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:
Origins Of The Dragon Boat Festival
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 of 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 fish 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 2025

Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships 2025

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 cafes.

When: Saturday, 31 May; 8am to 5pm
Where: Stanley Main Beach

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Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade & Race 2025

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: Friday, 30 to Saturday, 31 May, 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 the many seafood restaurants along the promenade.

When: Saturday, 31 May, 8am to 1:30pm
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: Saturday, 31 May, 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: Saturday, 31 May, 8:30am to 1pm
Where: Tai Po Waterfront Promenade

Read More: Picnics In Hong Kong – The Best Picnic Spots For The Family

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: Saturday, 31 May, 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: Saturday, 31 May, 8am to 1pm
Where: Shing Mun River

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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, 7 to 8 June, 8am to 6pm
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 will be offering traditional rice dumplings to mark this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, each one coming in a variety of fillings.

• Cuisine Cuisine & Tsui Hang Village – Cuisine Cuisine is once again offering its exquisite Cantonese rice dumplings, while Tsui Hang Village launches a variety of traditional crafted rice dumplings. www.mira-eshop.com
• Nam Fong – Glutinous rice dumplings gift sets are on offer, one with dried scallop and another assortment with handcrafted sauces, all available with promotional deals on its e-shop. lemeridienhkshop.com
• YUE – Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel’s YUE is offering four varieties of rice dumplings plus special combo deals. sheratontungchungshop.com
• Ming Court at Cordis – This award-winning Cantonese restaurant presents two types of glutinous rice dumplings for Dragon Boat Festival. cordishk.buys.hk
• Yat Tung Heeng – Eaton HK’s Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates with its 2025 Rice Dumpling Gift Set, order before 18 May to get 15% off! yattungheenggifts.com
• Island Shangri-la  – Michelin-starred Summer Palace and Ming Pavilion showcase gourmet Cantonese sticky rice dumplings and Fujian-style dumplings with a modern twist. www.shangri-la.com
• Kerry Hotel & Kowloon Shangri-La – Both hotels are offering a tasteful selection rice dumplings, gift boxes and luxury hampers in honour of the festival. boutique.shangri-la.com
• The Peninsula Hong Kong – Spring Moon’s Michelin-starred chefs have curated four delicious rice dumplings which you can enjoy individually or gift as part of a collection with artisanal condiments. eshopphk.peninsula.com
• Man Ho Chinese Restaurant – Man Ho at JW Marriott Hotel offers classically festive rice dumpling sets with an early bird discount of 15% off if you order before 20 May. jwmarriotthkoffers.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 2025 by Veena Raghunath.