HONG KONG: The sound of pounding drums and cheering crowds returned to rivers and harbours across Greater China this June, as communities in Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China marked the annual Dragon Boat Festival with races, cultural performances and family traditions that date back more than 2,000 years.
The festival, observed on Jun 19 this year, commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan and remains one of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar. But beyond preserving tradition, this year’s festivities also highlighted a growing tourism boom and the enduring appeal of dragon boat racing.
In mainland China, millions took advantage of the three-day holiday from Jun 19 to 21, with domestic tourism spending reaching 44.5 billion yuan (US$6.57 billion), up 4% from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. More than 124 million trips were made during the holiday period, while border crossings and transport activity also saw strong increases.
Dragon boat races drew crowds across the country, including in Beijing, where more than 1,000 athletes competed along the Grand Canal. Families also gathered to make zongzi, wear traditional five-coloured bracelets and observe customs believed to bring health and protection.
In Hong Kong, celebrations extended well beyond the public holiday.
Thousands of residents and visitors are expected to gather once again at Victoria Harbour for the 50th Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races on Jun 27 and 28, with teams from around the world competing off the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade. Festive activities and food stalls along the Avenue of Stars will continue until Jul 1.
Meanwhile, the seaside district of Stanley hosted its annual international championships, drawing athletes and spectators to one of the city’s most iconic dragon boat venues.
Across the Taiwan Strait, dragon boat celebrations took place from Taipei to Changhua and Kaohsiung, combining competition with local traditions.
The Taipei International Dragon Boat Championships at Dajia Riverside Park ran from Jun 19 to 21, while Changhua’s Lukang Dragon Boat Festival featured ceremonies welcoming the Dragon King, invitational races and folk activities that have become part of the county’s cultural identity.
Taiwan is also preparing for a major milestone in the sport. Hualien’s Liyu Lake is set to host the 2026 International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships, marking the first time an official IDBF championship will be held in Taiwan.
From the bustling waters of Hong Kong to the rivers of Taiwan and mainland China, this year’s Dragon Boat Festival showed how an ancient tradition continues to evolve, bringing together communities through sport, culture and shared heritage.
And while the boats race forward, the spirit behind them remains firmly rooted in the past.
