Dragon boat races brought 220 teams to Victoria Harbour
More than 220 teams and over 4,500 paddlers raced on Victoria Harbour during the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races on 27th and 28th June 2026.
Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the races were co-organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association and title-sponsored by Sun Life.
Athletes from 16 countries and regions took part in 21 races across the two-day programme. Teams from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas competed in front of large crowds.
At Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, locals and visitors packed the waterfront to watch crews paddle to the beat of drums. Race Broadcast Viewing Zones also let spectators follow the finals from the shore.
Along the harbourfront, spectators could visit a Dragon Boat Food Lane, a Beer Garden, Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshops and a series of photo spots.
Before racing began on 27th June 2026, those attractions had already opened along the waterfront. As a result, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade stayed busy through the weekend.
Huatai International IDBR Championship
In 2026, organisers also introduced the 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup. Six teams of local fishermen entered, including crews from Aberdeen and Chai Wan.
Instead of modern racing craft, those six crews raced in traditional wooden dragon boats. The event reflected the culture and spirit of Hong Kong’s fishing communities.
Another new contest, the Huatai International IDBR 50th Anniversary Championship, brought together top teams from nine major race categories. They competed for the title of Ultimate Dragon Boat Champion in the closing stages of the weekend.
According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races were the highlight of the wider festival. Spectators also watched water spray into the air as crews drove through tightly fought races on Victoria Harbour.
Meanwhile, the shoreline programme gave non-racing visitors more to do between heats on 27th and 28th June 2026. Food stalls, workshops and the Beer Garden kept the festival atmosphere going beside the water.
Following the start of race weekend, crowds gathered at the viewing zones and along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to cheer for teams from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas.
