This weekend, the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races return to Victoria Harbour, celebrating a milestone 50th anniversary. The event, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), runs from June 27-28, with festivities extended to a 13-day period from June 19 to July 1. This year 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 announced earlier this year the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong, formalized on April 29, 2026, with the incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in the city.
According to IDBF President Claudio Schermi, "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, an initiative supporting sports associations establishing headquarters in the city.
Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, highlighted that the Festival serves as the headline international flagship event of "Hong Kong Summer Fun," featuring a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programs. Over 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete, including the special 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to dragon boat racing's traditional spirit.
Visitors along the Avenue of Stars can enjoy a 22-metre 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, diabolo, and traditional instruments like ruan and guzheng. The Dragon Boat Festival, dating back over 2,000 years, commemorates poet Qu Yuan, with traditions of racing dragon boats and eating zongzi—glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
The return of the IDBF headquarters underscores Hong Kong's reputation as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing and its strengths as a global hub city. More information is available at the official Brand Hong Kong website https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/ and social media channels including LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/, X https://x.com/Brand_HK/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong.
