In Hong Kong, there are several places organizing dragon boat races on that day. The biggest ones are held in Shatin in the New Territories, Aberdeen in the south of Hong Kong Island, Tuen Mun in the west of the New Territories and Sai Kung in the east of the New Territories. Private companies form teams for racing. Schools and universities and other social organization also get together to participate in the race. The race becomes a type of social gathering and provides a harmonious environment for communication.

Hong Kong people believe that swimming during the Dragon Boat Festival can also bring luck and health.

The most popular story behind this festival is the story of Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan, born in 340 BC, during the Warring States Period was the deputy prime minister of Chu State. While drafting foreign policy, he saw the danger posed by the ambitious Qin State. At that time, there were seven states fighting among themselves to unify China. Of the seven states, Qin was the strongest and Chu the largest. Qu Yuan proposed government reforms and an alliance with the neighboring Qi state as a way to ensure Chu's safety. But the King of Chu did not agree with his stance and Qu Yuan was finally sent into exile for 20 years.

During those desperate years, Qu Yuan watched his beloved country become weaker and weaker. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, he drowned himself in the Milo River, because he despaired for his country's future.