Over 190 teams from 12 countries and regions, including first-time participants Egypt and Qatar, will paddle for glory in Victoria Harbour in the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races on June 7 and 8.
This flagship sports event, co-organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, will transform East Tsim Sha Tsui into a day-and-night dragon boat carnival starting May 31.
More than 4,500 athletes from Hong Kong, mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Canada, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will compete in 19 events on Victoria Harbour, with the number of participants and teams surpassing that of last year.
The Secondary Schools Championship is a newly added category this year, aimed at inspiring younger generations to embrace Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage, while the Disciplinary Forces Championship will also return.
From May 31, the Dragon Boat Food Lane on the Avenue of Stars will offer nine days of culinary delights, including traditional rice dumplings, dragon-boat-shaped snacks, and refreshing summer drinks.
(HKTB). The area will also include festive photo spots with displays of Ocean Park Hong Kong's adorable Panda Friends photo spots.
Visitors can also enjoy festive photo spots featuring Hong Kong's giant pandas, such as An An, Ke Ke and the adorable twin cubs Elder Sister and Little Brother.
A pop-up store will sell panda-themed merchandise, and food lane purchases may earn visitors complimentary panda sticker packs.
During the race weekend on June 7 and 8, the carnival will extend to Urban Council Centenary Garden, featuring live race broadcasts, a Beer Garden offering four types of draught beer, and street performances.
Tourists can redeem free beer vouchers at HKTB visitor centers or on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.
World-renowned Cirque du Soleil from Canada will perform flash mob acrobatics while the beer garden and food lane extend their hours until 10pm for nighttime revelry.
Over 20 nearby shops and hotels will offer dining discounts up to 30 percent during the event.
(HKTB) A beer garden will be set up at the Urban Council Centenary Gardenon the race weekend.
HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng Ting-yat highlighted the event's innovation, blending culture and tourism to boost the economy.
"The event offers visitors and locals a blend of cultural activities and celebrations steeped in Hong Kong's east-meets-west heritage, enriching the city's potential for mega-event tourism," Cheng said.
(Ayra Wang)
