The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival 端午节 (Duān wǔ jié), is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which usually falls in June in the Gregorian calendar. This year the festival is celebrated on Thursday 22 of June which is a Public Holiday in Hong Kong. The festival has a history of more than 2,000 years and is celebrated in many parts of the world, including Hong Kong, China, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.
The Dragon Boat Festival has its roots in ancient Chinese history. According to legend, the festival commemorates the death of the famous poet and minister Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period (475–221 BC). Qu Yuan was a loyal and patriotic official who was banished by the Emperor for his opposition to a corrupt government. While in exile, Qu Yuan wrote many beautiful poems that expressed his love for his country and his people.
In 278 BC, Qu Yuan learned that his country had been invaded by a neighbouring state. Overcome with grief and despair, he drowned himself in the Miluo River. The local people who admired Qu Yuan’s patriotism and literary talent rushed to the river to try to save him. They paddled their boats up and down the river, beating drums and splashing the water with their oars to scare away the fish and water dragons that might harm Qu Yuan’s body. They also threw sticky rice dumplings into the river as a sacrifice to the river gods, hoping to prevent Qu Yuan’s body from being eaten by the fish.
Read More: Popular Chinese Festivals – An Exploration of Chinese Culture and Tradition
Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in many different ways, but the most popular customs include the famous Dragon Boat racing, eating 粽子 (zòng zi) sticky rice dumplings, and hanging calamus and mugwort leaves.
With the relaxation of government regulations, Dragon Boat Racing has returned to Hong Kong and is in full swing. As June 22 is a Public Holiday, why not spend the day out with family and friends by watching the races and celebrating the tradition! Get outside to see the most popular and well-established locations for some of the fiercest competition the sport has to offer.
Here are some of the best places to view the races this year:
In the heart of Aberdeen’s fishing village, this event is perhaps Hong Kong’s most traditional version of the festival. Instead of the normal sized boats, those racing in this competition use the ‘long boats’ that require 48 paddlers unlike the usual 22 person boats.
Famously known for their Bun Festival, Cheung Chau also hosts a pretty good Dragon Boat Festival. Although small, the island is home to many seafood restaurants and gifts shops as well as water sports companies offering different kinds of water-based activities for people to get an adrenaline kick.
One of the most popular spots to watch the Dragon Boat Races, Sai Kung is bustling with festivities and things to do. With lots of restaurants and cafes in the area, there is plenty to eat and do. Grab a bite to eat at one of our favourites AliOli before heading down to the races.
Located all along the Shing Mun River, there is plenty of space to get a spot to watch the races. The area boasts a great cycling track all the way up to Tai Mei Tuk with a few places to rent bikes. After watching the races, cycle up and down the riverside for an action-packed day.
When: 8:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Shing Mun River
How: If you’re going from Central, take Bus 182 from Central Market and get off at City One. Another option is to take the East Rail Line on the MTR up to Fo Tan and walk to the riverside.
A very popular destination for Dragon Boat Racing with locals and tourists heading down to Stanley for a day of sun, sand and sea. Make the most of your time there by watching the competition followed by a delicious meal at one of the seaside restaurants nearby.
When: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Stanley Main Beach
How: Going from Central to Stanley is the easiest way to get there. Take the 6 / 6A / 6X or 260 from Exchange Square. If you’re going from Tsim Sha Tsui catch the 973 from Mody Road which will take you directly there. Most of these buses stop near the Main Beach, but some will stop at the Stanley Village Bus Terminus. From there it is a 5 minute walk to the beach.
As one of the last remaining fishing villages in Hong Kong, the Dragon Boat Water Parade at Tai O is an important religious event that has been celebrated by the village for several generations. Witness the ‘Deities Parade’ as it passes through the numerous stilt houses, sample the fresh seafood from the array of restaurants available and celebrate an intricate part of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.
When: 8:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Tai O Pier (Parade) and Tai O Promenade (Dragon Boat Races)
How: Catch the Mui Wo Ferry from Central Pier 6, then take Bus 1 to Tai O OR Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, then get on Bus 11 from Tung Chung Town Centre to Tai O
Located at the Tai Po Waterfront Park, the Tai Po Dragon Boat Races offer crowds a scenic spot to cheer on the races. Walk around the park and take in the wonderful nature or head over to the kite-flying area (one of several different facilities at this park) and watch the different colourful kites being flown.
When: 8:30am to 1:00 pm
Where: Tai Po Waterfront Park
How: There are several buses that can take you up there including 71K, 71S, 73X, 271 and 275R with many different points around the city to hop on or off of. If you fancy a more scenic commute, take the MTR to Tai Po Market (Exit B) followed by a 30-minute walk to the park.
If you do happen to miss the races on the actual day, there is another opportunity to see some amazing racing on the following weekend. The Dragon Boat Carnival takes place from June 24 – 25 (Sat & Sun) all along Victoria Harbour and is one the world’s major racing events. With both international and local teams competing for top prizes, and lots of other activities along the harbour for families including food tents, arts & crafts corners and boutique stalls, this event is definitely not one to miss!
Head over to Macau for a spectacular array of Dragon Boat races at the official SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races hosted by the Sports Bureau and Dragon Boat Association in Macau. The event promises a fun and exciting atmosphere perfect for families and avid paddlers alike. With categories for different sized boats, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!
Read More: The Return of Dragon Boat Racing to Macau
The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is an important cultural event that celebrates Chinese history, culture, and traditions. The festival is a time for people to come together to honour their ancestors, show their patriotism, and enjoy time with their families. Whether you choose to watch dragon boat races, eat Zongzi, or hang calamus and mugwort leaves, the Dragon Boat Festival is a wonderful way to experience Chinese culture and tradition.
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