Best Places to View Dragon Boat Racing in Hong Kong
Posted by Gift Flowers
Get a taste of the unique cultural experience in Hong Kong this June 19th on Dragon Boat Festival! Feast your eyes upon the views, taking in the delectable aroma of sticky rice dumplings filling the air, glances into joyous family gatherings and, of course, colourful events involving energetic drumming and characteristic dragon boat races that vividly paint the sea.
Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong is
undoubtedly a wonderful time for celebration… but what is it and where does it
originate from? Gift Something Hong Kong is here to give you the low-down.
What is Dragon Boat Festival?
Dragon Boat Festival dates back to the 3rd
century. It usually takes place either in May or June and is best known for its
robust performances in dragon boat racing. You can see teams of paddlers from
all around the globe coming together, donning colourful clothing, and racing their
long narrow decorated boats across the sea to the finish line, accompanied by
the strong, passionate beat of the drum.
According to one popular legend, passed
down through many generations, Dragon Boat Festival has its origins in an
elderly loyal and noble poet, scholar and minister named Qu Yuan. After being
exiled due to the slandering of corrupt ministers, Qu Yuan returned to his home
time. There, he fell into depression and drowned himself by jumping in the
river in martyrdom for his deeply beloved but falling motherland.
The locals tried their best to find and
rescue Qu Yuan, paddling their boats into the river and banging drums and gongs
to scare away anything that might harm the minister. They also brought
offerings of rice to calm the old man’s spirit and to offer the fish so that Qu
Yuan’s body would not be devoured. Today, certain aspects of the legend, such
as the long boats, the drumming and the rice offerings are utilised in the
celebrations to commemorate the noble death of this man.
What is Dragon Boat Racing?
A dragon boat is a long and narrow boat
decorated with a Chinese dragon head and tail with printed scales. During the
races, the different teams paddle furiously to the beat of a drum, providing
spectators with an exciting and colourful performance. The first team to reach
the finish line wins.
When and Where to see Dragon Boat Racing
Traveling with locals is a great way to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant culture, but if you plan to explore on your own, here is a straightforward guide to the key Dragon Boat Festival events in the city this year.
The centrepiece of the celebrations is the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, held to mark its 50th anniversary. The races take place on 27 – 28 June (Saturday to Sunday) at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Kowloon, from 8am to 6pm daily* (*Schedule subject to change without prior notice). The viewing zone runs from the Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, along the promenade to the Bruce Lee Statue on the Avenue of Stars, with shaded seating provided for spectators. Admission is free. Visitors can reach the venue via MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station: Exit J2 (5-minute walk) or Exit P1 (8-minute walk).
From 19 June to 1 July, additional festive activities will be held in Tsim Sha Tsui, including the Dragon Boat Food Lane and the Chill Zone, both open daily from 1pm to 10pm with free admission.
The Dragon Boat Food Lane, located along the Avenue of Stars, features vibrant stalls offering festive bites, refreshing drinks and desserts, ideal for cooling down while enjoying the harbour views. How to get there:
MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, go through Exit J and walk approximately 5 minutes
take the ferry from Central or Wan Chai Ferry Pier, then walk approximately 10 minutes along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Other Things to Know During the Dragon Boat Festival
If dragon boat races are not of interest to you, you can also try making zongzi, the traditional Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings, to share with family and friends. The Dragon Boat Festival is also a perfect occasion to convey your heartfelt sentiments.
At the Chill Zone in Salisbury Garden, visitors can join hands-on cultural workshops and try an immersive VR dragon boat paddling experience. How to get there:
MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, go through Exit J and walk approximately 5 minutes
Gift Something offers a curated selection of exquisite items—whether you wish to infuse your daily life with a sense of ritual or express your affection to friends and family, you may find something that suits you to celebrate the festival in your own way.
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