Hong Kong hosts boat races

HONG KONG Hong Kong’s annual Dragon Boat Festival gets underway 2 June for three days of boat races on the famous harbour as well as carnival celebrations along the Central Habourfront.

Traditionally known as Tuen Ng Festival, it pays tribute to Qu Yuan, a great poet in the Zhou Dynasty on the 5th day of the fifth month on Lunar calendar.

Paddlers dress up in fancy ‘uniform’ trying to attract audience’s eyeballs.

Hong Kong’s version combines dragon boat races with party elements to turn the event into three-day carnival that closes 4 June.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which will see the carnival expanded.

Highlights:

International dragon boat races in the heart of the city.

Over 5,000 paddlers from Australia, New Zealand, UK, US, Canada, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Mainland China and Hong Kong will compete for a total of 27 championships at the famous Victoria Harbour.

Fun and creative races include a special obstacle race “Red Bull Dragon Roar” and the “Fancy Dress Race” on 4 Jun.

Read more...