Shangri-La Group (“Shangri-La” or the “Group”), title sponsor of the Shangri-La Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships, successfully presented its inaugural Dragon Boat Festival programme, Dragonbeat, yesterday at Stanley Main Beach. Blending sport, culture, gastronomy and entertainment, the programme featured the highly anticipated dragon boat races, the Shangri-La Taste of Hong Kong Food Fair, and the debut Dragonbeat After Party. Delivered through the Group’s signature Asian hospitality, the day offered a rich and multi-layered Dragon Boat Festival experience for the community and visitors alike.
Hui Kuok, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Group, said:“Shangri-La’s enduring purpose has always been to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange. Hong Kong is a vibrant international city, and Stanley’s bay holds unique cultural memories. This sponsorship is not only about supporting a race—it’s about creating a cultural IP that belongs to Hong Kong. I hope everyone will not only enjoy the thrilling races but also experience Shangri-La’s Dragonbeat After Party and savour authentic local flavours, together feeling Hong Kong’s one-of-a-kind cultural charm. Let’s feel Hong Kong’s energy—let the world hear the heartbeat of Dragonbeat!”
On the day, the headline Shangri-La Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships brought together 185 teams and 4,000 athletes at Stanley Main Beach, bringing an adrenaline-charged competitive buzz to the Dragon Boat Festival. Eileen Gu, Olympic gold medallist and freestyle skier serving as the Shangri-La Dragonbeat Ambassador, also watched the races in person for the first time. She said: “This cross-disciplinary collaboration is especially meaningful to me. On the ski course, I’m constantly pushing my personal limits; on the dragon boat course, what I see is the power of teamwork. At their core, the spirit of sport is universal—we give it our all, break boundaries, and create miracles through belief. I’m also delighted to cheer on the paddlers with everyone here, and enjoy rice dumplings and local delicacies. I hope through Dragonbeat, more people can appreciate the depth of traditional Asian culture, experience a vibrant and colourful ways of celebrating the festival, and share the joy together—encouraging more people to connect with Hong Kong and dragon boat culture.”
Shangri-La Taste of Hong Kong Food Fair Showcases Local and International Flavours; Dragonbeat After Party Highlights the City’s Cosmopolitan Energy
The Shangri-La Taste of Hong Kong Food Fair emerged as another major highlight. In addition to showcasing the craftsmanship and signature creations of Shangri-La’s culinary teams, the Food Fair also brought together a curated line-up of renowned local and international F&B brands, offering visitors a one-stop gastronomic experience and further underscoring Hong Kong’s well-earned reputation as a “Culinary Capital.” After the races, the inaugural Dragonbeat After Party took the festive atmosphere to a new peak. Set against a beachfront backdrop and powered by pulsing beats and upbeat rhythms, the party introduced a refreshing, contemporary way to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival—highlighting the diverse, cosmopolitan charm of Hong Kong as an international metropolis.
Dragonbeat is also brought to life through collaborations with Hong Kong artist Jim Lee and GROCERY, a Hong Kong-based fashion and lifestyle brand. Jim Lee designed the Dragonbeat logo, reinterpreting the traditional dragon with bold ink strokes that convey vitality, strength and auspiciousness; his artwork also extended to 12 dragon boats through race-day decals, transforming the waters off Stanley Main Beach into a moving open-air art gallery. Co-created with GROCERY, a limited-edition Dragonbeat Capsule Collection featuring a washed heavyweight T-shirt and a tote bag carries the spirit of the festival beyond the racecourse and into everyday life.
