The 2026 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, taking place June 27-28 along Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, celebrate a milestone 50th anniversary. Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the event has been extended into a 13-day festival from June 19 to July 1, encompassing the Tuen Ng Festival and the 29th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
This year's races feature over 220 teams from 16 countries and regions competing in the iconic Victoria Harbour setting. Special races include the 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, honoring the traditional roots of dragon boat racing. The festival also marks the 35th anniversary of both the co-organizer, Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, and the sanctioning body, International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).
The IDBF has relocated its headquarters back to Hong Kong, formalized by the incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in Hong Kong on April 29, 2026. IDBF President Claudio Schermi stated, "Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started and strengthens our ability to serve our members and the global dragon boat family." 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.
Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, highlighted that the Festival runs over a longer period with a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment, offering a unique experience for locals and visitors while showcasing Hong Kong as the Events Capital of Asia. The event is the headline flagship of "Hong Kong Summer Fun."
Along the Avenue of Stars, visitors can enjoy a 22-meter traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the film Minions & Monsters, live music, and intangible cultural heritage performances including Wing Chun, Chinese juggling diabolo, and traditional musical instruments ruan and guzheng.
The Dragon Boat Festival dates back over two thousand years, commemorating the patriotic poet Qu Yuan. Legend says Qu Yuan committed suicide in the Luo River, and villagers raced out on dragon boats, banging gongs and drums to scare away fish from his body. Traditional treats like zongzi—glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves—are widely available during the festival.
The relocation of the IDBF headquarters back to Hong Kong underscores the city's role as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing and its strengths as a global hub. This strategic move enhances the IDBF's ability to serve its global membership and reinforces Hong Kong's position in international sports governance.
