Category: Asean

World-class racing, live entertainment, cultural experiences and a beer-and-gourmet carnival take over Tsim Sha Tsui

Running from 19 June to 1 July, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival will bring a festive programme to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, spanning 13 days through the Dragon Boat Festival and featuring traditional culture, interactive workshops and performances. Set against Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline, the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will bring together teams from around the globe on 27-28 June, transforming the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into a vibrant hub of culture, sport and entertainment.

Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

From Local Ritual to World Stage: Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat Legacy

The grand scale of the event belies its humble beginnings. What started five decades ago as a competitive extension of a local cultural ritual has evolved into a dynamic, citywide celebration that blends heritage with sports. Dragon boat racing in Hong Kong traces its roots to traditional rituals performed by fishing communities, where vessels were once used to dispel bad luck and pray for peace and safety. In 1976, the city hosted its first international race in Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter, welcoming just 10 teams and marking the birth of modern international dragon boat racing.

Fast forward to today, and the event has grown into a truly global phenomenon and a competitive sport in Asian Games. This year’s races will welcome over 220 elite teams from 16 countries and regions over the two-day race schedule on 27-28 June, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.

Beyond the Finish Line: A Harbourfront Party for All

What sets the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races apart is the way the celebration brings together culture, sports and entertainment on water and land. In addition to the exhilarating racing action, the event extends into the 13-day Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Fridays to Wednesdays from 19 June to 1 July, with immersive experiences designed to appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.

From daytime discoveries to after-dark energy, the Avenue of Stars and Salisbury Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui are set to come alive with an all-day, diverse activity line-up. The programme spans intangible cultural heritage workshops alongside contemporary highlights including VR dragon boat paddling game, live music and stage performances. The hands-on sessions in particular spotlight time-honoured crafts passed down for centuries while adding a modern harbourfront buzz to the carnival experience.

A dedicated food-and-beverage offering will showcase festive favourites alongside Hong Kong street-food classics at the Dragon Boat Food Lane, while the harbourfront Beer Garden will add to the celebratory atmosphere. Tourists can enjoy complimentary beer and iced rice dumplings while soaking up the festive summer breeze. Also, the display of a 22-meter dragon boat and themed photo spots will further transform the precinct into a colourful, festival-like playground.

Together, these elements reimagine the dragon boat tradition for a new generation, turning a sporting event into a multi-sensory cultural experience. The combination of thrilling racing and immersive programming reflects Hong Kong’s signature “east-meets-west” identity, where centuries-old traditions sit comfortably alongside modern city energy.

Experience the Dragon Boat Festival Across Hong Kong

Beyond Victoria Harbour, the spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival can be felt across the city. In Tai O, the centuries-old Dragon Boat Water Parade continues a unique ritual tradition, where sacred sampans carrying deity statues are towed through the village waterways—a practice recognised as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage in 2011.

Meanwhile, local dragon boat races will take place in neighbourhoods across Hong Kong, from the scenic seaside of Stanley and the bustling fishing village of Aberdeen to the verdant landscapes of Sai Kung and the serene Shing Mun River in Sha Tin. Each offers its own distinct character and community atmosphere, welcoming visitors from near and far to discover Hong Kong’s diverse charm.

For more information about the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, please visit the event website: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/dragon-boat-festival.html

Media can download photos at the following link:
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For media enquiries, please contact:

Mr Cameron Tong	Tel: 2807 6367                      Email: [email protected]
Ms Elisa Luk	Tel: 2807 6236                      Email: [email protected]

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Together with No.1 Ranking at Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Hong Kong Shines as a Culinary Powerhouse

Celebrated chefs from Hong Kong who made it to the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, with The Chairman and WING ranked 2^nd and 3^rd on the list. (Credit: The Forks & Spoons, Forklore)

HONG KONG, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hong Kong has solidified its position as a culinary powerhouse in Asia, boasting three spots in the top three of both Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 were revealed at a ceremony in Seoul last night, Gaggan in Bangkok was named the best restaurant, while Hong Kong’s The Chairman and WING secured second and third places, respectively, each improving their standings from last year. Vicky Cheng, Chef and Owner of WING, also secured the coveted peer-voted Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award. The achievement caps a remarkable 12 months for Hong Kong’s gastronomy scene, which began when Hong Kong’s Bar Leone stunned the hospitality world by debuting at number 1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, the first ever bar to do so.

