As the fifth day of the fifth lunar month arrives — this year falling on coming Saturday (May 31) — the Tuen Ng Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, electrifies Hong Kong with its thrilling heritage of dragon boat racing.

A UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure with a 2,200-year history, the festival honoring Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan is now also a celebration of the spirit of teamwork and resilience.

Leading up to the city’s flagship Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races in Victoria Harbour, scheduled to be held on June 7–8, communities across Hong Kong are celebrating Tuen Ng with smaller races.

From neighborhood docks to picturesque waterfronts, excitement is boiling in anticipation of the thunderous drumbeats, the synchronized rowing by paddlers and wild cheers by spectators.

Whether you’re applauding for the athletes or discovering the thrill of dragon boating for the first time, here’s where to catch the action on Saturday. Ready to feel the rhythm of the drums?

Stanley International Dragon Boat Championship

Attracting local as well as overseas audience every year, dragon boat races in Stanley are known for costume-wearing rowers and festival atmosphere. The organizer said 190 Hong Kong and overseas teams will compete on May 31.

Time: 9 am – 5 pm

Location: Stanley Main Beach

Aberdeen Dragon Boat Racing Competition

With the longest-running dragon boat heritage in Hong Kong, Aberdeen’s races are steeped in Tanka seafaring culture, honoring the region’s maritime roots. Total 46 teams will battle across 29 events featuring mid- to large-sized boats.  

Time: 9:30 am – 3:50 pm  

Location: Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter  

Sha Tin Dragon Boat Competition

For over 40 years, Shing Mun River has hosted the only dragon boat river race in Hong Kong. Besides small and mid-sized boats, this year will introduce “Phoenix Boats” — vessels adorned with phoenix motifs instead of dragon. The best vantage point? The riverbank outside Garden Rivera.

Time: 8 am – 1 pm  

Location: Shing Mun River  

Tai Po Dragon Boat Races & Carnival

Kick off the festivities at Tai Po Waterfront Park’s promenade, where 18 races for small and mid-sized boats will unfold. Pair the excitement with a family-friendly carnival featuring booth games, food stalls, and Lego workshops for children.  

Time:  

- Mid-sized boats 8:30 am – 12:30 pm  

- Small boats 1 pm – 4 pm  

Location: Tai Po Waterfront Park Promenade  

Sai Kung District Dragon Boat Races & Carnival

Over 30 races will light up Sai Kung Public Pier’s waters, competing for two special cups marking national security and disability inclusion respectively. The carnival offers food, games, and live performances.

Time: 8 am – 2:30 pm  

Location: Sai Kung Public Pier  

2025 Tuen Mun Dragon Boat Race Golden Jubilee

Marking a milestone 50th anniversary, the Tuen Mun competition features 17 races across small, mid-, and large-sized boats at Castle Peak Bay Typhoon Shelter. While tickets for prime viewing areas were distributed on May 17, the action is easily accessible from waterfront areas nearby.  

Time: 9 am – 1 pm  

Location: Castle Peak Bay Typhoon Shelter  

Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade

Tai O’s water parade replaces races with a 100-year-old tradition that has been listed among the national intangible cultural heritage. Local fishermen paddle “deity statues” in dragon boats to dispel misfortune, reenacting a 19th-century plague-era custom.

The two-day ritual starts the day before the Tuen Ng Festival, when statues in four local temples are taken out in a “receiving the deities” ceremony. On the Tuen Ng Festival, the parade on water was carried out, with paper offerings burned on the boats while villagers praying on the bank. The statues of deities will be returned to the temples in the afternoon.

Time: 9 am – 1 pm, May 30; 8 am – 3 pm, May 31

Location: Tai O, Lantau Island