Published: 13:28, June 3, 2026 | Updated: 13:55, June 3, 2026
13-day fête to mark 50 years of dragon boat races in HK
By Shamim Ashraf
Paddlers participate in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade on June 8, 2025. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Tsim  Sha Tsui Promenade is all set to transform itself into the largest day-and-night venue for the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival later this month, marking 50 years of dragon boat races in the city.

To celebrate the occasion, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has rolled out a 13-day summer events program, which will kick off on June 19, featuring various intangible cultural heritage performances and workshops.

The festival will kick off at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade with an immersive festival experience for both locals and visitors and run through July 1.

It can be watched at the Avenue of Stars and Salisbury Garden in the Tsim Sha Tsui tourist district free of charge.

From June 27 to 28, Victoria Harbour will come alive once again with the return of the legendary races.

Visitors will be able to experience the time-honored tradition and golden anniversary celebration, featuring adrenaline-pumping races and vibrant festivities.

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Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, the championship will bring elite athletes together to battle for the coveted ‘Best of the Best’ title, promising nonstop excitement and electrifying energy.

A team of dragon boat paddlers compete at a dragon boat race during the Duanwu Festival, also known as Dragon Boat Festival, in Hong Kong on June 10, 2024. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

The races will be held from 8 am to 6:15 pm on June 27 and from 8 am to 5 pm on June 28.

The live races can be viewed from the Kowloon Shangri-La, along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to the Bruce Lee Statue on the Avenue of Stars.

Throughout the festival, visitors can wander through vibrant stalls along the "Dragon Boat Food Lane" at the Avenue of Stars and treat themselves to festive bites, refreshing drinks and delightful desserts perfect for cooling down.

A "Beer Garden" will also be set up to serve chilled beers to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the best of summer in the city.