The Ultimate Guide to the Dragon Boat Festival 2025 in Hong Kong

If you’re heading to Hong Kong between May and June, mark your calendar. The Dragon Boat Festival isn’t just a public holiday (I didn’t even know it was one until I started writing this article), it’s also one of the most electric cultural events of the year. On Saturday, 31 May 2025, the city comes alive with thunderous drumming, cheering crowds, and dragon boats racing across rivers and harbours.

The festival’s roots stretch back over 2,000 years to the legend of Qu Yuan, a loyal Chinese poet who drowned himself in protest against government corruption. According to the tale, locals threw rice into the river to keep fish from disturbing his body — an act that lives on in the form of sticky rice dumplings known as zongzi.

So how did we get from dumplings to screaming athletes in dragon-shaped boats? As the story goes, villagers paddled out in a desperate search for Qu Yuan, drumming and splashing to scare off evil spirits and fish. The ritual stuck, and somewhere along the way, that solemn riverside scramble turned into a full-blown water sport. History’s weird like that.

Also read: How to Plan a 4D3N Hong Kong Itinerary in 2025

Where to watch the races

Races take place all across Hong Kong, from heritage fishing villages to bustling urban harbours. Each location has its own vibe, so choose based on whether you’re looking for a full-blown party, something cultural, or just a laid-back day by the water!

Stanley Dragon Boat Championships

In Stanley, a popular beachside neighbourhood on the south of Hong Kong Island, the races double as a massive social event. The Stanley Dragon Boat Championships run from morning to evening, drawing both local and international teams. Expect big crowds, cheers, and a festive atmosphere that spills out onto the sand and boardwalk.

Date: 31 May

Time: 8.30am to 5pm

Location: Stanley Main Beach

Tai O’s Dragon Boat Water Parade

If you’re more interested in cultural heritage than carnival energy, Tai O on Lantau Island is worth the ferry ride. It’s a historic fishing village with stilt houses and winding canals, and the Dragon Boat Water Parade here leans heavily into tradition. Held across two days, it features a spiritual procession where deities from local temples are rowed through the waterways on decorated sampans. The ritual has been recognised as part of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, and it feels like so. 

Date: 30–31 May

Time: 9am to 1pm (30 May), 8.30am to 3pm (31 May)

Location: Tai O, Lantau Island

Aberdeen’s tall ship races

Over at Aberdeen, a working harbour with strong maritime roots, things get competitive fast. The boats here are bigger (some stretching 90 feet with up to 48 paddlers !)  and the vibe is no-nonsense. The races run all day and are ideal if you want to see serious paddling up close, minus the tourist gloss.

Date: 31 May

Time: 8am to 4pm

Location: Aberdeen Promenade & Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter

Sai Kung’s morning races

Sai Kung offers a change of pace. Known for its seafood and coastal views, this laid-back town in the eastern New Territories hosts morning races along the promenade, leaving you the rest of the day to feast, wander, or just soak in the scenery.

Date: 31 May

Time: 8am to 1.30pm

Location: Sai Kung Town Waterfront and Promenade

Cheung Chau’s dragon boat hub

Meanwhile, Cheung Chau (one of Hong Kong’s most beloved outlying islands) turns its waterfront into a festive dragon boat hub. The island’s car-free lanes and beachy vibe make it a fun escape, though ferry queues can get intense. Go early, or plan to stay a while.

Date: 31 May

Time: 10am to 4pm

Location: Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter

Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race

And if you’re based in the New Territories or just want something lower-key, the Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race along the Shing Mun River offers a more relaxed experience. The wide riverside promenade makes for easy viewing, especially for families or casual spectators.

Date: 31 May

Time: 8am to 1pm

Location: Shing Mun River, Sha Tin

The grand finale: Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

While the main festival day falls on 31 May, the biggest race of the season actually takes place the following weekend. The Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will be held from Saturday to Sunday, 7–8 June 2025, along the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade. The racecourse runs from outside the Kowloon Shangri-La to the Bruce Lee Statue on the Avenue of Stars.

Time: 8am to 7pm (Saturday), 8am to 6pm (Sunday)

Admission: Free

Seating: Shaded spectator seating is available

This flagship event draws elite teams from around the world competing over a 500m course. The atmosphere is festive and energetic, with a Dragon Boat Food Lane operating daily from 31 May to 8 June (1pm to 10pm), and a Beer Garden with live music running across 7–8 June at the Urban Council Centenary Garden.

Also read: Free Ferry and Bus Rides From Hong Kong to Macao for Tourists

What to eat

You can’t attend the Dragon Boat Festival without trying zongzi, the glutinous rice dumplings that commemorate Qu Yuan. 

Wrapped in bamboo leaves, these dumplings can be savoury or sweet, and it’s filled with succulent pork belly, juicy mushrooms, salted egg yolk, or red bean paste. Either way, the flavours blend together a perfectly satisfying umami mouthfeel (can you tell I love zongzi).

During the festival period, zongzi can be found at local bakeries or street markets. If you’re watching the races in Tai O or Cheung Chau, keep an eye out for fresh, handmade versions sold by local vendors.

Also read: Food Guide: 15 Great Places to Eat in Hong Kong that We Absolutely Love

A few tips before you go

Expect crowds and heat!  So make sure to dress for the weather. Light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat are your best friends. For my girlies, I totally understand wanting to leave your hair down for photo ops, but just remember to bring a hair tie too! 

It’s best to arrive early, especially for races held on islands like Cheung Chau, where ferry queues build up fast. And if you’re there for the food as much as the spectacle, make time for the festival stalls and waterfront restaurants.

Also read: Exploring Hong Kong by Public Transport: What You Should Know

Final thoughts

Whether you’re there for the cultural rituals, the competition, or just to soak in the festival buzz, the Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong is an unforgettable experience. It blends ancient tradition with modern energy, inviting both locals and visitors to take part in a meaningful yet lively celebration!