The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, a landmark event in the global dragon boat calendar, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend (June 27-28) along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui. The event, co-organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, marks not only half a century of international competition but also the 35th anniversary of both the local association and the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The IDBF has relocated its headquarters back to Hong Kong, reinforcing the city's status as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing.
The HKTB has extended the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival to 13 days (June 19 – July 1), starting on the historic Tuen Ng Festival and concluding on the 29th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, highlighted that the festival offers a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment than in previous years, showcasing Hong Kong as the Events Capital of Asia.
More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete in the iconic Victoria Harbour setting. New this year are the 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, honouring the traditional roots of dragon boat racing. Visitors can enjoy 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 including Wing Chun, diabolo, and traditional Chinese musical instruments.
The IDBF's formal incorporation in Hong Kong on 29 April 2026 represents a strategic move. Claudio Schermi, IDBF President, stated, "Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started." 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 to support sports bodies establishing headquarters in the city.
The Dragon Boat Festival, dating back over two thousand years, commemorates the poet Qu Yuan. According to legend, villagers raced out on dragon boats to save his body, beating gongs and drums to ward off creatures. Today, the tradition continues with races across Hong Kong. Traditional treats like zongzi—glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves—are widely available during the festival.
