs.
As the races reach their peak on 7-8 June, spectators can enjoy free entry and shaded viewing zones stretching from Tsim Sha Tsui East to the Avenue of Stars. A special Beer Garden in Urban Council Centenary Garden will keep spirits high and guests cool. Adding to the festive magic, Cirque du Soleil performers will make surprise appearances along the promenade throughout the weekend.
A Month of Culture, Craft and Celebration in Hong Kong
Recognised by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Dragon Boat Festival not only delivers excitement but also honours centuries of cultural tradition. This aligns seamlessly with the inaugural Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month, launching in June 2025.
Visitors will have the opportunity to dive deeper into Hong Kong’s cultural fabric with highlight tours showcasing traditional craftsmanship, including bamboo steamer-making techniques, among others. Tours can be booked in-person at the Hong Kong International Airport Visitor Centre or Kowloon Visitor Centre beginning 9 June, or online at the Hong Kong ICH Month 2025 website.
With a packed calendar of events blending history, performance, and culinary flair, late May and June mark one of the best times of the year to experience Hong Kong in full festive swing.
Whether drawn to the pulse of the races, the rich cultural traditions, or the vibrant festival energy, travellers will find themselves immersed in a city that knows how to celebrate past and present with equal passion.
Traditional festive food: Zongzi
You can’t have a Dragon Boat Festival without zongzi, or glutinous rice dumplings. Many people still make their own zongzi from scratch, but most people in Hong Kong simply buy ready-made ones from restaurants, hotels or markets.
The most common zongzi in Hong Kong is the Cantonese variety, with tender pork belly, roasted duck, salted eggs, and mushrooms. Some restaurants even add luxurious ingredients like abalones, scallops and truffles. Or if you have a sweet tooth, opt for the sweet varietieswith red bean paste or sweet potatoes.
Fun Fact: How to choose a Zongzi?
- There are two kinds of zongzi you need to try: savoury and sweet. A savoury zongzi should contain pork belly; the sweet version, on the other hand, is stuffed with red bean or lotus paste, but can sometimes be without a filling. The sweet rice dumplings are typically served with sugar and have a completely different taste and texture from the savoury ones, so you’ve got to try both when visiting Hong Kong!
- Note: zongzi are generally made fresh with a short shelf life, so eat them as soon as possible after purchase.
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