May 2025

Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong – A Cultural Experience for All Ages

Whether you’re watching the races from Victoria Harbour, trying your first zongzi, or introducing your children to Chinese folklore, the Dragon Boat Festival offers an immersive cultural experience that resonates across generations. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this vibrant occasion — and why you should consider capturing your family’s memories with a photoshoot at Venture Studios Hong Kong.

The Story Behind the Festival: A Poet, a River and a Legacy

The Dragon Boat Festival honours the memory of Qu Yuan, a loyal minister and poet who lived over 2,000 years ago during the Warring States period in China. A man of integrity, Qu Yuan was exiled from his state due to court intrigue and corruption. In his grief over the fall of his homeland, he is said to have drowned himself in the Miluo River.

According to legend, the local people, who admired Qu Yuan’s patriotism, rushed to the river in their boats to search for him. They beat drums to scare away evil spirits and threw rice dumplings into the water to feed the fish, hoping to protect his body. These heartfelt gestures evolved over centuries into two of the festival’s defining features: the exhilarating dragon boat races and the symbolic eating of rice dumplings, or zongzi.

You can learn more about this legend and its historical significance on HSBC’s heritage page.

When and Where to Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in 2025

In 2025, the Dragon Boat Festival will be held on Saturday, 31 May. This is the traditional public holiday and marks the beginning of a week of festivities across the city.

For those looking to experience the spectacle on an international scale, the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will take place the following weekend, on 7 and 8 June, along the scenic Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade. This high-energy event draws elite teams from around the world and features rows of elaborately decorated boats racing to the pounding rhythm of drums. The promenade becomes a festive gathering spot, complete with food stalls, live entertainment and cultural displays. It’s a visual feast and a photographer’s dream — especially for families hoping to capture a unique Hong Kong moment.

More information is available via Discover Hong Kong.

Alternatively, those seeking a more intimate and community-centred atmosphere may enjoy the Tai Po Dragon Boat Races. Held on the actual holiday (31 May) at the Tai Po Waterfront Promenade, this event offers a quieter yet equally vibrant experience. Races start early in the morning and the setting is ideal for picnics, strolling by the water and watching the races from a comfortable distance.

For a family-friendly guide, visit Sassy Mama Hong Kong.

The Flavours of Tradition: What to Eat During the Festival

Food plays a central role in the Dragon Boat Festival, and no dish is more symbolic than the zongzi. These glutinous rice dumplings are traditionally wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with a variety of savoury or sweet ingredients. Common fillings include marinated pork belly, shiitake mushrooms and salted egg yolk, while sweet versions may feature red bean paste or dates.

More than just a treat, zongzi are a direct link to the festival’s origin story. Families across Hong Kong will either purchase them from local shops or prepare them at home, often following recipes handed down through generations. Participating in a zongzi-making workshop is a fun and educational way for children to connect with their heritage, and local community centres often run classes in the weeks leading up to the holiday.

To explore how to enjoy the festival’s culinary traditions, visit Discover Hong Kong’s festival guide.

A Celebration of Culture: Family-Friendly Traditions and Activities

Beyond the boat races and food, the Dragon Boat Festival includes several folk customs designed to promote health, ward off misfortune and invite good luck. These traditions, passed down over generations, are especially fun and meaningful for children.

One such activity is the wearing of five-colour threads — simple bracelets made from red, yellow, blue, white and green threads. These are believed to offer protection from evil spirits, and many children enjoy making and wearing them as a festival keepsake.

Another tradition is the egg-balancing game, where people attempt to balance a raw egg upright at exactly noon. Legend has it that if you succeed, you’ll have good luck for the rest of the year. This activity is both fun and surprisingly competitive, and it provides an opportunity to turn a myth into a hands-on science challenge for curious young minds.

For more family activity ideas, see Hatching Dragons’ Dragon Boat Festival blog.

Why the Dragon Boat Festival is the Perfect Day Out

The Dragon Boat Festival offers something truly special — a rare blend of cultural education, energetic celebration and scenic beauty, all wrapped into one day. For families, it’s a chance to spend meaningful time together while learning about ancient Chinese traditions in a way that feels immediate and alive.

For visitors, it’s a spectacular introduction to Hong Kong’s rich heritage. You’ll witness rituals with thousands of years of history, enjoy local delicacies you may never have tasted before, and soak up the energy of a city that knows how to celebrate with both reverence and joy.

And, of course, the boats themselves — with their dragon heads, beating drums and vibrant paddlers — offer stunning sights that make for unforgettable photographs.

Capture the Day with a Family Photoshoot at Venture Studios

After a full day of races, food and festivities, why not make the memory last forever with a professional family photoshoot?

At Venture Studios Hong Kong we are offering a limited-time promotion on family photoshoots, providing a relaxed, personalised experience that captures the unique character of your family. Our studios in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui are ideally located for anyone planning a day out near the festival’s key sites.

Whether you’re commemorating your first Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong or updating your family portraits, our expert photographers know how to blend professionalism with playfulness. The result is a series of images that reflect the joy, connection and individuality of your family.

You can book your session now by visiting venturephotography.com.hk.

Key Things About The Dragon Boat Festival

Key Dates:

Dragon Boat Festival Day: Saturday, 31 May 2025
Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races: 7–8 June 2025

Top Locations to Watch the Races:

Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade: Home to the internationally renowned races, where elite teams from around the world compete. The event is lively, energetic and free to attend!
📍 Discover more here
Tai Po Waterfront Park: Offers a more community-focused, family-friendly experience on 31 May. The races start early in the morning and provide a laid-back atmosphere perfect for picnics and exploration.
📍 More about Tai Po races here

Cultural Traditions for Kids

Wearing five-colour thread bracelets: These are believed to ward off bad luck.
Balancing eggs at noon: Legend has it that if you can balance an egg exactly at midday, you’ll have good luck for the year.
Decorating paper dragon boats: A creative and educational activity perfect for younger children

Why It’s a Fantastic Day Out for Locals and Visitors

It’s free: Most events are open to the public and cost nothing to enjoy.
Cultural immersion: Watch ancient customs unfold before your eyes, from racing rituals to traditional attire.
Great for families: The mix of thrilling races, tasty food, and fun crafts keeps kids and adults equally entertained.
Stunning photo opportunities: Vibrant boats, lively crowds and the scenic Victoria Harbour make for unforgettable snapshots.

Make it a Festival to Remember

It’s more than a public holiday — it’s an invitation to connect with culture, community and one another.

Whether you’re sampling traditional dumplings, cheering on the racers from the harbour’s edge or capturing the day with a Venture family photoshoot, the Dragon Boat Festival offers moments you’ll want to relive again and again.