Danny Yip, owner of The Chairman (Credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant)

Danny Yip, owner of The Chairman, elevates Chinese cuisine to fine dining, showcasing its rich flavours and artistry. (Credit: The Chairman & Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants)

Danny Yip, owner of The Chairman, said: “I would like to dedicate this recognition to everyone in Chinese restaurants who harness the beauty of Chinese cuisine to connect with friends from all corners of the globe. We’re thrilled to share our culinary journey on the international stage, inspiring others to explore the richness of our cuisine and the vibrant essence of Hong Kong’s dining scene.”

WING_Chef Vicky Cheng

Vicky Cheng, Executive Chef and Owner of WING, invites diners to experience the perfect fusion of flavours, where Chinese culinary art meets French fine dining. (Credit: WING)

Vicky Cheng, Chef and Owner of WING, said: “Being recognised among the best restaurants in Asia is an incredible honour for our team and a reflection of our commitment to pushing culinary boundaries, and we are proud to contribute to Hong Kong’s rich culinary tapestry. We are excited to share our culinary story on such a prestigious stage, and this recognition fuels our passion to explore new gastronomic horizons.”

Hong Kong has long been renowned by global gourmands and culinary tastemakers as one of the world’s great gastronomic cities, known for its incredible breadth and depth of restaurants and cuisines. This latest recognition underscores Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s best cities for food and drink enthusiasts, with a hospitality scene that continues to go from strength to strength and that remains at the forefront of creativity and innovation.

Hong Kong’s success at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars firmly establishes the city as a premier destination for gastronomic excellence. With The Chairman, WING and Bar Leone leading the way, the city showcases an unparalleled richness in culinary artistry and innovation. Food and beverage enthusiasts from around the world are encouraged to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant dining scene, exploring the celebrated establishments that make Hong Kong a true gastronomic haven.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong will also host the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 for the first time on 8 October, at the iconic Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, ensuring that this extraordinary year will further elevate the city’s reputation in the hospitality world.

Key points at a glance:

• Top Rankings for Hong Kong Establishments: 3 establishments from Hong Kong are currently ranked in the top 3 of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024: The Chairman at no. 2 and WING at no. 3 for restaurants, along with Bar Leone, which holds the top spot at no. 1 for bars. This remarkable achievement solidifies the city’s reputation as one of the world’s great gastronomy hubs.
• Additional Honorees in Asia’s 50 Best Lists: A number of the city’s other establishments hold spots on current Asia’s 50 Best lists. Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 includes 7 Hong Kong Restaurants: The Chairman (no. 2), WING (no. 3), Caprice (no. 18), Neighborhood (no. 21), MONO (no. 24), Estro (no. 32) and Andō (no. 41) while the 51–100 long list features VEA (no. 53), Xin Rong Ji (no. 56), Testina (no. 60), Ta Vie (no. 64), Feuille (no. 93), and 8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana (no. 94).
• Recognition of Hong Kong Bars: Including the top-ranked Bar Leone, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 includes 9 Hong Kong bars: three-time number one COA (no. 4), ARGO (no. 9), The Aubrey (no. 10), Darkside (no. 17), The Savory Project (no. 19), Penicillin (no. 24), Quinary (no. 26), and Mostly Harmless (no. 45).
• About 50 Best: 50 Best is one of the world’s leading authorities on international hospitality, showcasing worldwide trends and highlighting great restaurants and bars from all corners of the globe. The annual lists are compiled by votes by local industry tastemakers, and celebrate excellence in gastronomy, from innovative dishes to exceptional beverages.

Media can download photos at the following link:

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025	Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024
Restaurant Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D7Iks5GeE7N9O-aEIXmSG5y4wRBwAQLO?usp=sharing	Bars Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1u6Gyzyssrbt0UsQICkgmOz4cYuq8VYNv?usp=sharing
Ceremony Photos and Press Materials from 50 Best: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/#/hierarchies/Media%20Centre/Asia’s%2050%20Best%20Restaurants	Ceremony Photos and Press Materials from 50 Best: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/#/hierarchies/Media%20Centre/Asia’s%2050%20Best%20Bars

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Holly Chan Tel: 2807 6206 Email: [email protected]	Ms. Natalie Chan Tel: 2807 6216 Email: [email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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