Get ready for a feast of action in one of the most exciting events in the Chinese calendar. Colourful boats, the powerful splash of paddles and the roar of drums create an amazing atmosphere at the Dragon Boat Festival.
On Thursday, there will be dragon boat races at Discovery Bay, Sha Tin, Sai Kung, Stanley, Tuen Mun, Tai Po, Aberdeen and Tai O. People can join the happy crowds along the shore to celebrate the great day.
The festival extends to the weekend. The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Regatta 2009, organised by Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association, will be held on Saturday and Sunday on Shing Mun River.
A total of 101 overseas and local teams, comprising more than 3,000 rowers, will compete in the international event. Overseas teams include powerful newcomers Shangri-La Dragons from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Teams from Macau, Malaysia and the mainland will line up in the international women's, open and mixed championships.
Hong Kong teams will compete in the open, women's, mixed, professional, inter-company, disciplinary forces, fishermen's and post-secondary colleges championships.
