Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade 2026

Highlights

The Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade is a century-old traditional practice that carries deep local significance. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, it is a spectacular display of devotion and communal spirit, set against the backdrop of Tai O’s unique stilt houses and waterways.

Program

The festival follows a series of sacred, time-honored rituals led by the three main fishermen's associations (Hop Sim Tong, Sin Yu Hang, and Pa Teng Hang):

• Dragon Preparation & Rituals: The 19-meter-long dragon boats are launched for maintenance. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, members perform 'Picking the Green' and 'Drinking the Dragon' ceremonies to ward off evil.
• Deity Welcoming & Parade: The boats pull small deity shrines from four local temples to their association bases. During the 'Water Parade' (Yau Yung), the dragon boats tow the deity statues through the waterways, while residents burn incense along the banks to seek blessings.
• Concluding Rituals: After the parade, the dragon boats compete in a friendly race, followed by returning the deities to the temples and a communal celebration dinner.

Venue & Access

The event takes place in the waters of Tai O, Lantau Island. Recommended transportation:

• From Tung Chung: Take bus 11 from the bus terminal near MTR Tung Chung Station (Exit B). The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.
• Cable Car Route: Take the Ngong Ping Cable Car, then transfer to bus 21 at Ngong Ping Bus Terminal. The ride to Tai O takes about 20 minutes. Upon arrival, you can view the parade along the waterfront near Wing On Street.