Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races Mark 50th Anniversary as Sport’s Governing Body Returns to City

The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, set for June 27-28 along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, will mark a milestone 50th anniversary this year, with organizers highlighting the event’s role in showcasing Hong Kong as the ‘Events Capital of Asia.’ The races also coincide with the 35th anniversaries of both the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association and the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), which earlier this year announced the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which organizes the event, has extended the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival period to 13 days, from June 19 to July 1, encompassing 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, said the Festival offers ‘an experience found only in Hong Kong’ with a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment than in previous years.

More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete in Victoria Harbour. This year introduces the special 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to the traditional spirit of dragon boat racing. Visitors can also enjoy thematic activities along the Avenue of Stars, including a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the film Minions & Monsters, and performances of intangible cultural heritage such as Wing Chun and Chinese juggling diabolo.

The IDBF’s formal incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in Hong Kong on 29 April 2026 marks a significant step in its long-term global strategy. ‘Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started,’ said Claudio Schermi, IDBF President. The IDBF has applied for funding under the HKSAR Government’s Pilot Scheme to Strengthen the Presence of Hong Kong in Asian and International Sports Associations, which supports sports associations establishing headquarters in the city.

The Dragon Boat Festival traces its origins to the poet Qu Yuan, who committed suicide by throwing himself into the Luo River over 2,000 years ago. According to legend, villagers raced out on dragon boats, banging gongs and drums to scare away fish from his body. The tradition continues today, with dragon boat competitions across Hong Kong, each reflecting local characteristics. Traditional treats like zongzi, glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, are widely available during the festival period.

The anniversary underscores Hong Kong’s role as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing and its strengths as a global hub city. The IDBF’s return is expected to further cement that status, with the federation now headquartered in the city where its international story began.

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