Hong Kongers compete in the city's annual dragon boat festival

The 2026 dragon boat festival marked a massive historic milestone: the 50th anniversary of Hong Kong establishing the world’s very first modern international dragon boat competition back in 1976. To celebrate the 50th-anniversary milestone, more than 220 elite teams representing 16 countries and regions gather to sprint against the backdrop of the iconic city skyline.

The area transforms into a massive carnival featuring live DJs, marching bands, food trucks, and a giant beer festival. It began in the 1960s as a humble local event. Fishermen originally organized the races as a spiritual prayer ritual right in front of Stanley's historic Tin Hau Temple. The races are held annually to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, observed on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.